Historic Churches and Religious Sites
This collection showcases the religious architecture of the La Spezia province, spanning from the coastal villages of Cinque Terre to the inland Val di Vara. Featured sites include Ligurian Gothic churches with distinctive black-and-white striped marble facades, Romanesque pievi, and Baroque oratories. Many of these structures, such as the seaside Santa Margherita di Antiochia in Vernazza and the hilltop sanctuaries, reflect the region's historical reliance on maritime trade and mountain agriculture, housing significant artworks and relics.
A Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
A 13th-century Ligurian Gothic church featuring a white-and-green marble facade and a rose window. The interior houses a 14th-century baptismal font and a painting of the Baptism of Christ.
B Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia
Built in 1318, this Gothic church is notable for its position directly on the harbor. It features an octagonal bell tower and a nave with a wooden roof and slate columns.
C Chiesa di San Pietro
Constructed in 1334 in the Ligurian Gothic style, this church features a Carrara marble rose window. Inside, the Baroque interior contains a 12th-century baptismal font.
D Chiesa di San Francesco
A 17th-century Capuchin monastery and church overlooking the sea. It contains a 'Crucifixion' painting attributed to Anthony van Dyck and offers views of the Cinque Terre coastline.
E Chiesa di San Lorenzo
Built in 1338, this church exhibits Ligurian Gothic architecture with a Carrara marble rose window. The interior contains a 15th-century triptych and a separate 14th-century bell tower.
F Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Dating back to 1340, this church features a Gothic facade with a white marble rose window. Inside, it houses a 15th-century triptych and a 17th-century wooden crucifix.
G Chiesa di San Francesco
A 17th-century church and former convent of the Friars Minor. It features a simple Baroque interior and serves as a cultural space for exhibitions and concerts.
H Brugnato Cathedral
Brugnato Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the old centre of the city of Brugnato, in the Val di Vara in the province of…
I Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
Renaissance-era church housing a 16th-century 'Crucifixion' by Pieter Brueghel the Younger and marble sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries.
J San Francesco, Sarzana
San Francesco is a Roman Catholic church and monastery located in Sarzana, region of Liguria, Italy.
K Oratory of San Girolamo, Sarzana
The Oratory of San Girolamo is a free-standing, centralized, Baroque-style, Roman Catholic prayer hall, near the cathedral, in the center…
L Chiesa di San Lorenzo
17th-century Baroque church located in the historic center of Ortonovo, featuring an ornate interior with marble altars and religious artworks typical of the Lunigiana region.
M Chiesa di San Martino
A Roman Catholic parish church in the village of Serò, serving the local community in the upper Val di Vara.
N Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
17th-century Baroque church located in the historic 'Borgo Rotondo.' It contains precious silverware and paintings from the Genoese school.
O Chiesa di San Nicolò
A medieval church rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 17th century. It features a tall bell tower that dominates the hilltop village skyline.
P Pieve dei Santi Stefano e Margherita
An ancient parish church (pieve) dating back to the 10th century. It retains historical importance as one of the oldest religious sites in the Arcola area.
Q Santuario Beata Vergine Addolorata del Mirteto
A 16th-century sanctuary built following a reported Marian apparition. It is a significant pilgrimage site featuring an image of the Mater Dolorosa.
R Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
A parish church serving the rural hamlet of Stadomelli, reflecting the simple religious architecture of the inland Ligurian hills.
S Chiesa di San Pietro
A local parish church in the Val di Vara, serving as a spiritual center for the village of San Pietro Vara near Varese Ligure.
T Pieve di Sant'Andrea, Sarzana
The Pieve di Sant'Andrea is an ancient Romanesque parish church located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, in the center of the town of Sarzana,…
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