The Cinqueterre

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From Punta del Mesco to Punta di Montenero you can admire a stretch of the ,Riviera di Levante known as "Cinque Terre".

Eightheen chilometres of steep and rocky coasts sinking to the sea together with the open sunny valleys furrowed by little but impetuous torrents. The terraced hills, surrounded by steep paths and muleteers show the vineyards; infact Cinque Terre are also famous for their local white wine called "scicchetrà".

Jacopo Bracelli was the first historian who gave the name "Cinque Terre" to this group of villages of the Riviera di Levante that in the past was called "castles".

Theyr origins probably come from the Roman period: Polibio and Strumbone cite an itinerary starting from Spedia ( Spezia of nowadays) through the hills where, during the medieval times, the most important shrines were built: Montenero, near Riomaggiore, Volastra, San Bernardino, Reggio and Soviore.

Moreover the presence of the roman maritime base of Vernazza and the origin of the name Corniglia (from Cornelia tribù) clearly show that this land was known and inhabited by the Romans. Afterwards the inhabitants moved down to the coasts and founded the actual villages.

The most important centre of Cinque Terre is Monterosso al Mare.

It was a fortified hamlet which is possible to visit today: you can admire, on the Capuchin's Hill, the Fieschi's castle with the Aurora Tower and in the monumental centre , the Bell Tower of the church of San Giovanni Battista. The 17th century Capuchin's monastery preserves valuable works of art of Van Dick, Cambiaso, Piola and Guido Reni.

Along the coast the Agavi's Promenade represents a romantic itinerary of great impression.

Among the coloured agaves you can see the houses of Vernazza, situated all around the hamlet's principal square.

Vernazza was an ancient Roman port and took part in the conflicts against Pisa with Genoa.

The village is dominated by the Round Tower and by the ruins of the medieval fortifications; the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia built in 1318 posseses an high Bell Tower.

Near Vernazza is the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio from the 1338.

Famous for its vineyards and olive groves, Corniglia stands on the principal road over a rocky cliff dropping to the sea; it is the only village far from the sea but it can be reached by some steps. The church of San Pietro was built on the ruins of the oldest sacred building; it shows a beautiful rosace.

Founded during the 12th century, Manarola probably is the most characteristic village of the Cinque Terre; the old church of, San Lorenzo is in baroque style.

From Manarola starts the pittoresque promenade excavated on the rock and dropping to the sea, that in half an hours walk, joins manarola to Riomaggiore. This stretch of land,poetically called "Via dell'Amore", has been closed for five years but will be open again next spring.

Manarola presents the painting exhibition, dedicated to Cinque Terre, every year on the 15th of august.

The oriental bourdary of the Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore; it can be reached by a large busy street on the road "La Spezia-Sestri Levante.

The church of San Giovanni Battista is dated 1340.

From the nearest sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero you can enjoy a wonderful view.