Porto Venere, Maritime commune in Liguria, Italy
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Palmaria
1.2 km
Church of St. Peter
197 m
Tino
2.9 km
Tinetto
3.3 km
Castello Doria
139 m
Forte del Varignano
2.3 km
San Lorenzo
82 m
Forte Cavour
1.3 km
Parco naturale regionale di Porto Venere
1.2 kmUmberto I Fort
1.5 km
San Venerio Lighthouse
2.9 km
Nostra Signora delle Grazie
1.8 km
Grotta di Byron
59 m
San Giovanni Battista
3.5 km
Torre Capitolare
207 m
Spiaggia liberale delle Torezze
1.3 km
Varignano Roman Villa
1.7 km
Palmaria island
1.3 kmGrotta dei Colombi
1.8 kmCastello di Portovenere
267 mArea archeologica del Monastero di San Venerio
267 m
Isole Tino - Tinetto
3 kmPino domestico
895 mRaccolta museale Isola del Tino
1.8 km
City walls of Porto Venere
186 mFondali Isole Palmaria - Tino - Tinetto
3.2 km
Caletta di Albana
2.9 kmOlivo Pontili
1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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