A visit to Porto Venere is a must on account of his beauty (see picture on the left).

It is a small picturesque 12th century hamlet of Genovese architecture (see picture on the right). The church of San Lorenzo consacred in 1130 and completely reconstructed in the period from 1931-35, holds a number of notable works of art ( the marble ancon attribuited to Mino da Fiesole) the 14th century image of "La Madonna Bianca" and a triptych from the 14th century to be seen on the main altar. There is also a magnificient treasure in the coffers in ivory which are arab-phoenician and bizantine. On the extreme point of the promontory the aancient church of San Pietro rises proudly. It was built in 1277 on the foundations of a pre-existent building of the sixth century.

From Porto Venere one can visit the island of Palmaria and see the island of Tino where there are remains of the Monastery of San Venerio. Also on the small islet Tinetto there are important rimains of the fifth century church. The island of Palmaria is a splendid natural park, offering both rocky and sandy beaches to anyone wanting an "away from it all" holiday amongst natures greenery. All round the Gulf facilities for water-sports can be found.

Visitors are well catered for in Porto Venere for both accomodation and bathing and in various restaurants serving typical dishes: Date shells (datteri di mare) and an infinite variety of fish.

Just as interesting for the variety of its scenery is the era on the other side of the bay. Leaving the city you can go through the industrial and mercantile area of the Port. The large an smaller industries and shipyards stretch as far as Muggiano. However, once through the tunnel (galleria degli Scoglietti), one comes across the delightful bay of Lerici (See the picture). Passing through S.Terenzo the Genovese castle cannot be missed with its surrounding 17th century parish which houses a painting by Flasella (1629). The villa Magni remains an historic record of its illustrious guest Shelley. One also sees the magnificent Villa Marigola (ex Villa Pearce) where Sam Benelli composed the "Cena delle Beffe", and where other world famous personalities have been given hospitality.
The villa is owned by the "Cassa di Risparmio della Spezia" and is now used for conferences and cultural activities. A short distance away, Lerici offers us another Genovese castle which is an extension of a pre-existent medioeval castle, where one can see the ancient chapel dedicated to S. Anastasia dating back to the 1250. The Oratory of San Rocco (a baroque church built on the remains of another church) has various point of interest, there is a notable painting by Flasella and a bell tower and the tombstones from 13th century. The parish Church of San Francesco which was reconstructed inside in 1632, after the complete destruction of the previous church, contains some notable artistic records: two canvases by Flasella and a marble triptych by Domenico Gare (1529), the Dead Christ from Maragliano and remains of primitive church. The mild climate in Lerici allows its citizens and visitors a pleasant stay all the year.

The green of the hills and the surrounding vegetation characterise the landscape of Lerici across to Fiascherino where D.H. Lawrence stayed and on to Tellaro (see picture) with its charming architectural plan.

Green is predominant colour across the Gulf as far as Bocca di magra. Above Lerici one can see Barcola and the beautiful villas: De Benedetti (now Picadi), Cochrane (now Carnevali) surrounded by sweeping park; there from La Serra a delightful road winds through thick pine woods leaving us panoramic-viewpoints from time to time. From Montemarcello the road descends towards Ameglia (Castle 16th century and church) and the mouth of the Magra.

Lerici offers good hotels of all categories and various restaurants offering local dishes bathing estabilishments nad discos.

Local dishes: Date shell soup (Zuppa di datteri di mare), Local fish, Spaghetti Lerici style.

Tourist Information