– one of the most beautiful corners of Italy, ideal for lovers of excursions. The easternmost city, like the others, is located in a dizzyingly picturesque area with mountains and a sea indented by bays. Characterized by green terraces and colorful houses stacked on top of each other. The colors of the houses are bright: yellow, orange, pink and red, sky blue, intense sea blue, green like hills with vineyards and fruit groves.
Situated on the southernmost edge of the East Coast, historically shared by the powerful maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a joint wonder of man and nature, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. According to one legend, refugees from Byzantine Greece were the first to settle in this territory in the 8th century. AD
History of Riomaggiore
History has preserved evidence of this. For example, one can note the structure of urban development: bright colors and vertical direction, “overhang” over the sea, a network of streets, stairs and small courtyards. In case of danger from the sea, this type allowed residents to escape higher up to the hills in a short time. This explains the presence of two exits in the houses: the front and the rear, which go to a higher level.
Riomaggiore Castle, a historical monument of the city, was erected around the 13th century. to protect against pirates terrorizing the Mediterranean coast. Today it stands proudly in the center of the historical part of the city. It is easily recognizable thanks to its round turret and large white clock and is used mainly on holidays. Next to it is the main attraction of the city - the bay, small and narrow, lined with colorful houses and equally colorful boats.
City coat of arms depicts the top of Mount Verugola (monte Verugola), the symbol of this place, and is described in heraldry as follows: “Three mountains jutting out over the sea with vine shoots on each side and a crown on top.” Each house, painted by the owner in a cheerful color, each mountain peak here is a pearl, a work of art from which it is difficult to take your eyes off.
What to see in Riomaggiore
Church of St. GiovanniBatista(Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) first half of the 14th century. is also located on a hill. It is a mixture of Romanesque and neo-Gothic architecture. Inside are masterpieces such as a triptych from the Antelemi school, a wooden crucifix by Anton Maria Maragliano and a canvas by Domenico Fiasella, an artist from Sardzana.
There is a road in the mountains called Dear Temples(Strada dei Santuari), it connects all the sanctuaries of the Five Lands: Temple of Nostra Signora Montenero V , Temple of Nostra Signora della Salute in Manarola, Temple of Nostra Signora delle Grazie in Corniglia, Temple of Nostra Signora di Soviore in and Temple of Nostra Signora di Reggio in Vernazza. The temple dates back to 1335. Like the other temples, it can be reached along a narrow path among the terraces on the hillsides. The view from the small platform is beyond words.
In the south of the city it is worth paying attention to other architectural monuments, for example, Watchtower(Torre Guardiola), inside which there is a botanical garden. Natural attractions are also interesting, such as Cape Montenero(Punta di Montenero), suitable for scuba diving enthusiasts.
After walks and excursions, you want to eat deliciously, and in satisfying this need it is not inferior to other Italian cities. Recharge yourself with the energy of this place by visiting, San Jan Festival. Rice dishes are mainly served here. If fate brings you here in winter, be sure to try “patona” - a traditional chestnut pie.
Riomaggiore is one of five villages that are part of the Cinque Terre National Park in Italian Liguria, five kilometers from the city of La Spezia. And, I must say, one of the most picturesque villages that make up the Cinque Terre - mainly due to the difference in altitude that you will have to overcome if you decide to go all the way from the station to...
...station. Since the most convenient and fastest way to get around the Cinque Terre is by train (there are also boats, but this route is longer, although more scenic), you will have to keep in mind that all roads lead to the station.
Riomaggiore will be the first of five villages as you drive from La Spezia. It’s worth coming here to look at the snow-white rocks with a small waterfall, and the original paintings on the walls - where are the fishing boats, where are the birds, where are the lemons.
Views open from above. That's right, with a capital letter. The main thing in the Views is the blue color in all its manifestations, the azure sea and the transparent blue sky.
There are few people - in the sense of local residents - in Riomaggiore, less than two thousand, but there are many, many more tourists. Every now and then you have to stay away or wait until someone finishes another photo shoot. Being a person who is inseparable from a camera when traveling, I always respect others’ need to capture themselves in eternity.
As you go up the mountain, you notice that there are fewer tourists, although not so fewer that you completely forget about their existence. Here, almost at the very top, stands the ancient temple of Nostra Signora di Montenero Riomaggiore, to which two roads converge - from the station and... Well, you understand.
The temple, by the way, is nice, although the buildings around it bear little resemblance to the Middle Ages, when the village of Riomaggiore was founded.
Then the road goes downhill, turns into a wide street with a bunch of small and very microscopic shops and eateries, and here there is no peace from tourists.
There is a tunnel leading to the station - so you can walk this entire road without straining yourself. But is this interesting?
While you are waiting for the train, you can watch how the sea washes the steps carved into the rock. Pigeons and seagulls frolic on the steep slope, and trains run quite often, so you won’t be bored for long.
The unusually beautiful, bright and colorful town of Riomaggiore is comfortably located on the elevated rocky coast of the sun-kissed Ligurian coast in the northwestern province of La Spezia, Italy, within the territory of the Cinque Terre National Park.
The park is famous for its man-made terraces, five brightly colored picturesque settlements squeezed into high coastal cliffs, and hundreds of hiking trails through corners of wild and pristine nature.
One of them from Riomaggiore to the village (Manarola) is the most famous and has a very romantic name Dear Love (Via dell'Amore). The park contains many ancient castles, walls and defensive structures. The Cinque Terre coast is replete with small, sometimes inaccessible and remote beaches.
The atmosphere of medieval antiquity is felt here in every winding narrow street and many stone stairs. The houses in the town are built on coastal cliffs leading to the sea and nestled one above the other. The most ancient buildings and sections of the pavement date back to the 13th century.
The town of Riomaggiore is easily distinguished by its unique color, where the colorful and bright facades of buildings contrast with the emerald-turquoise sea and the unusually blue clear Mediterranean sky. Narrow streets smoothly and staircases climb the steep slopes of the coast. Car traffic in such conditions is difficult and has long been simply prohibited.
Pleasant a walk around Riomaggiore should start from Via Colombo, it is here on the main street of the town that there are famous restaurants, shops, souvenir shops and boutiques.
Dear reader, to find an answer to any question about holidays in Italy, use. I answer all questions in the comments under the relevant articles at least once a day. Your guide in Italy Artur Yakutsevich.
The chefs of the famous restaurants Il Particciolo, Da Billy and Marina Piccola delight guests of the town with classic Italian dishes, superbly prepared seafood and wonderful varieties of wines, the production technology of which has been kept as a closely guarded secret by winemakers for hundreds of years. Liqueur "Sciacchetra" local production has made this wine-producing province of Italy very popular among gourmets; it is made simultaneously from different grape varieties, which gives the drink a unique bouquet.
During the Saracen invasions, the Castello di Riomaggiore castle, which bears the same name as the town, was built on the Cericco hill overlooking Riomaggiore.
This is a wonderful landmark of the Cinque Terre park, it was founded by the Marquis Turcotti in 1260, completed later, protective walls were erected here until the 16th century. Today the castle is a magnificent tourist attraction, where you can learn a lot about the history of the country on a tour. From the observation deck of the castle, you can see the mesmerizing, colorful Italy.
The Cinque Terre hills are a truly fabulous and amazingly beautiful place; hiking trails connect the sights and settlements here. The Azure Trail - the pearl of the Cinque Terre Park - leads tourists along the sea coast, the Path of Love connects Riomaggiore with Manarola, passes through a rocky and very picturesque area along the sea. The trails – and Vernazza –, each 4 km long, allow you to look around the area and enjoy the healing sea air.
Weather
The climate of Cinque Terre is mild and warm, with slight temperature variations. Mountains protect the area from northern winds. The Mediterranean Sea moderates the winter season, with an average temperature of 12 degrees. In summer it reaches 30 degrees. Rains are short-lived, more often in autumn and spring. Best time to visit this part of the country: from March to the end of October.
You can swim in the beautiful blue water of the Mediterranean Sea from May.
Rocky outcrops, marinas and sloping pebble beaches along the coastline invite you to bask in the sun or swim in the clear waters. The sea of Cinque Terre is characterized by the presence of many fish, beautiful dolphins and even whales.
How to get there
Departures from the nearest airports and train stations of Genoa and Pisa trains to La Spezia near Riomaggiore. From there, within 10 minutes by train to Riomaggiore, tourists arrive at their destination.
Advice for tourists: We recommend purchasing a Cinque Terre CARD, which includes several convenient services: travel on commuter buses, access to all pedestrian paths, Wi-Fi Internet connection. It costs only € 7.50 for 1 day, you can buy it at the Cinque Terre train station.
Visit Riomaggiore, Italy will surprise and delight you, whether you want to walk the Path of Love and learn an amazing legend or admire unique castles and churches.
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Several streets running down to the sea, old houses painted in bright colors, a medieval church, restaurants, shops and cafes. There aren't even cars here.
Founded back in the thirteenth century by Greeks fleeing oppression, the town is similar to the traditional villages of the Greek islands. The narrow streets are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, but nowadays there is a cheerful Italian life here.
The cozy place is completely aimed at tourists traveling around. Despite its tiny size, there is a full-fledged tourist infrastructure here.
Hiking area
Geographically, Riomaggiore belongs to the Italian Riviera of Flowers, protected by UNESCO, and is part of the Cinque Terre park. There is no particular place to swim here; there are only a couple of small rocky ones in the town and another one is located in the neighboring village.
There is a small marina next to the beach. is popular, fortunately the water area allows it and a stunning view of the Ligurian coast opens from board.
Riomaggiore and its surroundings are simply made for contemplative walks on foot. The stone-lined street Via Colombo is a place for tourist promenade and shopping, with shops and cozy restaurants concentrated here.
The street, named after the artist Telemaco Signorini who painted the city, begins near the railway station and along it you can come to the ancient church of San Giovanni Battista. The architectural attractions of the town include almost all the residential tower houses with their small windows and graceful balconies, the oratory built in the 16th century, the Chapel of the Flagellants and the snow-white Church of St. John the Baptist.
The last architectural landmark is the Riomaggiore Castle, towering above the city, or rather all that remains of it. Founded in the thirteenth century and completed by the Genoese, which influenced its appearance, the castle protected the townspeople from Turkish raids. As centuries passed, the need for it disappeared, and the abandoned castle gradually began to collapse.
Now tourists can climb Cherikko Hill and explore the remains of the fortress wall and two donjons. In addition, the elevation offers stunning views of the city, cliffs and the Ligurian Sea.
This is where the architecture of Riomaggiore ends, but there are still many in the area. The most romantic and beautiful place for a walk is the Path of Love, which runs along the sea coast; in Italian it sounds like Via Del Amore. You can walk along it from Riomaggiore to the village of Manarola, admiring the coast, sea and cliffs.
You will have to pay for the walk; the funds go towards maintaining and repairing the road. At one time, local authorities banned the use of the trail, but after strengthening the dangerous sections, the attraction again became accessible to tourists.
A legend is associated with this trail about the local Romeo and Juliet, who lived in the warring Riomaggiore and Manarola. There was a source of drinking water only near one settlement, and the residents of another collected water secretly. The young people met near a spring, fell in love and began going on dates in the rocks between the settlements.
The girl became pregnant, her relatives decided to kill the stranger-seducer. The lovers, fleeing persecution from relatives, met on the rocks and accidentally slipped into the depths of the sea. The saddened relatives made peace with their neighbors, and together they laid out a convenient walking path through the coastal cliffs.
A glass of wine with fish Ligurian style
After long walks in the fresh Mediterranean air, you want to relax and eat something tasty. The main diet of Riomaggiore residents consists of seafood and fish. Olives and vegetables complement the meal. By the way, olives and grapes are grown nearby, on small terraces above the city.
Apparently, there is a special kind of olive growing on the sunlit hills, so the olive oil here is very tasty. And in restaurants they serve a local dish - fish in Ligurian style, and with it a glass of local dry wine “Cinque Terre”, a source of pride for local winemakers. But for dessert, the sweet liqueur “Skiaketra” produced in Riomaggioro would be appropriate.
The technology of wine and liqueur production is a big secret, which for centuries has been passed on only to members of the winemaking family. It is only known that the unusual taste of the liqueur is achieved by blending different grape varieties.
You can see ancient olive groves and grape plantations by climbing ancient mountain paths to the terraces. From below they appear to be large green waves hanging over the town. And from above the town looks like a small bright spot. There are also a lot of bright wild flowers here, it’s not for nothing that this area is called the Riviera of Flowers.
Italy is a beautiful and amazing country, and the town of Riomaggiore is a bright and incredibly atmospheric piece of it, very attractive for tourists and lovers of beautiful nature.
