The Cinque Terre are a rugged portion of coast on the Ligurian Riviera that comprises five splendid villages: the beauty and the uniqueness of these places made them one of the most attracting and famous tourist destinations in the world. Since 1997, they have been part with Portovenere of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
The Cinque Terre can be visited on foot, thanks to the presence of stunning paths that link one with the other. Alternatively, it is possible to reach the villages by train or by boat.
Among the villages that make up the Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is the biggest and the richest in history. The main sights of the place are the Fieschi Castle and the Convent of Monterosso, whose church, which is dedicated to St. Francis, contains priceless works of art, including paintings attributed to Van Dick, Cambiaso, Piola and Guido Reni.
This little village is considered by many to be the most attracting in the Cinque Terre: it is rich in remains of the “castrum”, that is the medieval fortifications of the XI century. Of great artistic fascination is also the ancient Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, built in Genoese Romanic style.
Corniglia differentiates itself from the other four lands because it doesn’t face the sea directly. Hostorically, we recommend visiting the Church of S.Pietro, built in Genoese Gothic style and with a façade enriched with a marble rose window. If you want to enjoy a stunning view, we suggest the oratory of S.Caterina over Largo Taragio (Oratorio die disciplinati) and the Largo Taragio, its little main square, the beating heart of the village.
Manarola, a fraction of Riomaggiore, is characterised by its typical case-torri (tower houses). The main sight of the fraction is St. Laurence’s Church, built around 1338; its beautiful façade is enriched with a rose window, twelve columns and a bell tower.
Riomaggiore is rich in history and monuments: a must-visit is the three-nave Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta, which contains a 15-th century triptych. The castle, which dominates the historical centre, is very impactful.
