Monday, May 2, 2011

Five Towns of Cinque Terre

Vernazza
A fishing village on the Italian Riviera, Vernazza has no car traffic. Go see Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, a church built in 1318 on a rock right in front of the sea where the bones of Saint Margaret was supposedly found.

Corniglia 
This small village dates all the way back to Roman times, overlooking the ocean and surrounded by vineyards. To get to the town you must either take a bus up the cliffs or walk up the Lardarina staircase (33 flights and 338 steps!)


Monterosso al Mare
This town is today protected by hills and olive groves but in the 16th Century the villagers built 13 towers to protect themselves from the vikings, 3 of while are still standing. One of the buildings, the Aurora tower, is a must-see, separating the new and old parts of the town.

Riomaggiore
Known for it's wine and rich history, Riomaggiore has scuba diving right off of it's coast.

Manarola
Manarola has natural paths to hike on, including Lovers Path which leads to Riomaggiore. You can go swimming off the coast, a castle, and wine so good it was praised by the Romans. 

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