Riomaggiore - Cinque Terre Village
Riomaggiore is the first village and the largest and most easterly village in Cinque Terre. Located in the southern most area of Cinque Terre, it dates back to the eighth century. As you climb up along the ridges overlooking the bright blue seas, you cannot help but notice the grapevines and olive-trees.
The five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, from north to south are:
Monterosso al Mare.
Vernazza.
Corniglia.
Manarola.
Riomaggiore.
The houses are beautifully painted in pastel colors and the steep streets and stairways link them all together.
Connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola is one of the most famous and romantic stretches of Cinque Terre, Via dell’ Amore - Lover’s Lane.
During the beginning of the twentieth century, as railroad workers needed to move easily between Riomaggiore and Manarola, they decided to construct the footpath. The path begins at the railway station and reaches about 200 meter high coming out to the station at Manarola. Just note that to enter the village you must walk through the tunnel. Part of the “blue-trail,” Via dell’ Amore connects all five villages for a total distance of 12km long.
Legend has it that Via Dell’ Amore became the meeting place for lovers between the two villages.
Slated to re-open in the spring of 2023
Today Villa dell’ Amore is still closed after a landslide injured four tourist back in 2012, Good news is, there are plans to open this iconic footpath in the spring of 2023. Will keep you updated as news becomes available.
So, before you head into the next village don’t forget to visit main sites in Riomaggiore, Province of la Spezia.
The Church of San GIovanni Batista built in 1340 is located in the upper part of the village.
Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero. Since it opened its doors in 1847 it remains a popular remote location for hikers.
The Castle of Riomaggiore built in 1260. Stick to the views from the outside of the fortress. Unfortunately the inside is not very promising.
