Levanto
Welcome to Levanto!
Hello friends! Today I'm going to talk to you about Levanto, a beautiful municipality in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, with a population of around 5,139 people. I invite you to discover the beauty that this place has to offer, from the sea to the mountains, from history to art.
Physical geography
Immersed in a valley covered with olive trees, vineyards, and pine trees, Levanto directly overlooks the sea. From here, you can admire the Mesco promontory and the point of Levanto, whose territory is also part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a delightful place not to be missed.
History
The history of Levanto dates back to the Roman Empire, when the village of Ceula existed, a strategic hub along the Via Ligurum that passed near the coast. Over the centuries, the village passed under Byzantine, Lombard, and Frankish rule. In the 9th century, during the Carolingian period, the parish of Ceula played an important role in keeping watch and defending against the Saracen raids coming from the sea.
In 1164, Levanto was mentioned for the first time in an official document as a feudal property of the Malaspina family, subsequently replaced by the Da Passano family who increased commercial traffic, especially in salt, and initiated the first contacts with Genoa. In 1247, the possessions of the Valley were ceded to the Genoese Republic, which maintained the family's historical privileges and feudal properties of the village. Today, Levanto is an important commercial hub of the Ligurian Levant, fueled by land communication routes, of which the most important is the Via Francigena.
Art and culture
Levanto is a place rich in traditions, as demonstrated by the festival of San Giacomo, patron saint of the village, which is celebrated every year on July 25th with a procession and fireworks. In the historic center of the village, it is possible to visit the church of Sant'Andrea, known for its Romanesque façade and the characteristic bell tower, and the church of San Giovanni Battista, which houses the Museum of Sacred Art with a remarkable collection of sacred objects.
Also, not to be missed is the Gigante, a 14-meter iron sculpture overlooking the sea, representing a man holding a walking stick. It is a work by Victor de Bréhat, inaugurated in 1962 to commemorate the dead of World War I.
Things to see and do
Levanto is a true paradise for sea and nature lovers. The Levanto beach is one of the largest in Liguria and is perfect for relaxing or practicing water activities such as surfing or sailing. From here, you can also embark on the discovery of the Cinque Terre National Park and the Protected Marine Area of the Cinque Terre, a wonder of nature that includes five splendid villages overlooking the sea with colorful houses and narrow pedestrian streets.
For trekking enthusiasts, Levanto offers numerous excursions including the famous Via dell'Amore, a path that connects Riomaggiore to Manarola, and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, a route of about 440 kilometers that crosses the Ligurian Apennines.
Local cuisine
The cuisine of Levanto is based on simple and high-quality products such as olive oil, pesto, wine, and fish. Among the local specialties are stuffed anchovies, trofie with pesto, linguine with clams, and baked mussels. Also, try the farinata, a sort of chickpea flour flatbread typical of Liguria.
Conclusions
In conclusion, friends, Levanto is a small jewel of Liguria, a place rich in history, art, nature, and authentic flavors. If you are looking for a destination for your vacations, this place is definitely for you. We are waiting for you with open arms!
