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San Pietro Church
1h
Church consecrated in 1198. The characteristic construction with black and white bands - typically Ligurian - was built in the 13th century. It stands on a rock overlooking the sea right on the strait that divides the bay of Portovenere from the open sea, offering a spectacular view. Mentioned by Montale in a poem dedicated to Portovenere, it is often chosen for weddings, due to its particular suggestiveness.
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Grotta di Byron
20m
Natural cave, a UNESCO heritage site, with a depth of up to 20 meters, takes its name from the poet George Byron who was inspired by his works here. It can be seen from the sea just outside Portovenere in the direction of the 5 Terre and can be reached on foot from Portovenere from the stone pizzale under the church of San Pietro. You pass through an arch and admire a breathtaking view with the sea fringing on the rocks and the Castle that overlooks it. According to a legend, Byron dived right here to reach Shelley, who was in Lerici, swimming for 8 km.
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Cinque Terre
2h
5 ancient fishing villages wedged into a rocky coast overlooking the sea, with typical colored houses. Among them the terraced vineyards clinging to the mountain.
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30m
Three islands: Palmaria (the largest), Tino and Tinetto, partly a military zone. Very close to each other they are separated by mirrors of blue sea.
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Lerici
1h
A maritime town of medieval origins, it closes the Gulf of La Spezia to the east with its castle, which overlooks the sea. It was an important port of connection along the Via Francigena. Today a tourist and seaside destination. It was a place of inspiration for poets and artists, such as Percy and Mary Shelley, Byron, Carducci, D'Annunzio
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Castello di Lerici
20m · Admission ticket not included
Built starting from 1152 as a fortification with an octagonal base, it underwent many changes to works by the Maritime Republics, in particular that of Genoa. In fact, they competed for possession for its strategic position. The current appearance dates back to the last modification of 1555, commissioned by the Genoese "Offizio di San Giorgio", as recalled by the plaque located on the entrance portal. In addition to the charming town, with its square and the typical "carugio", it is possible to go shopping among the shops. We won't visit inside.
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Tellaro
1h
Small fishing village, perched on a cliff to the east of the Municipality of Lerici. The writer Mario Soldati lived here for his last years. The narrow alley that crosses it leads to a belvedere, from which you can admire the breaking of the waves on the rocks, and to a famous church overlooking the sea. An ancient legend tells that Tellaro was saved from a Saracen attack, coming from the sea, by a giant octopus. It hammered the church bell. Thus it was that the inhabitants were awakened and were able to repel the enemies.
