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Via Antonio Discovolo, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy (May 2022)
Manarola
Perched dramatically on the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera, Manarola is one of the most iconic villages of the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Located in the Liguria region, Manarola is known for its colourful houses stacked tightly on steep cliffs, its deep connection to the sea, and its long-standing traditions shaped by a challenging yet inspiring landscape. As one of the oldest settlements in the Cinque Terre, the village offers a powerful introduction to the history, resilience, and charm of coastal Italy.
The geography of Manarola defines nearly every aspect of life in the village. Sheer cliffs plunge into the Ligurian Sea, leaving little flat land and encouraging generations of residents to build vertically rather than outward. Narrow lanes, steep staircases, and terraced hillsides create a distinctive urban form that feels both intimate and dramatic. Vineyards climb the slopes above the village, supported by dry-stone walls that represent centuries of labor and agricultural knowledge. From almost any viewpoint, Manarola offers sweeping views of the sea, where light, water, and rock interact in constantly changing patterns.
Manarola’s history dates back to Roman times, when early settlers recognized the strategic and agricultural potential of the area. Over the centuries, the village developed around fishing, viticulture, and maritime trade. Wine production has remained a key element of local identity, particularly the renowned Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes grown on the surrounding terraces. The Church of San Lorenzo, built in the fourteenth century, stands as a central historical and spiritual landmark, reflecting the village’s medieval roots and communal traditions.
Despite its small size, Manarola has a strong cultural presence. Daily life here has long revolved around the rhythms of the sea and the land, fostering a close-knit community shaped by cooperation and endurance. Fishing boats still rest along the rocky harbour, and locals can often be seen tending vineyards or gathering in the village square. While tourism now plays a significant role in the local economy, Manarola continues to preserve its authentic character, blending visitor activity with long-established ways of life.
One of Manarola’s most celebrated features is its relationship with the sea. Unlike sandy resort towns, the village offers access to deep, clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and boating. The rocky coastline adds to the village’s raw beauty, emphasizing its harmony with the natural environment rather than reshaping it. At sunset, the sea below Manarola reflects warm hues of gold and pink, creating one of the most photographed scenes in Italy.
Manarola also serves as a gateway to exploring the wider Cinque Terre. Footpaths connect the village to neighbouring towns, winding through vineyards and along cliff edges, offering breath-taking views at every turn. Train connections provide easy access while minimizing environmental impact, supporting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Visitors often find that Manarola offers a quieter, more contemplative experience compared to some of its neighbors, making it an ideal place to absorb the spirit of the coast.
As an introduction to the Cinque Terre, Manarola embodies the essence of Ligurian life. It is a place where human creativity meets natural challenge, where tradition continues alongside change, and where beauty emerges from simplicity and resilience. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Italy’s coastal heritage, Manarola offers an unforgettable beginning.
Worth a Visit
Via Antonio Discovolo is the main street that winds its way through the heart of Manarola, one of the five picturesque villages that make up the Cinque Terre on Italy’s Ligurian coast. This charming road is more than just a route; it is the central thread that connects the town’s colourful houses, bustling shops, and breath-taking views. Named after Antonio Discovolo, an Italian painter celebrated for his evocative depictions of the Ligurian landscape, the street serves as both a tribute to local artistry and a living artery of the community. Arriving in Manarola, visitors often encounter Via Antonio Discovolo shortly after stepping off the train. From here, the street slopes gently upwards through the village, guiding travellers past pastel-painted buildings that cling dramatically to the rocky hillsides.
Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV in Manarola is a small but significant square that reflects the deep historical and cultural roots of this picturesque village in the Cinque Terre region of Liguria, Italy. Although Manarola is primarily known for its dramatic cliffs, colourful houses, and stunning sea views, the heart of the town is also shaped by its spiritual and communal spaces, with Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV standing out as one of the most meaningful. This square is named after Pope Innocent IV, who was born Sinibaldo Fieschi in the nearby town of Lavagna in 1195 and served as pope from 1243 to 1254. His connection to Liguria explains why many places in the region honour his memory, and Manarola is no exception. The piazza is located near the Church of San Lorenzo, the main religious building of Manarola, which dates back to 1338. The church itself is an outstanding example of Gothic Ligurian architecture, with its beautiful rose window and stone façade, and it dominates the square.
Via Renato Birolli is the main street of Manarola, one of the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre in Liguria, Italy. More than just a road, it is the lively backbone of the town, stretching from the upper part of the village down to the small harbour where fishing boats rest on the slipway. Lined with colourful houses, shops, wine bars, and restaurants, Via Renato Birolli embodies the charm of Manarola and provides visitors with an authentic introduction to daily life in this coastal settlement. Its name honours Renato Birolli, an Italian painter from Verona who became associated with Ligurian landscapes and was part of the 20th-century artistic avant-garde. Naming this central street after him underlines the strong link between art, culture, and the natural beauty of Manarola.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via S. Michele to Loggia Amblingh
Approximately 1.23 km – 0.76 miles
The walk starts in Via S. Michele – Parco Villa Comunale, Viale Rimembranza – Viale Rimembranza – Piazza Guglielmo Marconi – Via Tre Segni – walk back to Piazza Guglielmo Marconi – Municipal Market Hall of Santa Chiara, Piazza Santa Chiara – Via Sportello – Via Tripoli – Via Santa Maria – Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore, Via Santa Maria – Via Santa Maria – Piazza del Tomolo – Via Catena – Porta Catena, Loggia Amblingh
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