Perched amid some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery on Earth, the five ingeniously built fishing villages of Cinque Terre are a tonic for even the most travel-weary soul. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Cinque Terre may no longer be the untouched paradise it once was — but honestly, that hardly matters. Winding footpaths cling to sheer cliffs, offering stunning vistas, while a 19th-century railway—carved through a series of seaside tunnels—eases travel between the villages. Fortunately, cars have been banned here for over a decade, preserving the region’s timeless charm.
This small piazza is anchored by a striking bell tower, once used as a defensive lookout. Directly opposite stands the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, dating back to 1338 and home to a 15th-century polyptych. For those up for a steep climb, a path from nearby Via Rollandi winds through terraced vineyards to the mountain summit.
You can reach the piazza by heading uphill along Via Discovolo—a walk of about 10 minutes from the waterfront.
The oldest surviving fortification in the Cinque Terre, this castle offers sweeping views of the coastline. Dating back to around the year 1000, much of it now lies in ruin—except for the distinctive circular tower that still stands at the center of the esplanade. To reach it, follow the steep, narrow staircase leading up from the harbour.
The waterfront is graced by a small Ligurian-Gothic church, built in 1318 on a seafront promontory where an earlier 11th-century Romanesque structure once stood. According to legend, the church was founded after a box containing the bones of St Margaret washed ashore on a nearby beach. One of its most distinctive features is a 40-meter-tall octagonal tower crowned with a dome.
Inside, the church houses several 17th-century paintings and a wooden crucifix attributed to Anton Maria Maragliano. The views through its narrow arched windows are truly exceptional.
Located in the upper part of town, this striking church was originally founded in 1340 but underwent a renovation in 1870 that added a neo-Gothic façade. Despite the facelift, several 14th-century features remain, including a rose window crafted from Carrara marble and side entrances adorned with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic carvings. Inside, the church houses a wooden crucifix carved by Anton Maria Maragliano and a 15th-century triptych depicting the Madonna and Child with Saints Rocco and Sebastiano.
One of the oldest churches in the Cinque Terre, San Giovanni Battista features a distinctive striped façade dating back to 1307. Its Ligurian-Gothic design combines white and dark green marble, highlighted by a large rose window with delicate, lace-like detailing. Above the entrance, a fresco of John the Baptist adds a historic touch.
On the side of the building, two plaques mark the high-water levels from the floods of 1966 and 2011. Inside, photographs document the extensive damage caused by the October 2011 flood.
Near the entrance to the village stands a small Gothic church dedicated to St Peter, which has occupied this site since at least the 14th century—likely built over an earlier 11th-century chapel. The grey stone façade is brightened by a delicate Carrara-marble rose window and a small statue of St Peter holding a key, flanked by two figures above the entrance.
Inside, the church is adorned with Baroque details, including an intricately crafted altarpiece and a collection of 18th-century paintings.
Built in 1338 in the Ligurian-Gothic style, the small stone church of San Lorenzo is known for its beautifully crafted triptychs, most notably a 14th-century piece above the altar depicting the Madonna and Child with Saints Catherine and Lawrence. Although the bas-relief of St Lawrence’s martyrdom above the entrance is no longer visible, a ceiling fresco inside the church portrays the saint holding the grill on which he was burned.
This small church once served as the seat of one of Monterosso’s two confraternities—secular associations devoted to charitable work—active from the 15th to 17th centuries. The Santa Croce group, identifiable by their white robes, cared for the sick and poor and operated a village hospital. The church features Baroque elements, including a richly painted mural above the altar. Near the organ at the back, a small model of a sailing ship appears to float in mid-air, adding a whimsical touch.
