Le Grazie – Culture, Trails and Maritime Themes

Le Grazie combines Roman traces, sacred art, trails and maritime themes. The town’s history extends from the Roman Villa of Varignano to the former Olivetan monastery; by the water, it includes the Mortea Trail, sailing courses, diving tradition and the Porto delle Grazie.

Roman Villa on the Sheltered Bay

The archaeological site of the Roman Villa of Varignano preserves the remains of Liguria’s oldest oil mill. It is located at the end of a sheltered bay near Le Grazie di Porto Venere. The town’s history therefore includes both the archaeological site on the bay and the ecclesiastical and monastic buildings of Le Grazie.

Church, Sanctuary and Former Monastery

Nostra Signora delle Grazie is also associated with several periods. The church dates back to the 15th century, was remodelled in later periods and preserves a magnificent wooden choir carved by Frà Paolo da Recco. The Olivetan foundation associated with the sanctuary dates back to 1432. Originally, the sanctuary was a small church founded by monks. Valuable works of art can be seen in the adjoining former monastery. The refectory of the former Olivetan monastery also contains a fresco by Nicolò Corso, a Genoese painter who was active at the end of the 15th century.

The Mortea Trail to Porto Venere

The Mortea 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. For planning this trail, both the starting point at the cemetery steps and the route via Via degli Scavi Romani are therefore relevant. The route connects the local reference point of Le Grazie with the stated direction of Porto Venere.

Sailing Courses and Diving Tradition

Vela Giovane offers sailing courses in Le Grazie for those interested in sailing. 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. Sailing and diving engage with the sea in Le Grazie in two different ways: through courses held locally and through the work of divers in the seas of the world. This places a specific activity in Le Grazie alongside the history of its divers, which extends beyond the town.

The Porto delle Grazie

The Porto delle Grazie complements the maritime themes with concrete facilities for boats. Water and electricity are available for supplies; assistance with mooring is provided when berthing. Waste collection, toilets and showers complement the port services. The Porto delle Grazie also has 10 transit berths for boats up to 15 metres long. For boats, this means technical supplies, assistance with mooring, waste disposal and sanitary facilities, as well as a clearly stated berth capacity.

Further Places for Trip Planning

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Le Grazie, you will find Montemarcello, Calice Al Cornoviglio, Madonna di Buonviaggio, Lerici, Casale, Portovenere, Tivegna and Isola here.

For the overarching travel overview: La Spezia.