In the province of La Spezia, the Church of St. Peter is one of the architectural jewels of Porto Venere. It rises on a rocky spur overlooking the sea that is known as the Promontory delle Bocche, from where a spit of rock extends to make the shape of a crocodile head.
The church dates to the 13th century and it is believed that there was originally a temple in this location, dedicated to the goddess born from the sea foam, Venus Ericina, which gave the fishing hamlet its name. The present structure is composed of two different buildings that have been joined together: the early church which dates to the 5th century and the more recent building with the bell tower and a black and white striped facade in typical Genovese Gothic style.
The early church, in dark sandstone brick, has a rectangular plan and semi-circular apse. Two round arches link it to the 13th century Gothic church which is divided into three naves with lancet arches providing the base for the wooden roof. The presbytery is particularly striking for the linearity of its alternating white and black stones and elegant division into a central apse and two side chapels.
Genova Liguria Film Commission
Villa Durazzo Bombrini — Via L. A. Muratori 5 (ingresso principale) — 16152 Genova Cornigliano
Phone: +39 010 868 0850
Fax: +39 010 868 1399
Email: info@glfc.it
