Lerici
Lerici: an enchanting village on the Ligurian Riviera
Lerici is a small Ligurian municipality, located on the eastern shore of the Gulf of La Spezia. The village, with a population of around 9,423 inhabitants, sits in the center of a small natural inlet called the Seno di Lerici. Dominated by an imposing castle, Lerici is a highly appreciated tourist destination for its natural beauty and unique geographical position.
The origins of the name Lerici
The name of the municipality derives from Eryx, Italianized as Erice. The current name "Lerici" was obtained by combining the name with the article. Actually, Eryx is a correction of Ilex, the first name of the area, which corresponds to the vulgar Elee or Lerici, taken from the location where the castle is located, the "podium Ilycis". Furthermore, the municipality's coat of arms bears in the field a holm oak plant.
The history of Lerici
The first historical traces of Lerici date back to the time of the Etruscans, around the 7th century BC. Over time, the village's particular geographical position made it a natural port, first for the Ligurians and then for the Roman civilization. In the Middle Ages, the bay of Lerici was an important landing and commercial stopover for the Obertenghi. Subsequently, the village was governed by the Dioceses of Luni and the Lucca lords Castruccio Castracani and Malaspina.
With the Republic of Genoa, Lerici acquired greater importance. After acquiring Porto Venere as a strategic base for controlling the Gulf of La Spezia, Genoa also obtained Lerici by negotiating with the De Nobili of Vezzano and Arcola, the feudal lords of the area. In 1152, in Porto Venere, the deed was signed, in which the feudal lords ceded shares "de monte Ylicis" for 29 and 10 lire to the Genoese Republic.
Lerici today
Today, the natural beauty of Lerici fascinates tourists from all over the world. The area is part of the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara Regional Nature Park, a protected area that includes several medieval villages and settlements. The castle of Lerici, which dominates the bay, is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. Inside, the castle houses the Geopaleontological Museum. The village of San Terenzo, located in front of Lerici, was also an important commercial stopover in the Middle Ages. Today it preserves the castle of San Terenzo, an imposing building with a square plan tower.
The beaches of Lerici, such as the Venere Azzurra beach, are a paradise for sea and nature lovers. The area is also ideal for hiking enthusiasts, who can take part in numerous trekking routes and panoramic walks.
Conclusions
Lerici is an enchanting village on the Ligurian Riviera, perfect for a holiday of relaxation and nature. The beauty of its landscapes, its millenary history, and its geographical position make it an unmissable destination for those visiting Liguria. Among its main attractions, the castle of Lerici and San Terenzo, the numerous trekking routes, and the crystalline beaches are just some of the wonders that can be discovered in this small paradise by the sea.
