Santa María del Azogue was built at the end of the 14th, beginning of the 15th century. It has a basilica plan, with three naves, the central one higher than the side ones. Its roof is pitched. In the sanctuary, there are three chapels covered with cross vaults. The main doorway has a semicircular arch. Above, the rose window is outstanding. It was declared a National Monument in 1944. It is now a Property of Cultural Interest.
References: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.
Manarola may be the oldest of the towns in the Cinque Terre, with the cornerstone of the church, San Lorenzo, dating from 1338. The local dialect is Manarolese, which is marginally different from the dialects in the nearby area. The name 'Manarola' is probably a dialectical evolution of the Latin, 'magna rota'. In the Manarolese dialect this was changed to 'magna roea' which means 'large wheel', in reference to the mill wheel in the town.
Manarola's primary industries have traditionally been fishing and wine-making. The local wine, called Sciacchetrà, is especially renowned; references from Roman writings mention the high quality of the wine produced in the region.