Situated on the western coast of Italy in the Liguria region, the Cinque Terre National Park, which translates to "five lands," comprises five charming towns nestled amidst the rugged mountain terrain. In 1997, this picturesque area was granted UNESCO Cultural Heritage recognition.
The majority of the structures in Cinque Terre were constructed during the Middle Ages, with some dating back to the Roman Empire. The towns that currently form part of the park were established in the 11th century. Even though the residents of Cinque Terre enjoy modern conveniences, their towns have remained largely unchanged for centuries: most areas of the park are free from cars, and fishing boats continue to float in the sea.
La Spezia is the closest major city to Cinque Terre. When embarking on your journey to the park from La Spezia, the first city you will encounter is Riomaggiore. Perched above Riomaggiore on the hill of Cerrico is the castle of Riomaggiore, established in 1260 as a defense against Saracen invasions. The castle was not fully completed until the 16th century. Subsequently, with the castle's defensive purpose no longer necessary, the locals repurposed the site as a cemetery, which has since been removed.
Riomaggiore beach is not suitable for swimming, so you will have to wait for a stop in this city with swims. However, there is an office offering diving services. Those who are not ready to dive into the Mediterranean Sea can go further to explore the sights: the church of St. John the Baptist, built in the 1340s, the church of Assunta, built in the XV century, and the chapels of St. Anthony the Abbot and Saints Rocco and Sebastian.
Nevertheless, you will encounter numerous churches and chapels while exploring the Cinque Terre. Colombo Street is lined with restaurants, stores, souvenir shops, and boutiques catering to tourists. The region is renowned for its vineyards, and to truly immerse yourself, make sure to inquire about the locally made Sciacchetra liqueur at the shops.
Manarola, the oldest of the towns, can be reached on foot by other routes or by a two-minute train ride. The best time to visit Manarola is on the eve of Catholic Christmas, when the city hosts the largest nativity scene in the world, but in summer a trip to Manarola will remain unforgettable.
Vernazze's main attraction, the next town, is the Belforte Tower at Doria Castle, constructed in the 11th century. The tower is featured on souvenirs, and guided tours are available for visitors to explore and enjoy the view from the observation deck. In addition to Belforte, Vernazze is renowned for the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, dating back to 1318, and the 11th-century Cathedral of Reggio. To visit the cathedral, be prepared for a challenging uphill climb.
Corniglia is the next town in the Cinque Terre, unique for being the only one without a harbor and situated higher than the rest. Accessing the town from the train station requires ascending the 377 steps of the Lardarin staircase.
Upon reaching the end of your journey, you will find Monterosso, the largest city in the park, awaiting you. Here, you can explore the park's largest beach, the imposing statue of Neptune, and the Aurora Tower, which separates the city into its old and new districts. Standing at 14 meters tall, the concrete statue of Neptune was erected in 1910 on the shores of Fegina Beach. Neptune is depicted holding a massive seashell on his shoulders, which once served as a dance platform. During World War II, the estate of the Pastin family, who were the owners of the statue, was bombed, causing significant damage to Neptune. Subsequently, in 1966, storm surges further contributed to its destruction. However, efforts have been made to partially restore the statue in recent times.
A medieval castle was constructed on the hill of St. Cristoforo in Monterosso to shield the city from Saracen attacks and plundering. The defensive setup encompassed the now dilapidated monastery of St. Antonio Mesco and 13 towers, of which only three remain standing, such as the Aurora tower, erected in the 16th century. Presently, the tower serves as a private residence.
Discover Cinque Terre and Liguria with Bella Italy Travel!
Comments