Italy in Photos

Via Giacomo Matteotti

Via Giacomo Matteotti in Lerici is one of the most characteristic streets of this picturesque Ligurian town, offering a blend of history, daily life, and the charm typical of coastal Italy. Stretching through the heart of Lerici, the street serves as both a lively thoroughfare and a place of leisurely exploration, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the town’s atmosphere. Named after Giacomo Matteotti, the Italian politician remembered for his commitment to democracy, the street pays tribute to civic values while providing a space that embodies the cultural and social life of Lerici.

The street is lined with colourful buildings that reflect the Ligurian tradition, with façades painted in warm shades of ochre, pink, and yellow, and adorned with green shutters. Narrow balconies, small shops, and arcades add to the distinctive Mediterranean feel, while the gentle slope of the street leads naturally toward the town’s central piazzas and the seafront. As one walks along Via Giacomo Matteotti, the rhythm of everyday life unfolds: people chatting in cafés, shopkeepers arranging displays, and the constant movement of residents and travellers alike.

Commerce has always been at the heart of this street. Today, it hosts a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and artisanal shops, where visitors can browse local products, fashion items, and culinary specialties. The cafés and trattorias are especially inviting, offering a chance to taste Ligurian cuisine or simply enjoy a coffee while observing the life of the town. In the evenings, the street often becomes a lively promenade, with people gathering before dinner or strolling after a day by the sea.

At the same time, Via Giacomo Matteotti carries with it the sense of history that permeates Lerici. Its buildings and layout reflect centuries of adaptation, from medieval times to modernity, when Lerici evolved from a fishing village into a destination appreciated by artists, writers, and travellers. The dedication of the street to Matteotti further adds a layer of meaning, linking the local setting to Italy’s broader history of civic struggle and democratic ideals.

Today, Via Giacomo Matteotti is not only a practical connection between different parts of Lerici but also a stage where culture, history, and daily life converge. Whether for shopping, dining, or simply wandering, it offers a vivid glimpse into the identity of the town, making it an essential part of any visit to Lerici.