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Town of Levanto
| Levanto has a long sandy beach, an
interesting old center, many delightful painted villas, a bustling
Wednesday market, and good restaurants and shops. Enjoying a partcularly
mild climate, from here it's easy to visit the fascinating ports of the
Cinque Terre, either by train, by sea or hiking. There is a public
swimming-pool (but only for Casino' Beach clients) and a diving centre
right on the beach. A new port is under construction and it is possible
to rent motorboats, pedaloes, canoes, surf board. In fact Levanto is a
very good surfing spot and during the right days there are surfers
coming from all Europe.
It is also close to main airports, Genoa and Pisa and Lucca and
Florence can both be visited for day trips. (Genoa airport 60 km - pisa
Airport 70 km). Levanto, of pre-roman origins, lies at the northern end
of the enticing little ports of the Cinque Terre, and literally means
"the land situated at the east of Genova". Piazza della loggia is a
pretty square with a lovely old 13th century medieval Loggia.
See our
Levanto videos on www.levanto.net.
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Levanto, Piazza Cavour |
Levanto, Loggia Medievale |
 Festivals
25 July: the feast of S. Giacomo, patron of Levanto. During this day come
to Levanto more than 10.000 people from all Italy.
For a list of all Italian festivals, go to
www.hostetler.net.
History of Levanto
It most likely goes back to the period before the romantic Era; it’s
ancient name was Ceula, which appears on a document from the 11th century.
It's present name means this town is at "levanter" to Genova. Until 1140 it
was Malaspina's Feud, and then Da Passano's. In 1211 it spontanously joined
the Republic of Genova, and remained an independant town from 1247 to 1797
living of maritime trade.Thanks to geographical position, Levanto, was able
to develop quite easily and move on expecially after the II W.W.
Today Levanto is a famous winter and seaside resort. It has a beautiful
wide beach and modern tourist equipment. You can find near the
characteristic beach of La Pietra (the rock), the Family Agnelli’s Villa,
with it’s wonderful Park. Levanto has important tourists like Giovanni
Agnelli - during 1920 to 1930 it hosted Benito Mussolini. In 1960’s the most
popular italian singers played at the Casino Hall.
Things to See
The castle (13th century) and the city walls remain; the remains of the
Medieval
Castle in Celasco; the Churches of S.Andrea (1226, consecrated in 1663
and later widen), of Our Lord of the coast (11th - 14th c.), of S. Nicolò
from Chiesanuova (11th c.), of S. Siro, inMontale, (11th c.), S. Giacomo's
(16th c), Annunziata's along with its Convent (15th c.), the medieval Loggia
(13th c.): the Da Passano Villia (17tK -C.); other very interesting ancient
palaces: according to the tradition, the King’s palace was built by the
longobard Liutprando.
Levanto is surrounded by at least 16 little villages built in Medieval
Era where you can find remains of the 30 Mills used in order to make the
famous Olive Oil.
Levanto Pubs
Levanto has a lot of Pubs: Gambrinus, Vineria, Tre Archi, Mad Max,
Cantina delle Sirene, Art Café, and a Discoteque: the Casino. They're open
from 10.00 pm to 4.00/5.00 am and there you'll find music, and something to
drink. The disco opens at 11.00pm and close at 4/5am.
The GAMBRINUS is always crowded due to the fact that it is in a strategic
position. It is a classic English Pub. Inside there are a lot of mirrors,
wood on the walls, and you'll have you're beer on a barrel.
MAD MAX has some nice graffiti on walls but during hot months there is a
very high temperature.
VINERIA is just on the corner of the central gardens and near the
Gambrinus. There are a lot of good wines and, if you'll find a free table in
the gardens you'll have a nice stop.
TRE ARCHI IT IS A "birreria" (BIERKELLER), just in front of the OSPITALIA
DEL MARE, that is a completely new ostel, is made in the ancient part of the
town where some century before there was the stockyard: good to have a pizza
early in the morning
 Surfing
Levanto, 20 km north of La Spezia, is a nice small town
with some of Italy's biggest waves. Its vast bay is partly protected on
the south side. It takes a big southwest swell to make it pump. Holds up
to 3 or 4m especially in the middle of the bay where big left tubes and
nice rights make it worth the drive from the Versilia area. Seldom
crowded, clean water. For more information about Levanto, go
to www.levanto.net.
See our
Levanto videos on www.levanto.net. back to top |
