The Cinque Terre represent one of the most beautiful, unique and incredible areas of the whole Mediterranean. This stretch of coast of Liguria, about 10 km long between Genoa and La Spezia, is so called because here there are five wonderful seaside villages immersed in unspoiled nature.
The five villages, in order from West to East, are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. They are well known all over the world and it is not possible to think of one without thinking of all the others. But each of these villages has its own history, its peculiarities and its secrets. Together they represent one of the most popular Italian tourist resorts.
In fact, in 1997 they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is picturesque villages perched on the rock and overlooking the sea. Wonderful groups of colorful houses-towers developed vertically, crossed by small alleys and polls almost to form a labyrinth where authentic views and breathtaking views are hidden.
Cinque-terre
The frame all around is a pristine nature where man is built over the centuries with intelligence and respect. You will admire the traditional Ligurian terraces where the inhabitants of the place collect the best fruits of their land: citrus fruits, olives and grapes with which they produce an exceptional wine.
You can discover the Cinque Terre National Park through its fascinating paths.
Then of course the sea: a difficult and jagged coast where some beaches are set. Everywhere a transparent, clean, crystalline water.
The Cinque Terre are an ideal destination to spend an unforgettable weekend, where to bring a special person and take great photographs.
What are the Cinque Terre
The villages of the Cinque Terre are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
These five villages are rather close but over the centuries have been separated from each other by a difficult territory. They therefore have their unique peculiarities, their differences, their traditions.
Don’t believe those who say it’s enough to see one of the villages to get an idea of others. The five lands should be visited all and it is very difficult to say where to start.
Monterosso
Monterosso is the village of the Cinque Terre plus in Ponente, the first coming from Genoa.
Monterosso al Mare represents the oldest part, while fegina constitutes its recent tourism and seaside development.
It is generally considered the most accessible between the five: it is the easiest to reach with the car, the one with more accommodations where to stay, restaurants and bars to relax and the only with large sandy beaches for the whole family.
In addition to being accessible, Monterosso is a fascinating village and the wonderful nature that surrounds it has also inspired a poet like Eugenio Montale. During the long summers that the poet passed here, he wrote many verses of him poems of him dedicated to this enchanted place.
Vernazza
Vernazza is the village of the Cinque Terre best known and more photographed. The only one among the five to be counted between “more beautiful villages in Italy”. Its image is often used as a symbol of this whole territory.
No doubt it is a magical place that must be visited at least once in life.
Life here flows around the piazzetta close to the port. All around a labyrinth of vicoletti and “Carruggi” typical of the villages of Liguria who hide glimpses to photograph in addition to the charm of a millenary history.
At the famous marina of Vernazza, the church and the fortified castle, they frame the typical and colorful houses-towers of this part of Liguria.
Corniglia
Corniglia is the central village of the Cinque Terre and the only one that does not have direct access to the sea. In fact, it rises on a rock about 100 meters above sea level, which is why it is known as “Balcony of the Cinque Terre” .
Among the five villages, no doubt Corniglia is the least visited, but it is the one with the best view and what to enjoy a quiet holiday away from hordes of tourists.
Manarola
Manarola is the smallest and probably the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages and, thanks to the easy connection with Riomaggiore, it is also one of the most visited.
Manarola has an ancient tradition in the production of oil and wine. Today, in fact, this town is known not only for its beauty, but also for the wine that is produced in the surrounding area, such as sciacchetrà.
At Christmas it’s a perfect destination: a huge one has been set up since 1961 bright nativity scene on the back of the hill . A show not to be missed.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the easternmost village of the Cinque Terre.
This village is an extraordinary agglomeration of pastel-colored tower-houses overlooking the sea. Typical houses of the villages of Liguria crossed by a labyrinth of alleys, stairways, alleys and hidden corners.
So beautiful and fascinating that even the famous painter
History of Cinque Terre
The name “Cinque Terre” dates back to before the fifteenth century but the story of the coast on which the small towns are located dates far back. The historic remains founded here, such as bones and primitive tools found, prove the presence of the primitive individuals. The ancient Romans occupied this zone by taking it with great complication from the Ligurian inhabitants. Harsh conflicts on a hostile war round that was a tempting conquest for who aspired to tactical points on the Mediterranean Sea.
In fact, because of its strategic position on the Mediterranean Sea for centuries went through the anger of ruthless populations of diverse empires. Even earlier, this maritime centre had been besieged by the barbaric tribes coming from the north of Europe, then by Byzantines, by Lombards. Also its tactical location for business and soldierly interests, the residents from the Valley of Vara began to settle on the coast and change this area naturally wild and hostile to man. The first villages next to the sea were formed.
Monterosso
The origin of this village dates back to the Roman times. The oldest core, formed on the hill of S. Cristoforo, began to play a significant role of protection in the 7th century, during the Longobard attacks. In the Middle Age, the zone was disputed by various noble families, but it was at last ruled by the Republic of Genoa.
The village is spread over two bays, in that of the Bruanco River, to the East, there is the historical core (the old town), while the settlement situated in the inlet of Fegina, to the West, has developed more recently (the railway station is found here).
In 1870, the Italian government built a railroad line into the city, which opened it up to the outside world. It is the main way in which people enter the city.
The population is of 2000 residents, and in recent times the tourist business has overwhelmed the agricultural practice.
Vernazza
Its origin dates back to the Roman age, but until the year 1000 B.C. due to security reasons the population lived more inland, on the heights of Reggio. During the Middle Age Vernazza was an important harbour ruled by the families of Da Passano, Ponzò and Fieschi, until it was finally owned by Republic of Genoa starting from 1276. The importance of Vernazza in the history of Liguria is highlighted by its urban arrangement. Typical tower-shaped houses extend along a river valley up on the summit of a rocky outcrop hiding the view of the village core to anyone approaching from the sea. In addition, more refined architecture is also present, such as loggias, porticoes and decorated portals.
Corniglia
The derivation of the town dates back to the Roman Age as shown by the name which finds its roots in Gens Cornelia, the Roman family to whom the land belonged. In the Middle Ages it was a possession of the counts of Lavagna, the lords of Carpena and of Luni. In 1254 Pope Innocent IV gave it to Nicolò Fieschi, who held it until 1276, when the village was obtained by the Republic of Genoa.
Manarola
This is a vicinity of the Municipality of Riomaggiore but is more ancient than this latter, maybe dating back to the Roman age (the toponym refers to Manium Arula = little altar of the Mani Gods). The current village dates back to the 12th century, when the number of residents started to grow due to immigration from the village of Volastra, located higher up. Manarola was ruled by the Lords of Carpena and by the Fieschi Family, until in 1276 it was subdued by Genoa. The houses are in part grouped on a rocky outcrop and in part aligned along the valley of the Rio di Grippo stream. The historical buildings are concentrated in a pretty square situated in a commanding position.
Riomaggiore
According to the tradition, the origin core would have been founded in the 7th century by a group of Greek refugees, at the site of the current small village of Montenero, located up the hill. After the main urban centre shifted toward the coastline, it was ruled by various feudal families, such as the Turcotti, lords of Ripalta and Cericò, and the Fieschi, until in 1276 it felt under the domination of the Republic of Genoa, like the others villages of Cinque Terre.
The houses are arranged along the narrow Rio Maggiore Valley parallel to the stream (now covered), crossed by steep flights of steps and alleyways. A fishing quarter faces the sea and a farming quarter the mountain. There is a small harbour for boats and two little stony beaches on both sides. The population is of 2500 residents, also including people living in the vicinities.