The Beauty of Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre ("Five Lands") is a coastal area within Liguria, in the northwest of Italy. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre is mentioned in documents dating to the 11th century. Monterosso and Vernazza were settled first and the other villages grew later, whilst within the territory of the Republic of Genoa. The principle attraction is the beautiful but rugged landscape. The dramatic scenery and laid-back lifestyle of Italy’s Cinque Terre has made this small area a must-see.

Vernazza

SpottingHistory.com - photo by stefanjurca

Photo copyright stefanjurca

Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre region. Vernazza is the fourth town heading north, has no car traffic, and remains one of the truest 'fishing villages' on the Italian Riviera. It is the only natural port of Cinque Terre and is famous for its elegant houses.

Vernazza Castle

Photo copyright chuntera

Vernazza Castle was built in the 15th century as a lookout tower to protect the village from pirates. It's now largely a ruin except for the circular tower in the centre of the esplanade.

Riomaggiore

Photo copyright fred_v

Riomaggiore is the most southern village of the five Cinque Terre, all connected by trail. The water and mountainside have been declared national parks.

Manarola

Photo copyright serbosca

Manarola is a small town, a frazione of the comune of Riomaggiore. It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.

Convent of Monterosso al Mare

SpottingHistory.com - photo by L'AtelieR Photography

Photo copyright L'AtelieR Photography

The Convent of Monterosso al Mare, property of the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor of the province of Genoa, has always been a landmark both for the local community and for visitors to the Cinque Terre.

Monterosso al Mare

SpottingHistory.com - photo by scott1346

Photo copyright scott1346

Monterosso al Mare is one of the five villages in Cinque Terre (meaning 'Five Lands'), a coastal area within Liguria. The coastline, the villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Corniglia

Photo copyright L'AtelieR Photography

Corniglia is a frazione within the comune of Vernazza. Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a promontory about 100 metres high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces, the fourth side descends steeply to the sea.

Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

The Beauty of Cinque Terre

Vernazza

Vernazza Castle

Riomaggiore

Manarola

Convent of Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare

Corniglia

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