The Beauty of Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre ("Five Lands") is a coastal area within Liguria, in the northwest of Italy. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre is mentioned in documents dating to the 11th century. Monterosso and Vernazza were settled first and the other villages grew later, whilst within the territory of the Republic of Genoa. The principle attraction is the beautiful but rugged landscape. The dramatic scenery and laid-back lifestyle of Italy’s Cinque Terre has made this small area a must-see.

Vernazza

SpottingHistory.com - photo by stefanjurca

Photo copyright stefanjurca

Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre region. Vernazza is the fourth town heading north, has no car traffic, and remains one of the truest 'fishing villages' on the Italian Riviera. It is the only natural port of Cinque Terre and is famous for its elegant houses.

Vernazza Castle

Photo copyright chuntera

Vernazza Castle was built in the 15th century as a lookout tower to protect the village from pirates. It's now largely a ruin except for the circular tower in the centre of the esplanade.

Riomaggiore

Photo copyright fred_v

Riomaggiore is the most southern village of the five Cinque Terre, all connected by trail. The water and mountainside have been declared national parks.

Manarola

Photo copyright serbosca

Manarola is a small town, a frazione of the comune of Riomaggiore. It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.

Convent of Monterosso al Mare

SpottingHistory.com - photo by L'AtelieR Photography

Photo copyright L'AtelieR Photography

The Convent of Monterosso al Mare, property of the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor of the province of Genoa, has always been a landmark both for the local community and for visitors to the Cinque Terre.

Monterosso al Mare

SpottingHistory.com - photo by scott1346

Photo copyright scott1346

Monterosso al Mare is one of the five villages in Cinque Terre (meaning 'Five Lands'), a coastal area within Liguria. The coastline, the villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Corniglia

Photo copyright L'AtelieR Photography

Corniglia is a frazione within the comune of Vernazza. Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a promontory about 100 metres high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces, the fourth side descends steeply to the sea.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.

The Beauty of Cinque Terre

Vernazza

Vernazza Castle

Riomaggiore

Manarola

Convent of Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare

Corniglia

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