Lerici

Although struggling with problems of overcrowding and traffic restrictions, and not immune to large-scale and not always high-quality construction, the resort retains some of the atmosphere that once made it a destination for romantic tourism. Particularly fascinating are the alleys and the stairways that characterise the layout of the oldest district and the imposing castle. There are two main religious buildings. The Oratory of San Rocco, in Largo Marconi - beside Piazza Garibaldi, accessible from the marina - with a 14th-century bell tower with two bas-reliefs from the 16th century and, inside, on the high altar, a beautiful 16th-century panel of Saints Martin bishop, Christopher, Sebastian and Rocco; in the left aisle, Our Lady Health of the Sick, an original painting on slate (16th century). The 17th-century church of San Francesco, in Via Cavour, has remarkable altarpieces, almost all by the Genoese school; the sacristy leads to the oratory of San Bernardino, where, according to tradition, Bernardino of Siena preached from the small black slate pulpit. Along the road that leads to Tellaro, a stretch of coastline of considerable environmental value is bordered, with a clear seabed rich in vegetation. Located between the points of Maramozza and Maralunga, the Caletta Underwater Archaeological Park is an ideal place for diving to discover the remains of a Roman merchant ship. On the stretch of craggy coastline between the headland of Maralunga and Fiascherino, there are enchanting little beaches with a steep descent.