Levanto

In Roman times there was already a small settlement by the name of Ceula on the hills.
This constituted an important nodal point due to its location.

At the beginning of the 9th century, the bell tower of the present church, the Chiesa di San Siro, served as a watchtower and as a defence against dangers from the sea.

From the 13th century, however, the importance of the area began to decline – this to the advantage of Levanto itself, which was expanding by the sea.

Main sights

Medieval castle, built to defend the village and still in a state of perfect conservation.

Church of Sant’Andrea (Church of Saint Andrew).
An example of 13th century Ligurian Gothic style with its façade decorated in black and white bands, and a magnificent rose window surmounting the main door.
The chalice of emperor Henry VII is one of its treasures, and displayed only on special occasions such as the festival of the patron saint.
Church of Santa Maria della Costa’ (Church of Saint Mary of the Coast).
Villa Agnelli. Its gardens were landscaped at the beginning of the 20th century.
Piazza della Loggia, characterized by a 13th-century loggia, which in 2007 received from UNESCO the title of “monument being evidence of culture and peace”.
Piazza Cavour, in earlier times the inner courtyard of the Monastero delle Ordine di Santa Chiara (Monastery of the Order of St Claire).
The town hall, the public library and other municipal offices are accommodated under its portico.

Levanto

Riomaggiore

Corniglia

Vernazza

Manarola

Monterosso