Porto Venere, Italy: A Poetic Treasure Waiting To Be Discovered

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Porto Venere is one of those colorful Cinque Terre picture-perfect tiny ports, which sits on a rocky peninsula on the Gulf of Poets. It was very popular with writers like Byron, DH Lawrence and Shelley – hence the name of the alluring gulf. This ancient port town dates back to the middle of the first century and it is a hidden treasure trove for tourists to discover.

It is tucked away in the northwestern area of Italy, on the provincial coast of La Spezia in the Liguria region. This charming village on the Mediterranean coast lies to the south of Cinque Terre and Genoa, and to the north of Livorno.

The breathtaking landscape that has been naturally architected by nature and mankind offer you an inspiring experience. The area is surrounded by lush green forests, rocky horizons and the blue-green Mediterranean Sea.

The brightly colored strip of homes that lie across the shoreline of the marina is quite a sight; the colorful exterior of these crammed houses preserve their olden day look, and they look over the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre.

Port of Porto Venere

As you move on to the high terrains through the narrow medieval streets of this picture-perfect town, you can witness awe-inspiring sights. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Little Bit Of History

Porto Venere has been inhabited since prehistoric and Roman times.

St. Peter’s Church in Porto Venere

It derives its name from Venus Erycina, for whom the site of the today’s village used to be a temple. During the medieval times it was a stronghold of the Genoese and they fortified it to defend from the attacks of Pisa.

The land was captured by various rulers such as the Byzantines and Lombards, and even Napoleon ruled over this region for some time.

Byron’s cave in the Gulf of Poets in Porto Venere

The 1494 battle with the Aragonese brought an end to the popularity of this tiny port town. However, it became popular during the early 19th century among English poets, especially Lord Byron.

Ceramics and olive oil are the specialties of Porto Venere. Traditional procession of the White Madonna along the streets of the village, Feast of St. Venerius and the Feast of the Basil are some of the famous celebrations and events of Porto Venere.