Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Day 1 arrival
Cinque Terre (5 Lands) is a rugged coastline on the Italian Riviera with 5 beautiful hillside towns, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore recognized by UNESCO as a living, cultural landscape of extraordinary value. I’ve decided to base myself out of Vernazza and will hike the coast to see the other towns. Cinque Terre is famous for it’s hiking yet Vernazza is a fantastic base from which to explore the four other Cinque Terre villages by rail as well, with all five villages linked by a regular - and quick - train service.
“Vernazza has been inhabited since at least 1080 A.D., though its origins may be much older. Once the site of a maritime military base, the town became a powerful ally to the Republic of Genoa in the Middle Ages—its fortified castle and cylindrical tower served as a lookout for approaching marauders. Its prominence declined in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the town was ultimately rescued from stagnation by the construction of the Genoa-La Spezia railway line in 1864. Today, Vernazza subsists on tourism, fishing, wine, and olive oil production.”
The pension I chose to say in, Gianni Franzi**, was recommended by a friend. The hotel reception is located inside the Gianni Franzi restaurant and bar, located in Piazza Marconi, 1. When I received the instruction on how to get to my room, and it takes 9 pictures to map out the route, I realized I am staying 100 stairs up from the main square. Everything here is pretty much up or down 100's of stairs so the hiking starts upon arrival.
** http://giannifranzi.it/english/index.html
The oldest surviving fortification in the Cinque Terre, Doria Castle dates back to around the 11th century. Now mostly a ruin save for a circular tower in the center of a steep outcrop, it allows for superb views over Vernazza and beyond. Given I prefer my views with a cold glass of Cinque Terre white wine and a delicious bowl of pasta, I chose to climb up **Ristorante Bar La Torr. I chose well, cheeky waiter and all!
**Ristorante Bar La Torr, Via M. Carattino, 64, 19018 Loc. Preteccia. Vernazza SP, Italy.
The most stand out building within the harbor area of Vernazza is the 14th century Ligurian-Gothic Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. Allegedly constructed here after the bones of St Margaret washed up on a beach nearby, it is recognizable by it’s unusual octagonal tower.
