Ameglia
Welcome to Ameglia!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Ameglia, a municipality in the province of La Spezia, located in Liguria, in the Val di Magra. With 4258 inhabitants, this village has a very ancient history and overlooks the Gulf of Poets and the Ligurian Sea. Ameglia is part of the Regional Natural Park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara, along with seventeen other municipalities in the province.
The history of Ameglia
As I mentioned, Ameglia has a very ancient history, dating back to the 4th century BC. In this area, a necropolis was discovered which testifies to the important center of trade routes towards both the sea and the surrounding passes. In the early Middle Ages, however, Ameglia reached the height of its political and economic importance and was mentioned for the first time in an imperial diploma of Otto I of Saxony. The village was fortified in the 11th century and was owned by the Diocese of Luni until the period of the Republic of Genoa.
Throughout the 13th century, the defensive walls, the port, and the Castle of Ameglia were built. In 1314, Dante Alighieri stayed at the Monastery of Santa Croce del Corvo in Bocca di Magra, as documented by the words of the famous Giovanni Boccaccio in his Epistola di frate Ilaro. In 1321, the village was conquered by the Lucca condottiero Castruccio Castracani and the territory passed under the lordship of Lucca. Later, it passed into the hands of different local families such as the Doria, Visconti, and Fregoso. In 1380, the fief of Ameglia was purchased by the Republic of Genoa, which subjected it to the Captaincy of Lerici.
The geography of Ameglia
The territory of Ameglia extends from the banks of the Magra River to the heights of Monte Caprione. The municipality overlooks the Gulf of Poets and the Ligurian Sea to the southwest. The landscape is characterized by untouched nature, hills and mountains, but also a coastline where beaches alternate with cliffs overlooking the sea. The presence of the Regional Natural Park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara guarantees the protection of these precious environments.
What to see in Ameglia
If you come to Ameglia, there are many things to see. First of all, I recommend visiting the Castle of Ameglia, which has a breathtaking view of the sea and the Magra River valley. Inside the castle, there is also a Romanesque church from the 12th century. Don't miss the church of San Michele Arcangelo and the church of Santa Croce in Bocca di Magra, where Dante Alighieri stayed for a short period.
If you are nature lovers, on the other hand, you can go on excursions and walks in the Regional Natural Park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara, where you can admire enchanting landscapes and a varied and rich fauna and flora. Don't forget to taste the traditional Ligurian cuisine, which offers a wide variety of dishes based on fish and vegetables.
Conclusions
In summary, Ameglia is a charming place where you can find ancient history and a unique natural landscape, between the sea and the mountains. The Castle of Ameglia and the Romanesque churches are just some of the places of great historical and cultural interest that you can visit. If you like walking, the Regional Natural Park of Montemarcello-Magra-Vara offers many opportunities for your excursions. Finally, the traditional Ligurian cuisine will give you authentic and genuine flavors. You won't regret choosing Ameglia as your vacation destination!
