LERICI

Lerici

Without any doubt Lerici is one of the most beloved and well known fishermen’s villages of the Eastern Ligurian Riviera, and its strong bond with the Land of Luni, with the city of Sarzana and the whole Lunigiana through a branch of the Via Francigena, makes it a pivotal point between the inland and the sea.

Apparently its history dates back to the Hellenistic period of the Trojan War, as would seem to suggest its former name “Portus Illycis” (perhaps Ilium, Trojan), but what is certain is that the small town had an enormous importance in the Middle Ages when the pilgrims and merchants landed in the port, who from here reached Sarzana and then Northern Italy and Europe, following sometimes the long road to Santiago de Compostela.

In the thirteenth century, under the Maritime Republic of Pisa was built the great castle overlooking the sea and a few years later came under the domination of Genoa, was expanded with the construction of the majestic pentagonal tower that we can still admire and that makes unique the profile of Lerici.

What surprises and charms the visitor is just an extraordinary balance between history and nature, the beauty of which has kidnapped the eyes and the hearts of so many artists and poets who throughout the centuries have stayed here and decided to stay here, making this place known throughout the world as the Golfo dei Poeti.

Do not miss this opportunity, then, to take a walk through the narrow streets and steep steps that characterize the oldest part of the village and lead to the large terrace of the castle, from where the view of the entire Golfo di La Spezia, with the magical sequence of the islands that border the village of Portovenere, will leave you breathless. From here you can visit the majestic fort and its museum or descend down the stairs that lead directly into the harbor front or along the path leading to the beach at the back, which then, through a beautiful pass into the gallery, you can return to the main promenade.

The large square is like a huge stage whose backdrop is made up of the typical Ligurian houses and their characteristic color, while on one side faces the singular Torre di San Rocco. The concerts are held here and the main cultural and artistic events that involve people and tourists all year round, while in the other evenings it becomes a meeting place, where they open the outdoor area of the premises and restaurants.

From there you can decide to take the long walk along the promenade through the gardens and terraces overlooking the sea, with alternating cliffs and sandy beaches, will lead you to the charming village of San Terenzo and its castle which closes the small the bay. A path that, in the warm summer evenings under the stars, with the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline and the shimmer of the moon is reflected in the sea, will enchant you and make you understand the true poetry of this gulf.

Source: Trame di Lunigiana