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 Introduction
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portovenere boasts a medieval town with narrow, winding streets. One must pass through the ancient gate to access the main part of town with its shops and restaurants. Highlights of Portovenere include Byron's Cave, and a church which stands on a plot of land which once housed a temple to Venus.
Arrival Plane
Portovenere is located 95 km from Pisa, and 115 km from Genoa. Both Genoa's (GOA) “Aeroporto Di Genova”, and Pisa's “Pisa International Galileo Galilei Airport” are logical arrival point for international travelers. Both airports accommodate flights from around Italy, as well as many cities throughout Europe. Ryanair runs direct flights from London Stanstead to Genoa, and Lufthansa runs three daily flights out of Munich. To Pisa, Air France, Alitalia, and EasyJet operate daily flights from Paris. And several airlines fly direct from London.
Train
The closest train station is at La Spezia. From Genoa, the journey takes roughly one and a half hours. The journey from Pisa is slightly shorter, clocking in at just under an hour. From La Spezia, which is 32 km from Portovenere, take a bus into town, or catch the local train to one of the Cinque Terre towns. From there you can take a ferry.
Car
Take the A12/E80 motorway to A15, toward La Spezia, and follow the road to Portovenere.
Bus
A bus runs to Portovenere from La Spezia.
Boat
Ferries make the short journey from nearby Lerici, La Spezia, or the Cinque Terre towns.
History and Culture
The town was once occupied by the Byzantines. In the Medieval Era, it fell under Genoese rule. During this period it was frequently attacked by pirates who roamed the Ligurian coast, and a fortification of a castle and walls were constructed. Devastated by a war in 1494, Portovenere lost much of its importance. But in the 19th century, celebrated poets seeking a beautiful landscape and sunshine flocked to this wonderful seaside town.
Churches and Museums
Black and white stripes adorn the exterior of this ancient, Gothic church dedicated to Saint Peter. Dating back to the 12th century, the church was constructed over the ruins of another church from the fifth century.
San Lorenzo Church
It is believed that this Romanesque style church, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, was built over the remains of a temple to Jupiter. Constructed in 1098, it suffered a fire in 1340, and damaged again in 1494 during the war with the Aragonese. In 1582 the church was restored. A painting depicting the White Madonna can be found within the marble altar. Legend has it that the painting arrived in Portovenere in 1204. On August 17, 1399, a miracle occurred which transformed the image to its present state.
Museum of Saint Lorenzo
The church also houses a museum dedicated to Saint Lorenzo. Among the interesting artifacts are caskets made in Syria, of ivory, which date from the 10th century. The paintings from Ligurian and Tuscan schools, which date from the 15th and 16th century are also worthwhile.
Church of Our Lady of Grace
In the nearby village of Le Grazie, this 14th century church is located. The medieval town was actually constructed around it.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
The ruins of this ancient medieval castle dominate the Portovenere landscape. It offers magnificent views of the sea.
The Medieval Town
Passing through the old stone gate, one embarks on a stroll through Portovenere's main street, Via Capellini. Shops and homes line the ancient street. As you pass through the gate, look out for the inscription which reads “Colonia Januensis 1113.”
Places of Interest
A promenade, lined with restaurants, bars, and colorful homes runs along Portovenere's harbor. Take a seat on one of the big rocks that juts out into the sea, and watch the fishermen come in with the day's catch, or go for a swim.
Byron's Cave
The great poet Lord Byron often swam in this part of the bay during his visits to Portovenere.
The Islands
Once inhabited by Benedictine monks, the Islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto lie just off the shore of Portovenere. The largest, Palmaria, is blessed with lovely beaches. Here one finds the Blue Grotto and the Grotta dei Colombi. Boats from Portovenere, and La Spezia transport visitors here. Tino is only accessible to visitors on the 13th of September, when the Saint Venerio's feast day is celebrated. The island is home to the abbey of San Venerio which dates from the 11th century, and now lies in ruins. The tiny island of Tinetto houses a monastery from the 6th century, and is now a military zone.
Events
Each year Portovenere celebrates the miracle of the White Madonna with a spectacular procession through town.
Festival of San Venerio - September 13
This annual festival celebrates San Venerio. The religious hermit resided on Tino Island.
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イタリア ポルトヴェーネレ(Portovenere)の旅行ガイド
Single room - 65€より
Suite - 75€より
Twin room - 90€より