Vezzano Ligure

One of the hill towns that dot the green foothills of the Ligurian Apennines, Vezzano Ligure is a pretty place. It rests above the Val di Magra, between the Magra and Vara Rivers in the eastern section of Liguria, nearly at the Tuscany border. While it may seem secluded, it is just a few miles from the port city of La Spezia. It is close to Bolano and Sarzana in the hills.

Vezzano Ligure spreads out on the summit of two hills and is 'divided' into Vezzano Superiore (also called Soprano) and Vezzano Inferiore (also called Sottano). The lower section was built in typical medieval concentric layout with narrow lanes and vaulted arches spiraling upward. The lanes are lined with stone houses, splashed with color from flower boxes and pastel stucco. The town's landmark Pentagonal Tower is found here, a 15-meter high (49 feet), part of the old defensive system of the town that also included encircling walls spiked by cylindrical watch towers.

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a Baroque Romanesque rendering with an accompanying bell tower. The old defensive castle still dominates the scene, though it is also referred to as Palazzo Giustiniani for the later years when it was transformed from protective post to noble residence.

The upper section of Vezzano is centered on the polychrome piazza made of colored pebbles in front of the pastel pink Church of Our Lady of Soccorso. Sweeping panoramas can be enjoyed here.

Nearby is the medieval village of Valeriano, a tiny, characteristic town in a lovely spot with views of the Gulf of Poets, and quaint, narrow spiraling streets for Old World atmosphere.