Hanna & Nils
Things To Do
The History of La Spezia
The area of La Spezia was settled in pre-historic times. In Roman times, the most important center was Luni, now located in the vicinity of Sarzana (city near La Spezia). Being the capital of the short-lived Niccolò Fieschi Signoria (1256 -1273), it was linked with Genoese vicissitudes until the fall of the Republic of Genoa. It then grew and developed following the lines of the Ligurian capital. This Ligurian influence is still visible in the urban layout and surrounding architecture, which can be seen by walking along the carrugio, the narrow street dividing the Old Town into two, called Via del Prione. Going up from the sea it's possible to see partly hidden, but evident traces of history: engraved stones, portals in 14th century sandstone, double lancet windows vaguely reminiscent of the future Renaissance style, baroque pediments, and decorations similar to those adorning the portals of the palaces once belonging to the Doria family and the Princes of Massa.
Nearby Villa Le Palme
From Villa Le Palme, the seaside is 15 minutes by car. The nearest train station is La Spezia (5 min). Villa Le Palme is the ideal base to visit Liguria and parts of Tuscany: Porto Venere, Cinque Terre, Golfo dei Poeti (Poets’ Gulf), Portofino, Genova as well as Pisa and Florence. Ferries to Cinque Terre, the islands Palmaria and Tino, Portovenere and Portofino depart daily from the harbor of La Spezia (2 km). Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio famous for its boutiques and night life (35 min), Carraras marble quarries (30 min), Pietrasanta, the historical and artistic capital of Versilia with the most famous statuary shops (40 min), Lucca (50 min), Pisa (50 min), and Florence (1 1/2 hr). Please see the back pages of this photo pamphlet, which has more details on things to do and places to see in the area: https://issuu.com/seaandcountryvillas/docs/villa_le_palme_monography_6aebb91966c227
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces, harbors are filled with fishing boats and trattorias turn out seafood specialties, delicious wine and limoncello! The coastline, the 5 villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will take a day trip to Manarola, our favorite of the 5 because it's perhaps the least touristy but it has a beautiful swimming lagoon and amazing restaurants. The other villages include Monterosso (biggest/most touristy with lots of shops & restaurants), Corniglia (serious hike up to the top), Vernazza (very picturesque & the best ragu you'll ever eat at a multi-level cliffside restaurant) & Riomaggiore (rows of colorful boats and neat main street). All are interconnected and easily accessible via train.
Porto Venere
Porto Venere is a town located on the Ligurian coast of Italy in the province of La Spezia. It comprises the three villages of Fezzano, Le Grazie and Porto Venere, and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. In 1997 Porto Venere was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and includes the stunning historical Church of St. Peter, dating back to the 5th century and officially consecrated in 1198. We highly recommending see this ancient cliff-side church.
Plön
Plön is a charming northern German town at the intersection of 5 lakes. Along the main street, a historic church, cobble-stoned alleys and traditional German restaurants and shops can be found. The town's landmark is Plön Castle, a chateau built in the 17th century on a hill overlooking the town. The castle has extensive grounds and is one of the most beautiful castles in Schleswig-Holstein. There are several restored historic buildings - Princes' House (Prinzenhaus), Old Swimming Baths (Alte Schwimmhalle), Clock House (Uhrenhaus) - as well as shady avenues & old trees open to the public to stroll through and explore. 20-30 min away (by car) are beautiful, rural seaside villages & farms along the Baltic Sea. Lübeck (45 min by car or train), is a northern German city distinguished by Brick Gothic architecture, which dates to its time as the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading confederation. It is rich in history, architecture, shops, food & worth the trip!