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How to get there: exit at Santo Stefano Magra or you can reach the town from La Spezia by passing the community of Bottagna.
After the development of Luni in 17 B.C. many possessions were put in the name of Publio Vetio who was the father of the noble Vetii family and this is how the town received its place-name Vezzano Ligure.
During Medieval times the farms were kept by the monastic institutions of the nearby Isola del Tino because of its position that led from the Valle di Vara to the sea.
This is why the town was often discussed by the Bishop’s of Luni and the Malaspina family. But the Republic of Genoa included it in its podestà after the 13th century and the lords of Vezzano remained loyal to the Superb until its annexation to the Sardinia Kingdom.
Its agricultural-commercial activity along the Via Francigena allowed you to enter the town through the Arco of St. Giorgio but you had to pay a toll that which helped the economy of the town. The town developed in two distinct agglomerates, Vezzano Alto and Vezzano Basso which were united by Mitiliano. Its streets face spectacular terraces that follow the curves of the Castle of Vezzano Basso, which are visible from Palazzo Giustiniani.
A pentagonal tower was built for defense purposes as well as the Church of St. Maria and the old Sanctuary of N.S. del Soccorso that still has its ancient traces. In 1523 the Madonna appeared and therefore the Parish Church was built.
From the artistic church square made out of pebbles you can admire a fantastic view. From the ancient Church of St. Prospero of Corongiola you can see the ruins of a rustic hamlet.
Of great prestige is the Romanic bell tower of St. Siro as well as the ancient homes of famous nobles that led to the Piano del Pozzo and the Castle of Vezzano Alto, which is an extraordinary architectonic structure. Also worth visiting are the communities of Valeriano, Prati, Forcola, and Bottagna.
There are also exhibitions of ancient handicrafts, well-known gastronomical shops, and the famous Palio invites tourists to relive in the past and to enjoy a moment far away from the everyday routine.
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