CINQUE TERRE STORIES
The sword in the Stone? It is in the Sarzana Cathedral
A mysterious sword’s grip is stuck in Sarzana’s cathedral’s facade. Is it just a sundial or something else?
San Giuseppe Fair on 19th March in the La Spezia town centre.
The patron saint's day returns to the city on March 17-18-19.
The ghost of Bianca Malaspina in the Fosdinovo Castle
The Castle of Fosdinovo tells the sad story of the Ghost of Bianca Malaspina.
Reggio – Vernazza, on the Way of the Shrines
An autumn trek to discover the sanctuary and history of the Cinque Terre
We had loved each other so much (on the Trail of Love)
Or on its mysterious ways.
The Lemonspot, in search of a different journey
Starting today, a blog that asks some important questions.
In Cinque Terre in October (with your shoes on).
What you see around and some advice.
Along the ancient Cinque Terre rialway, the cyclo pedestrian path Levanto – Framura
The Maremonti trail runs along the former railway line.
Rice pie sweet or savory? No, it’s stupid!
A typical La Spezia's local food is the torta di riso – the rice cake, in two or even three possible versions.
Guvano beach, the myth of the naturist beach in Cinque Terre
Today difficult to reach and threatened by a possible landslide, the Guvano naturist beach is in the Cinque Terre History.
Botticelli’s Venus was born in Portovenere
Born in Portovenere, Simonetta Cattaneo was married to one of the Vespucci Family members and shook the hearts of Renaissance Florence, ending up in one of the most famous paintings of history.
Cappuccino Breakfast in La Spezia? The dipped focaccia tradition explained.
Having Cappuccino breakfast in La Spezia and in all of Liguria is a must. Here's how to figure out the Ligurian way and how to enjoy the best breakfast in La Spezia.
Torre Scola, almost destroyed because of Napoleon, saved by a miracle
While sailing between Portovenere and Palmaria Island in the Gulf of the Poets, you will surely notice it. It is the Torre Scola, one of the La Spezia sea symbols, with a long story. It was built by the Genoese, almost destroyed by the British, and saved from being demolished.
Volastra, the Saracens and the mystery bells
Manarola and Volastra share a common past of pirates and treasures. A magical path between vines, olive trees, and nativity scenes tells us all about this corner of Liguria.
Telemaco Signorini, the Macchiaioli painting art and the Riomaggiore skirts.
Around the mid-nineteenth century, Riomaggiore became a refuge and inspiration for one of the founders of the Macchiaioli art school.
Farinata: gold that doesn’t shine!
Farinata, what is it? Queen of poor yet rich in flavor cuisine throughout Italy.
“Beccara” trail, from Riomaggiore to Manarola
Superb views as you climb the above Riomaggiore.
Kayaking in La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets.
What to know before paddling.
Tinetto Island, much more than a cliff!
An ancient convent, a kind of lizard that lives only on its surface, and a statue that saves seafarers. Tinetto island is small but infinitely rich.
The Manarola to Corniglia trail passing by Volastra, in the Cinque Terre heart
The Manarola to Cornigilia
Amerigo Vespucci, the most beautiful ship in the world
Launched in 1931, the Amerigo Vespucci is the emblem of Italian excellence on the sea. A gem that is often seen in the La Spezia sea, and called the most beautiful ship inthe world.
Emanuele Albano, the man who looked for mussels and found the "Muscoli"
How to move in and about La spezia: ferries, trains and busses
La Spezia is the ideal logistics center for reaching the towns of the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets. This article summarizes some critical information about getting around La Spezia by ferry, train, and bus.
3 reasons why the Ligurian cuisine is not “poor”.
MODERATED IN CONDIMENTS AND PLAIN IN FLAVOR, THE LIGURIAN CUISINE IS CALLED “CUCINA POVERA”, BASIC CUISINE, BY THOSE WHO MISUNDERSTAND IT.
Napoleone, the emperor from Sarzana
Napoleon mentioned Sarzana in his last memories, and the historical re-enactment of Napoleon's era takes place every year in the setting of the eastern Ligurian town. From exile to controlling the world, the story of a family that was from Sarzana.
Panigacci and Testaroli, meanings and differences
"So what is the difference between panigacci and testaroli?" You might wonder during a stay between Deiva Marina and Pontremoli in the Lunigiana. It's difficult to give a definitive and convincing answer, and you might hear different and conflicting explanations.
Lerici’s cove and the Fossola church, two secrets places in La Spezia even for locals
The Cove of Lerici and the Church of the Guardian Angels in Fossola, often little-known dream places, even for locals.
The Light Butterfly, prehistoric phenomen on on Mount Caprione behind Lerici
The sugestive
Best of Cinque Terre area in 12 postcards.
From the inland villages to the sea, to the coast and beyond, the best of the Cinque Terre in 12 postcards.
Margareth, the ship sleeping leaning to the dam
On December 2, 2005, the Georgian ship sank off La Spezia and is still lying against the dam. It is invisible to the eyes, hiding its story under the sea.
La Spezia, a surprising place
Visiting the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets, a day exploring all the sights in La Spezia is well worth spending. Here a little guide for things to do in La Spezia
La Spezia Carnival traditions
Batiston, the guy who pined for being the king of the La Spezia carnival. A brief history of the traditional mask.
A loop hiking trail in Val di Vara, around Pignone
A loop trekking in Val di Vara, following the ancient Ligurians tracks.
