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How to get there: Highway A12 Genoa-La Spezia exit at La Spezia and continue along the State route for Portovenere.
Portovenere has a beautiful bay and it is located in front of the Palmaria Island. It has a unique urban structure as well as high and typical homes that are along the long small harbor.
It offers an admiring view of a precious Ligurian town.
It contains all the features of a Medieval town and its buildings still appear as those of the 12th century.
Back then, Genoa conquered the town Portus Veneris and it built symbols and forts so they could resist attacks from the Pisan’s of the nearby city of Lerici.
The town always had a strong bond with Genoa and to show its appreciation Genoa built a castle as well as castle walls.
It acknowledged its laborious and heroic population and although it was subjected to the Republic it had political independence.
Today Portovenere is a well-known tourist attraction but it has been able to maintain its ancient traditions and the fascination of sea village.
After admiring the picturesque area and after exploring its alleys that have beautifully decorated homes you will reach a sea cliff where there is a 12th century Gothic Church of St. Peter and from here you can enjoy an awesome view.
Behind the town there is the noble 12th century Romanic Church of St. Lorenzo that has magnificent Tuscany frescos, paintings and sculptures.
A powerful castle dominates the town and it was rebuilt in the 16th century on top of the ruins of an ancient Byzantine fort. From here you can admire the splendid view of the Gulf with the Apuane Alps in the background.
The nearby islands enliven the sublime landscape which is already highly romantic.
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