Portovenere

Portovenere is a comune in the Liguria region of northern Italy, in the province of La Spezia. It is situated on the western shore of the Gulf of Poets, at the tip of the promontory that divides the gulf from the open sea. The municipality includes the village of Portovenere and the offshore islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. The coastline is rugged, with steep cliffs, grottoes, and a natural harbor.

Portovenere has ancient origins and developed in the Middle Ages as part of the maritime networks of Genoa. The town preserves medieval features, including winding lanes and stone houses, and is dominated by fortifications such as the Doria Castle and various church complexes along the promontory. Notable historic buildings include the Church of San Lorenzo and the Church of San Pietro. The waterfront area retains a traditional harbor layout with old stone quays.

Portovenere, together with Palmaria and Cinque Terre, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 for its cultural landscape that blends urban and maritime elements. The area is a popular destination for boating, hiking, and sea sports, with ferries and small boats linking the town to the Cinque Terre coast and to the islands. The Gulf of Poets owes its name to poets who were inspired by its scenery, notably Lord Byron.