On the origin of the town's name there is no harmony between the historians: some believe it derived from the Roman consul Gaius Pontius Ligo, others from the Tables Fundum Pontianum Velleius. The largest district of the town of Santo Stefano Magra in the province of La Spezia, Ponzano Superiore is located on the top of a hill and it is surrounded by thick vegetation. The medieval origins can be clearly observed from the structure of the village, with its stairways and narrow streets to the sides with small shops located on both sides. The first traces of the existence of a settlement in the area date back to 986. A document of this period reports the recognition of the Bishop of Luni of some possessions in the territory of Ponza. The village, in fact, was a possession of the Bishops of Luni for a while, then of Castruccio Castracani and it shared the same fate of Sarzana and Santo Stefano Magra. It was then submitted to the Malaspina Family and was finally sold to Banco di San Giorgio in 1541. The district belonged to the Republic of Genoa until the XVIII century, when the whole town was incorporated into the Ligurian Republic. In 1804 it was incorporated in the municipality of Santo Stefano.
Not to miss:
The Palace Remedi, an excellent private building, is situated in the heart of town, probably of the XVII century.
Villa Pratola, located near the road Cisa , which is a private building in Baroque style.
The Parish of Saint Michael, mentioned in documents dating from the XIII century.
The coats of arms placed on the walls of the district are evidence of the history and the invasions submitted: the emblem of St. George, located along the staircase leading to the church; the symbol of the French king, with crown and lilies, dating back to 1495 and placed in the square where the church stands and the one of the Republic of Genoa, with banner and cross, dating back to 1541.