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Exploring Lerici: where history, literature and nature blend into a captivating seaside charm

Lerici, nestled amidst the cliffs and sea breeze of the Ligurian coast in the Gulf of Poets, is a jewel of beauty, history, and poetry that captivates visitors with its timeless atmosphere and rich history steeped in literary charm. The quaint seaside village of Lerici, situated at the heart of this breathtaking panorama, has been, since ancient times to the present day, a crossroads of cultures, a haven for artists and poets who have found inspiration among its ancient walls and narrow cobbled streets.

The Ancient Roots of the Gulf of Poets

The origins of the Gulf of Poets trace back to the earliest antiquity when the region was known as the Land of Luni, inhabited by the Liguri Apuani. Archaeological evidence scattered along the coast speaks of a past rich in trade and cultural exchanges, with the Roman cities of Luni and Luna thriving due to their strategic positions along the Via Aurelia.

Lerici: Medieval charm and contemplative poetry

Lerici, with its narrow cobblestone lanes and the majestic Lerici Castle overlooking the surrounding landscape, is one of the most precious gems of the Gulf of Poets. Founded during the Roman period, the city has preserved its medieval charm intact, inviting visitors to wander through its alleyways rich in history and mystery. The castle, built in the 12th century to defend the village from pirate attacks, has been the setting for numerous historical events and fascinating legends recounting tales of princes and knights, of forbidden loves and struggles for power.

The Gentle Call of the Poets

The Gulf of Poets has always exerted an irresistible allure on the great masters of literature. Among the most illustrious poets who have graced its shores are Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, Eugenio Montale, and D. H. Lawrence.

Lord Byron: passion and hope amidst the waves of Lerici

Lord Byron, renowned for his adventurous life and poetry infused with passion and yearning, found refuge and inspiration in the Gulf of Poets. During his stay in Lerici, Byron engaged in literary debates with Shelley and other intellectuals of the time. He was captivated by the natural beauties of the Gulf of Poets, finding in the azure of the sea and the sweetness of the landscape an endless source of inspiration for his works.

“Oh Gulf of Poets,
you are my refuge, my oasis of peace
in this tumultuous world.”

D. H. Lawrence: amidst the golden strip of beaches and the azure of the sea

D. H. Lawrence, the English writer famous for his sensual and provocative novels, was captivated by the beauties of the Gulf of Poets during his stay in Italy. His descriptions, filled with lyricism and charm, convey the enchantment that this place exerted upon him.

In his novel “Sea and Sardinia” D. H. Lawrence offers a poetic description of the Gulf of Poets, reflecting his profound connection with this magical place:

“I looked down, through the branches of the trees, down the steep and verdant slope, to the enchanting fjord in the distance, down to the Gulf of Poets, amidst the golden strip of beaches and the azure of the sea.
The moon was rising, and a gentle silvery light illuminated the waves lapping the shores.
It was an image of tranquility and beauty, a corner of paradise on earth, where time seemed to stand still and the heart found peace.”

Indeed, Lawrence’s words capture the evocative atmosphere and enchantment of the Gulf of Poets, conveying the sense of wonder and fascination that this place exerted upon him.

Montale: the enchantment of Tellaro

The renowned Italian poet Eugenio Montale, Nobel Prize laureate in literature, also dedicated some of his poems to the Gulf of Poets. In his verses, Montale depicted the grandeur of the cliffs plunging into the crystalline sea, singing the eternal beauty of a place that seems suspended between heaven and earth.

Toward Tellaro

“…domes of foliage from which bursts forth
a polyphony of lemons and oranges
and the evanescent veil of a foam,
of a sea powder untouched by any foot
of man or so it seems…”

Percy Bysshe Shelley: “Ode to the West Wind”

Among the most illustrious figures who found in the Gulf of Poets an unparalleled source of inspiration, stands the name of Percy Bysshe Shelley, the English Romantic poet of the 19th century. Alongside his muse and wife, Mary Shelley, author of the famous novel “Frankenstein,” Shelley experienced moments of intense creativity and contemplation.

It is here, in San Terenzo, that the famous “Ode to the West Wind” was born, an anthem to the beauty and grandeur of the marine landscape surrounding him. He chose as his residence Villa Magni in San Terenzo, where the waterfront had not yet been constructed, and his “white house by the sea” (originally a monastery of the Barnabite fathers) overlooked the beach directly, with the waves crashing against the arcaded portico.

In one of his poems, he described the Gulf of Poets as:

“a place where the sea and the sky embrace,
where eternity seems to dance upon the waves”

Other big names from the Gulf of Poets

Beyond Shelley and Byron, numerous other writers and artists have found and continue to find in the Gulf of Poets an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The Gulf has generously embraced the most creative minds of the international literary landscape.

Mario Soldati

Mario Soldati, the renowned Italian writer of the 20th century, found inspiration in the evocative scenery of the Gulf of Poets, with its enchanting coasts and poetic atmospheres. His works often reflect a profound sensitivity and affinity for captivating places.

The Gulf of Poets, with its shores dotted with olive trees and enchanting villages mirrored in crystal-clear waters, continues to exert an immortal charm on those who visit it. So much so that Soldati himself described it as a “sea of miracles” and a “blessed land”. Thus, between Soldati’s verses and the enchanted landscape of the Gulf, the stories of the men and women who inhabited it intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on the collective imagination.

The Charm of the Gulf of Poets

Today, the Gulf of Poets continues to cast its spell on poets, writers, and travelers from around the world. Lerici and its surroundings offer a unique experience, a perfect blend of history, art, and nature. The beaches and bays of Lerici, San Terenzo, and Tellaro invite contemplation, while the Lerici Castle stands proudly to recall a glorious past steeped in poetry. The breathtaking landscape of the Gulf has captured the imagination of writers and artists of every era.

Today, Lerici is the ideal destination for a dream vacation filled with sea, culture, and relaxation. With its golden beaches and hidden coves, Lerici beckons for long walks along the coast and unforgettable boat excursions to discover the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. Don’t miss the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience in Lerici, in the heart of the Gulf of Poets.

Join us in the search for your future seaside home and get ready to enjoy the wonderful sea view and the poetry of this enchanting corner of Liguria. Our real estate agency, with an in-depth knowledge of the area and extensive experience in selling luxury properties in Lerici, is ready to professionally guide you in choosing your seaside residence. With a wide portfolio of luxury properties, you can choose between waterfront villas, hilltop homes with pool and panoramic views of the Gulf of Poets, or elegant apartments and penthouses with sea-view terraces in the heart of Lerici.