Riomaggiore, italy. Riomaggiore - Cinque Terre, Italy Riomaggiore italy
- one of the most beautiful corners of Italy, ideal for excursion lovers. The easternmost city, like the others, is located in a dizzyingly picturesque area with mountains and sea, indented by bays. It is characterized by green terraces, colorful houses glued to each other. The colors of the houses are bright: yellow, orange, pink and red, sky blue, intense blue, green - like hills with vineyards and fruit groves.
Located on the southernmost edge of the East Coast, historically divided by the mighty maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a joint miracle of man and nature, inscribed in 1997 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to one of the legends, refugees from Byzantine Greece were the first to settle in this territory in the 8th century. AD
The history of Riomaggiore
History has preserved evidence of this. For example, the structure of urban development can be noted: bright colors and vertical direction, "overhanging" over the sea, a network of streets, stairs and small courtyards. In case of danger from the sea, this type allowed the inhabitant to escape higher, to the hills in a short time. This also explains the presence of two exits in the houses: a front one and a rear one that goes 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, covered with colorful houses and no less colorful boats.
Coat of arms of the city depicts the top of Mount Verugola (monte Verugola), the symbol of this place, and is described in heraldry like this: "Three mountains protruding above the sea with vine shoots on the sides and a crown on top." Each house, painted by the owner in a cheerful color, each peak of the mountain here is a pearl, a work of art, from which it is difficult to look away.
What to see in Riomaggiore
Church of Saint GiovanniBatista(Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista) of the first half of the 14th century. also located on a dais. It is a mixture of Romanesque and Neo-Gothic architecture. Inside are such masterpieces as the triptych of the Antelem school, a wooden crucifix by Anton Maria Maragliano and a canvas by Domenico Fiasella, an artist from Sarzana.
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 in , Temple of Nostra Signora della Salute to 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 rest of the temples, it can be reached along a narrow path among terraces on the hillsides. The view from a small area is beyond words.
In the south of the city, it is worth paying attention to other architectural monuments, for example, Watchtower(Torre Guardiola), which houses the botanical garden. Natural attractions are also interesting, like Cape Montenero(Punta di Montenero), suitable for diving enthusiasts.
After walks and excursions, you want to eat deliciously, and in meeting this need it is not inferior to other Italian cities. Energize 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.
The Ligurian coast, which is located in the northwest of the Italian province of La Spezia, is decorated with an unusually beautiful rainbow town called Riomaggiore. It is part of the Five Lands National Park, belonging to the Cinque Terre. The park itself is famous throughout Europe and the world. There are many man-made terraces here, and the main attractions are the five arched rocks. They are painted in bright colors, and underneath are residential settlements. Everything here is created to make the tourist feel comfortable. Many walking paths along the coast, and of course, unforgettable beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent.
One of the hiking trails leads from the town of Riomaggiore to the village of Manarola. This trail has a very romantic name "The Road of Love". On the territory of the Five Lands park, you can observe a sufficient number of castles, unusual architectural structures and monuments. But the beaches on the Cinque Terre are not entirely accessible, although they are considered one of the best in Italy. They are not easy to reach. However, if you succeed in doing this, then there will be no limit to happiness.
In the town of Riomaggiore, everything will remind you of medieval times. Walk along narrow streets, go up and down the unusually beautiful stone stairs. Somewhere in the distance, national music will be heard. This is all very fascinating and interesting. The cliffs are dotted with houses. Despite the fact that it looks a little scary in appearance, the locals are quite comfortable here. Houses of different colors hang one above the other. There are many buildings here, among which there are architectural structures dating back to the 13th century.
This city is very easy to distinguish from the “other Italy”. Everything is done here, with some sophistication. The city began to be built back in the Middle Ages, and the successors simply decided to support the tradition and architecture, without introducing modern notes here. Turquoise sea and blue sky only complement Riomaggiore. The sun floods the houses with its rays, and the city always seems bright and cheerful, even on the darkest days. Perhaps this is facilitated by the color of the facades of the houses in its own specific color. The narrow streets can only be walked on foot. And in general, for a long time it has been forbidden to drive a car here. It is not difficult, it is practically unrealistic.
The main street in Riomaggiore is Via Colombo. While in the city, it is best to start your journey from here. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and souvenir shops here.
Riomaggiore cuisine
The local cuisine is very diverse and sophisticated, but first of all, one should pay attention to the wines of various varieties. It is this drink that is famous not only for the city, but for the whole of Italy. Here, numerous winemakers will be able to offer you to taste this divine drink. The secret of making wines here is considered the strictest secret, thanks to this, from time immemorial, Italy is considered the main wine-making country. But the branded liqueur called "Sciacchetra" will radically change your perception of wine. You will never be able to taste this wonderful drink anywhere else. Liqueur is made from a blend of numerous varieties of wines.
Attractions Riomaggiore
Castle Castello di Riomaggiore was erected on Mount Cerrico when the Saracen invasion was in the city. In 1260, the Marquis Turcotti took over its construction. However, the fortress was built until the 16th century. Defensive structures and walls were gradually being completed in it. Numerous travelers and tourists come to visit this landmark of the city. And thanks to the observation deck at the castle, you can admire the unusually beautiful views of Italy.
The hills of the Cinque Terre are another of the attractions of Riomaggiore. They are connected by numerous paths and settlements. Here you can often meet people from all over the world. As mentioned above, there are many unusually beautiful trails here. The main one is the Azure Trail, walking along which you can admire the coast of the city and the views that open before the eyes of the tourist. You can get from Riomaggiore to Manarola by following the Path of Love. It runs between rocks along an unusual and beautiful area. There are two more trails: Corniglia - Vernazza and Vernazza - Monteresso - these are two more unforgettable paths through the most beautiful places in Italy. Each of the trails is no more than 4 km in length.
Climate in Riomaggiore
The climate in Riomaggiore is moderate and mild. It is always warm and clear here. Due to the rocky coastline, the north winds do not enter the city. In winter, the average temperature in the city is kept at around 12⁰ C. In summer, the average temperature is 30 degrees. Rains in Riomaggiore are quite rare, but they do happen. Most often it rains in spring or autumn. The tourist season starts from late March to early November. But the swimming season here begins in May.
How to get to Riomaggiore
From the train stations of Pisa and Genoa, which are very close to Riomaggiore, you can take trains to La Spezia, which is located very close to the city. Travel time will take no more than 10 minutes. This method is used by a large number of tourists. Basically, these are those who have a lot of things and bags on their hands.
Many tourists come to the city in rented cars. You should drive to La Spezia and then follow the coast along the SS 370 along the coast. There, following the signs, you can easily find Riomaggiore. Car rental can be booked in the nearby towns of Pisa or Genoa. Van must have an identity card with you, your driving license and age must be at least 21 years old.
The most popular form of transport for tourists is mountain biking. It takes you to the pier of Lerici in Portovenere, from where you can continue your journey directly to the town of Riomaggiore. This way of getting around will open up many unique places for you along the way. You can enjoy the purest mountain air. Also, the most beautiful landscapes, past which you will drive, will stick in your memory for a very long time.
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Riomaggiore began to be built eight centuries ago. The village is famous for its fishing and wine business. The small beach is conveniently located on the seaside.
The town of Riomaggiorre, which nestles on rocky slopes like swallows' nests, can be reached along ancient mountain paths. The roadsides are planted with olive groves, lush scented gardens and lovingly tended vineyards. The trail offers a delightful view of the embankment.
From Riomaggiore you can walk to the neighboring commune along the romantic Road of Love.
Unfortunately, the settlements are isolated from the roadway. It is forbidden to enter the territory of the commune. In the old days, Riomaggiore was an impregnable fortress for pirates. The stepped system, according to which the city is designed, decorates it, but also makes life dangerous: multi-storey buildings threaten to fall into the canyon.
The unusually bright, variegated color of the facades is pleasantly striking. At first it seems that these are only artistic quirks of the inhabitants, but this is not so. Riomaggiore never had its own lighthouse and the ship at sea was guided by walls and turrets of bright colors. There is no hotel in Riomaggiore where you can spend your nights comfortably and stay longer for walking along the city streets. But there is a private sector, thanks to which there is an opportunity to live in seclusion from the hustle and bustle of hotels. You can rent an apartment or a room in the city by visiting one of the offices of the real estate bureau on the central street of the city.
Riomaggiore is especially beautiful at sunset, when you can see the bright house lights and streetlights illuminating the pavement and beach. Creates a romantic setting, enveloping and taking you into dreams. At such moments, great works of art are created by photographers, artists and poets.
One of the first to come to the city, among the artists, was Telemaco Signorini. And he did not remain indifferent, he was attracted by the local views, like any tourist in our century: he spent seven years in the city every sunny summer, managed to capture many corners of Riomaggiore on canvas. The main street leading to the church from the station is named after him.
Find their inspiration in Riomaggiore and architects. A graceful Gothic church was built in the city several centuries ago, but only the window rosette remains to this day.
In Riomaggiore, it is useful to spend relaxation for all family members, a friendly campaign, a love couple, or just watching the play of colors alone and dreaming about something of your own at the sunset of the day on the beach will be very appropriate.
Find their inspiration in Riomaggiore and architects. A graceful Gothic church was built in the city several centuries ago, but only the window rosette has remained to this day.
Several streets running down to the sea, old houses painted in bright colors, a medieval church, restaurants, shops and cafes. There are not even cars here.
Founded in the thirteenth century by the Greeks who fled from oppression, the town resembles 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.
A cozy place is completely focused on tourists who make the trip. Despite its tiny size, there is a full-fledged tourist infrastructure.
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 place to swim here, in the town there are only a couple of small rocky ones and another one is located in a neighboring village.
There is a small yacht marina next to the beach. is popular, since the water area allows and a stunning view of the Ligurian coast opens from the board.
Riomaggiore and its surroundings are just perfect for walking contemplative walks. The stone-paved Via Colombo is a place for a tourist promenade and shopping, shops and cozy restaurants are concentrated here.
The street, named after the artist Telemaco Signorini, who painted the city, begins near the train station and along it you can come to the old church of San Giovanni Battista. The architectural landmarks of the town include almost all the tower houses with their small windows and graceful balconies, the oratorium built in the 16th century, the Flagellants' chapel and the snow-white church of St. John the Baptist.
The last architectural landmark is the Riomaggiore castle towering over 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. Over the centuries, the need for it disappeared, and the abandoned castle began to gradually collapse.
Now tourists can climb the Cericco hill and see the remains of the fortress wall and two donjons. In addition, the hill offers stunning views of the city, rocks 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 walking is the Path of Love, which runs along the sea coast, which sounds like Via del Amore in Italian. You can walk along it from Riomaggiore to the village of Manarola, admiring the coast, sea and rocks.
You will have to pay for the walk, the funds go to the maintenance and repair of the road. At one time, local authorities banned the use of the trail, but after strengthening the dangerous sections, the attraction again became available to tourists.
A legend about the local Romeo and Juliet, who lived in the feuding Riomaggiore and Manarola, is associated with this trail. There was a source of drinking water only near one settlement, and the inhabitants of the other took water secretly. The young people met near the spring, fell in love and began to go on dates in the rocks between the settlements.
The girl became pregnant, her relatives decided to kill the alien seducer. The lovers, fleeing the persecution of their relatives, met on the rocks and accidentally slipped into the abyss of the sea. Saddened relatives made peace with their neighbors, and together they paved a convenient walking path through the coastal cliffs.
A glass of wine with a fish in Ligurian style
After long walks in the fresh Mediterranean air, you want to relax and eat something delicious. The main diet of the inhabitants of Riomaggiore 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.
There seems to be some special kind of olive growing in the sun-drenched hills, so the olive oil is delicious here. And the restaurants serve a local dish - fish in Ligurian style, accompanied by a glass of local dry wine "Cinque Terre", the pride of local winemakers. But for dessert, the sweet liqueur "Skiaketra" made in Riomaggioro will be appropriate.
The technology of wine and liqueur production is a big secret that has been passed down only to members of the family of winemakers for centuries. It is only known that the unusual taste of the liqueur is achieved by blending different varieties of grapes.
You can see the ancient olive groves and grape plantations by going up the ancient mountain paths to the terraces. From below, they seem to be large green waves hanging over the town. And from above, the town looks like a small bright spot. And there are also a lot of bright wild flowers, 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.
