Of ancient origins, Lerici has been a strategic merchant port throughout history. There are several routes which one can take to explore the city's beautiful verdant landscape, dotted with old palazzi and villas; for example: from Aurelia to Tellaro and then on to Lerici. The Montemarcello Park, with a wealth of flora and Mediterranean foliage, as well as diverse fauna is sited in Lerici. To visit: the Underwater Archeological Museum of Caletta, situated between Maramozza and Maralunga. Interesting architecture can be seen in the Monumental Castle of Lerici, the Tower of St Rocco, the Oratory of St Rocco, the Parish Church of St Francis of Assisi, the Oratory of St Bernardino, the Castle of St Terenzo, Villa Magni, Villa Marigola, the Oratory of St Maria in Salea, the ruins of Barbazzano, not to mention the old churches of Lerici such as the Church of St Giuliana and the Church of St Marta.