The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere.
The church of San Pietro in Portovenere is one of the most evocative and fascinating places in Liguria. Situated at the end of the promontory that juts out into the sea, this Gothic church, with its characteristic black and white bands, dominates the surrounding landscape and offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Poets and the island of Palmaria¹².
The church of San Pietro has an ancient and complex history. Its origins date back to the 5th century, when a small early Christian church was built on the remains of a pagan temple dedicated to Venus¹. In the 13th century, the Genoese built a new Gothic church, connected to the pre-existing structure, creating a single larger building².
The architecture of the church is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The oldest part, in dark stone, is characterised by a rectangular plan with a semicircular apse, while the Gothic part, built by the Genoese, features the typical black and white bands¹². Inside, the church is divided into three naves separated by pillars, with a white marble altar².
The esplanade of the church of San Pietro is a large stone-paved area, surrounded by ancient walls. This open space offers a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding cliffs, making it an ideal place for walks and moments of contemplation³. The esplanade is also a starting point for exploring the natural and historical beauties of Portovenere, such as Byron's Cave and the Doria Castle⁴.
The church of San Pietro and its esplanade have been a source of inspiration for many poets and artists. Eugenio Montale, Nobel Prize winner for literature, described this place as a “Christian temple” where “every near hour is ancient”¹. The beauty and serenity of this place continue to enchant visitors from all over the world.
Portovenere is easily reached by car, bus or ferry from La Spezia. Once you arrive, a picturesque street full of little shops leads to the church of San Pietro and its esplanade².
The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical importance. With its unique architecture, spectacular views and poetic atmosphere, it represents an unmissable stop for those visiting Liguria.
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.
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Here is the spot where I took this photo:
The church of San Pietro in the capital. Built between the 5th and 13th centuries in Genoese Gothic style, it is perched on the rock of the promontory of the Bocche di Porto Venere. The church of San Pietro is the “Christian temple” cited by Eugenio Montale in a suggestive poem, dedicated to Portovenere.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia
The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere – L’esplanade de l’église San Pietro de Portovenere – La explanada de la iglesia de San Pietro en Portovenere – A esplanada da igreja de San Pietro in Portovenere – Die Promenade der Kirche San Pietro in Portovenere – Lối đi dạo của nhà thờ San Pietro ở Portovenere
¹: [Wikipedia](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Pietro_%28Portovenere%29)
²: [Terre di Lunigiana](https://www.terredilunigiana.com/golfodeipoeti/portoveneresanpietro.php)
³: [Il Blog di Petardo](https://petardo.over-blog.it/2016/07/portovenere-chiesa-di-san-pietro.html)
⁴: [Salentoacolory](https://www.salentoacolory.it/la-chiesa-san-pietro-portovenere/)
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