Porto Venere, Maritime commune in Liguria, Italy
Porto Venere is a commune perched on a rocky peninsula along the Ligurian coastline, surrounded by steep cliffs and the Gulf of La Spezia. Rows of colorful houses line the waterfront promenade, while the Church of San Pietro sits high on the headland above the sea.
The settlement began in the first century BC as a Roman harbor and took its name from a goddess. During the Middle Ages, the Genoese built fortifications and a watchtower here to protect the coast from seaborne attacks.
The name Portus Veneris refers to a Roman temple dedicated to Venus, whose site is now occupied by the Church of San Pietro. Local fishermen bring their catch directly to the small harbor, where you can still see nets drying on the quay walls.
The commune is accessible by regular bus services from La Spezia or by boat connections from surrounding coastal towns. The narrow lanes and steps make sturdy footwear advisable, especially when climbing up to the church or castle.
The Castello Doria, built in the 12th century, served as a political prison during the Napoleonic era. From its walls you can look across the entire bay, often called the Gulf of Poets because of its literary connections.
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