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Le Grazie |
| LE GRAZIE |
The village of Le Grazie is
tucked away in a peaceful inlet. It has ancient origins and its
historical part is built around the Church of Our Lady of Le
Grazie, patron saint of the village. The church which was
built in the 14th Century and later restored, has a
splendid old wooden choir, carved by Brother Paolo da Recco.
The Miraculous Image of the Mother Virgin, painted by Andrea da
Aste, is displayed at the centre of the high altar. The nearby
monastery, once owned by the Olivetan monks and now practically
totally converted into private apartments, also has an ancient
refectory with beautiful frescos painted by Nicoḷ Corso, dating
back to the end of the 14th Century.
After its restoration, the former monastery has become an ideal
venue for cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and
conferences.
In the old part of Varignano are the remnants of the Roman Villa
of Varignano, built in the first half of the 1st
Century B.C.. The villa is surrounded by olive trees, and at
the time, as it was situated right on the water, it was an ideal
place to moor and shelter small boats. |
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This archeological site can now be visited and in
the near future, also an educational walk and museum will be
open to the public.
The water in the bay of Le Grazie is at last becoming as clear
as it used to be thanks to the recent modification of the sewage
plant, and as a result soon the area will be suitable for
swimming again.
With the recent creation of new pedestrian walkways, it is now
possible to walk peacefully all along nearly the entire
coastline, from Varignano to the Pezzino promontory.
Le Grazie is a natural harbour. Its geographical position
shelters it from practically all winds and hence makes it one of
the safest harbours in the Gulf of La Spezia.
The bay has a specific area for pleasure crafts with mooring
facilities for residents and members of sports clubs. |
