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The
Cinque Terre (five lands) include five villages that retain their charm
largely due to their isolation. For much of their existence, they were only
accessible by sea, because of the steep mountains behind them. In the past, they survived through fishing and some
agriculture, primarily wine-making on the terraced slopes. The towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola,
Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
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Of the five Cinque Terre towns, Vernazza is the
only one with a small harbor and a beach. The street is lined with shops
and restaurants, and tourism has undoubtedly become the primary engine
of its thriving economy. |
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Riomaggiore has embraced the notion
of protecting the natural beauty of the land. The village serves as the
headquarters of the Cinque Terre National Park and houses an
Environmental Awareness Center. The famed seaside Via
dell'Amore or Lovers' Walk to the next village Manarola was washed
out in the winter and was being repaired the day we visited.
The harbor is so small that fishermen
need to store their boats on land. The street approaching the village is
lined with fishing boats, which can be launched on the ramp that goes
down to the harbor.
Notice, too, the old ramparts of the
protecting wall, a feature of nearly every place we have visited this
season. |
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Corniglia is inaccessible even by ferry, although
it is possible to visit on foot or by train. It is known especially for 2,000 year
old wine production. Notice the terraced hills behind the village where
grapes are grown. Amphorae* with the name Cornelia were found during the
excavation of the ancient destroyed village of Pompeii in southern
Italy.
* Amphorae are ancient urns used to
transport products; see a photo of some we saw
in Provence. |
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