Levanto, Coastal commune in La Spezia, Italy.
Levanto is a coastal commune in the Province of La Spezia nestled between hills covered with olive and pine trees, where a river valley meets dramatic headlands. The town spreads along the waterfront with stone buildings and narrow lanes that descend toward the harbor and beach areas.
The settlement began as the Roman outpost of Ceula, later became a fortress controlled by the Malaspina family, and joined the Republic of Genoa in 1229. These shifts in power and governance shaped the town's layout and architectural heritage.
The Church of Sant'Andrea showcases 13th-century Ligurian Gothic with a striking black and white striped facade and ornate rose window. Walking through the main square, you can see how locals have preserved this building as the spiritual center of their community.
The town is easily reached via its railway station on the Genoa-Pisa line, with direct connections to other coastal towns and the Cinque Terre villages. Visitors can explore the surrounding hills on foot or use the train to venture further along the coast.
Each year music enthusiasts gather for the Amfiteatrof Festival, which presents classical and chamber music performances in June and September. The festival honors cellist Massimo Amfiteatrof and has become an important part of the town's cultural calendar.
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