Le Grazie between Sanctuary, Villa and Sea

Le Grazie between History and Sea

Le Grazie can be explored through several specific themes: the Roman Villa of Varignano represents archaeological history, Nostra Signora delle Grazie sacred art, and the Mortea Trail a connection towards Porto Venere. Porto delle Grazie, together with sailing and diving activities, adds a maritime dimension. If you do not want to limit your trip to a single focus, the area therefore offers various points of reference for planning your days.

The archaeological site of the Roman Villa of Varignano preserves the remains of Liguria's oldest oil mill. It lies at the end of a sheltered bay near Le Grazie di Porto Venere. The combination of this specific archaeological evidence and the location on the bay gives a visit a clear cultural, historical and scenic context.

Sacred Art and Historical Evidence

Another focus is Nostra Signora delle Grazie. The church dates back to the 15th century, was altered in later periods and preserves a magnificent wooden choir carved by Frà Paolo da Recco. The Olivetan foundation associated with the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie dates back to 1432. At the same time, the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie was originally a small church founded by monks.

The former Olivetan monastery contains a fresco by Nicolò Corso in its refectory. He was a Genoese painter active at the end of the 15th century. The adjoining former monastery also contains valuable works of art. This means that the historical perspective extends from the foundation of the institution to an individual work of art with a clearly established date.

On Foot and on the Water

If you would like to connect Le Grazie with Porto Venere, the Mortea Trail provides a specific geographical link. The trail runs between Le Grazie and Porto Venere. It leads from the steps to the cemetery of Le Grazie via Via degli Scavi Romani towards Porto Venere.

Vela Giovane offers sailing courses in Le Grazie. There is also a diving tradition: the divers of Le Grazie have worked, and continue to work, in the seas of the world with skill and courage. The two themes appeal to different interests and complement the historical sights with a connection to the sea.

Porto delle Grazie adds concrete services to this maritime perspective: it offers water, electricity, mooring assistance, waste collection, toilets and showers. Porto delle Grazie also has 10 transit berths for boats up to 15 metres long. This area is particularly relevant if you are considering Le Grazie in connection with the harbour and maritime activities.

More Destinations

For further orientation, you can also find Piano di Follo, Casale, Lavaggiorosso, Castello, Torza, L'ago, Pitelli and Caranza.

For the main travel overview: La Spezia.