Lerici, Italy

Lerici, Italy                 Monday, February 3, 2020

We found our way back down the mountain to the lovely town of Lerici. After attempting conversations with several non English speaking folks, we found a nice police lady who gave us great directions on how to get to the waterfront. 

After parking the car we strolled down the waterfront walkway passing the marina of docked boats to the town square, finding a fabulous water fountain and a massive castle built by the Pisans during the Middle Ages on the hill. It was so quaint to see folks our age, sitting around the sidewalk cafes drinking cappuccinos and expressos  leisurely enjoying the day. 

                        The surroundings were a feast of colors to our eyes as the sun shone on the brightly painted villas.

                                           The mountainside is so lush, that many of the homes are hidden in the trees

Orange trees line the streets.

Although the area dates back to the time of Trojans and Etruscans (7th century BC), many of the villas that dot the hillside were built during the 17th  and 18th century when the area was known for ship building. 

                                                               Local fisherman coming home after a windy day

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                    Today the area is primarily a holiday destination...spotting many restaurants and hotels along the waterfront.

  

Castillo di San Giorgio, 1152

Walkway around the castle

Under the castle

We purchased some supplies and then drove along the Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of Poets named for writers Dante, Shelly, Byron, and D H Lawrence).  These authors came to this area to spin their tales and write their books because of the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding sea and hillsides.

                                                                                   What  magnificent scenery!