San Terenzo is one of the thirteen seaside villages of La Spezia that participate in the Palio del Golfo every year. Originally, its name was Portiolo, which likely meant “oil port” or “small port.” According to a legend, the current name derives from a certain Terenzio, a wealthy pilgrim from distant Scotland who landed in San Terenzo during the medieval period. He donated all his possessions to the village and was appointed bishop there. One day, he resumed his journey to continue his pilgrimage to Rome but was ambushed and killed by bandits. His body was then buried in San Terenzo. The inhabitants of Portiolo decided to change the name of their village in honor of the pilgrim who had done so much for them.
The village appears as a timeless place, whose nature has remained unchanged, preserving the characteristics of a typical fishing village. San Terenzo boasts ancient origins: a village of fishermen and sailors, it was also engaged in the trade of wine and oil. Initially a fishing village, it later became a refuge for artists and intellectuals. San Terenzo enchants with its tranquil and intimate atmosphere, inviting people to walk along the promenade to the castle, where they can stop to sunbathe or admire the evening lights of the village of Lerici across the gulf.
Since the 1800s, San Terenzo has become a haven for poets and writers. In the 19th century, famous English writers such as Shelley, Byron, and D.H. Lawrence stayed at Villa Magni, located along the promenade toward Lerici. Notable figures like Arnold Bocklin, Virginia Woolf, Gabriele D’Annunzio, Mantegazza, and Sam Benelli found great inspiration and immense peace in this corner of Liguria.
In San Terenzo, one can admire the medieval castle, the parish church, Villa Marigola, Villa Magni, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Like the nearby Lerici and Tellaro, San Terenzo is a tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beaches and the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of its sea. By staying at Downtown Blue Apartment, you can easily reach this splendid village, which still retains the romantic magic that attracted intellectuals and artists in the 19th century.