Portovenere's Porta del Borgo.
In the enchanting setting of Portovenere, nestled between the sea and the rocks in eastern Liguria, the Porta del Borgo represents one of the most iconic and fascinating entrances to the historic center. This arched passage, framed by medieval walls, is much more than a simple entrance: it is a symbolic threshold between the present and the past, between modern life and the ancient soul of the village.
The gate opens onto Via Giovanni Capellini, the main street that runs through the heart of the town. Crossing it means immersing yourself in a maze of narrow alleys, stairways, arches, and colorful tower houses that tell the story of centuries of maritime and defensive history. Built around the 12th century, the Porta del Borgo was part of the fortified system commissioned by the Republic of Genoa to protect Portovenere from Saracen raids and threats from the sea.
The simple yet imposing stone structure still retains its austere charm today. Above the arch, you can see the Genoese coat of arms and, in some cases, inscriptions or decorations that testify to the strategic role of the village in the history of Liguria. Passing under the gate, the visitor is greeted by an atmosphere suspended in time, where every stone seems to hold a story. The Porta del Borgo is more than just an architectural feature: it is the starting point for exploring the wonders of Portovenere, from the church of San Pietro perched on the promontory, to the Doria Castle, to the caves and paths leading to the Cinque Terre. It is also the place where shops, restaurants, and picturesque views are concentrated, making every stroll a sensory experience. A symbol of welcome and identity, the Porta del Borgo continues to be passed through every day by travelers, residents, and dreamers. And every time they pass through, the ancient ritual of the encounter between those who arrive and those who live, between history and the present, is renewed.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

At another time I also recorded a short video walking around the village:

Click here to see all the photos of the village:

Chapter Tower and gate to the historic center of Porto Venere. Connected to the city walls leading up to the Doria Castle, the medieval gateway to the old town bears the inscription "Colonia Januensis 1113," the date of the beginning of the Republic of Genoa's rule.
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Where is Portovenere:

The door called del Borgo in Portovenere – La porte dite del Borgo à Portovenere – La puerta llamada del Borgo en Portovenere – A porta chamada del Borgo em Portovenere – Die Tür namens del Borgo in Portovenere – Cánh cửa mang tên del Borgo ở Portovenere – Portovenere 的 del Borgo 门 – ポルトヴェーネレのデル ボルゴと呼ばれるドア

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.portovenere.it
– https://www.italia.it/it/liguria/portovenere