The Devil’s Menhirs (standing stones) and the Natural Park of Portovenere The Regional Natural Park of Portovenere is a natural park in the province of La Spezia in Liguria. It comprises the Comune di Portovenere with the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, which were designated in 1997 as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The origins of Portovenere have been documented starting from the II century AD when in an ancient nautical route “Portus Veneris” is indicated as a station for the Roman routes to Gaul and Spain. The settlement in the promontory certainly precedes this dates and derives its name from a temple erected to Venus, on what is now the Promontory of St. Peter. Portovenere is famous for its “carrugi”, that is narrow streets, where the fantastic “acciughe al verde” (herrings) can be tasted. But also for refined restaurants and for the views rich in history. The slope up to the castle is not only panoramic, it assures deep emotions. The Church of St. Lawrence and the critics-acclaimed Church of St. Peter are unmissable. On the Spiaggia dei Tramonti (Beach of Sunsets) stands the Devil’s Menhir. (It can be accessed form La Spezia, going up the Colle del Telegrafo on Mount Parodi). It isn’t far from Byron’s Cave (which is another enchanting place with the waves lashing) and it is stunningly beautiful. The tales and legends related to the Devil’s menhir are frightening. These were often passed down from generation to generation, among farmers and shepherds. As for all myths, legend has it that this was the place where witches gathered for their sabbaths and for fluctuant lights as well as mysterious fires. Evidence from around 30 years ago, contained in the book “Strane Storie Spezzine” by Bruno della Rosa, Edizioni Cinque Terre, told about a young lady who felt the urge to dance at sunset right whn she was in front of the menhir. She told: “I wanted to and I had to dance. I was alone, but I felt something like women’s voices. […] Euphoria, exaltation and something demoniac were the feelings I felt.” 14 July 2020 9 January 2017 News Holiday in Cinque Terre, Holiday in Liguria, Holiday in Portovenere, Liguria, Portovenere, Room in Portovenere EmailTwitterFacebookGoogle +PinterestTumblrLinkedinVkontakte