Wonders of Italy: Riomaggiore (Cinque Terre)

As the first seaside village you encounter coming from the Ligurian town of La Spezia, Riomaggiore is the eastern gateway to the world-famous, Unesco-inscribed Cinque Terre.

Founded in the 8th century by a group of Greek refugees according to legend, Riomaggiore extends from the coast of the Ligurian Sea to the Apennine mountains just behind, along two valleys. Mount Verugola’s three peaks represent the town’s emblem.

After the year 1000, protected by the powerful Genoa Republic, the local inhabitants began to leave their primitive settlements to move closer to the coast, forming the first nucleus of Riomaggiore, which now corresponds to the Marina district. Throughout the Middle Ages, the village was under the influence of the Republic of Genoa. 

The structure of Riomaggiore has changed little over the centuries. The houses follow the course of the stream, buried in its final part; painted with the typical pastel colors, the houses develop in height over three or four floors, linked to each other by alleys and steep stairways. The main street that goes down to the sea is via Santuario.

The highest part of the village is where the main monuments are located: the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Oratory of Saints Rocco and Sebastiano and the Castle of Riomaggiore.

After visiting Riomaggiore, you can take a refreshing dip in the azure sea. The beach, made of large stones, is to the left of the small harbor. Locals spread their towels on the large breakwater rocks that protect the coast. 

The Riomaggiore area is also great to explore on foot as there are several hiking trails, the most famous of all being the Via dell’Amore, which connects Riomaggiore with Manarola (however, the trail is often closed due to landslides). You can also reach Manarola via the Via Beccara, the ancient path that connected the two villages; and you can take a long and panoramic trail to Portovenere.