CInque Terre Architecture
Guide to Historic Architecture in Cinque Terre
We spent two weeks in Cinque Terre researching the historic architecture. We’ve summarized the information we collected so you can start enjoying these sights as soon as you arrive!
Significantly, the marinas in the old fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza highlight Cinque Terre architecture. However, many churches in the Cinque Terre villages were initially built in the 14th century and are well worth a visit. A reward of some kind is waiting at the end of every hike!
If you’re interested in a walking tour of the best architecture, check out our article, “15 Best Things to See in Cinque Terre.”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Riomaggiore Architecture
Coming from La Spezia in the south, the first town of the Cinque Terre you come to is Riomaggiore. The old fishing village has the typical stepped structure, with steep walls and small valley bottom. The main street was built over the Rio Maggiore (Rivus Maior), the stream which gave the town its name.
Marina di Riomaggiore
A tunnel under the train tracks separates the lower marina from the upper main street through town.
The narrow tunnel and small marina can get crowded during the high season. The upper main street is a little wider and can better accommodate the visiting hikers and tourists.

Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Church of San Giovanni Battista is located in the upper part of the village.
- Style: originally Romanesque; restoration Gothic and neo-Gothic
- Built: originally 1340; restored 1870 to 1871
- Address: Via Pecunia, 47, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
The stone-walled façade still includes the original fourteenth-century rose window in white Carrara marble and the two entrances.
L'Oratorio di Sant Maria Assunta
- Built: 16th century
- Address: Via Colombo, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
Castello di Riomaggiore
aka Castellazzo di Cerricò
- Built: originally 1260; additions 15th and 16th centuries
- Address: 19017 Riomaggiore, Province of La Spezia, Italy

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero
Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero
- Built: originally 1335; renovated 1740 and 1847
- Address: 19017 Riomaggiore, Province of La Spezia, Italy
Via Dell'Amore
The famous Via dell’amore connects Riomaggiore and Manarola. This one-kilometer trail offers a stunning view of the coastline from a different perspective. Unfortunately, the path is currently closed due to falling rocks.
Manarola Architecture
Manarola, the second-smallest of the Cinque Terre towns with a population of 353, is perched atop a dark rock with its small port below surrounded by two rocky outcrops. Like Riomaggiore, Manarola was built around a small, now covered, stream flowing from the hills above to the sea below.

Manarola Marina
- Address: 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
Church of San Lorenzo
- Style: Ligurian Gothic
- Built: 1338
- Address: Via Rocca, 17, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
The façade includes a Carrara marble rose window from 1375.
Torre Campanaria
- Address: Chiesa di San Lorenzo, Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV, 12, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy
Mill with Wheel
The Cinque Terre National Park has restored the ancient mill and water wheel along the main street.
According to some sources, the name Manarola derives from the term for a large water mill wheel (magna rota) which was present when the village was founded.
Corniglia Architecture
Corniglia differs significantly from the other villages of the Cinque Terre due to its location high above the sea.
Church of San Pietro
The Church of San Pietro is located in the upper part of the small town.
- Architect: Matteo and Pietro di Campiglio
- Style: Gothic-Ligurian
- Built: 1334 – 1351
- Address: Via Fieschi, 19, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy
Vernazza Architecture
Vernazza is the only natural port of the Cinque Terre. Like others in Cinque Terre, the village was built along a stream, the Vernazzola, that runs down from the slopes above. The stream, of course, is now covered over.
Port of Vernazza
- Address: Via Visconti, 32, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy
Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
aka Chiesa di Vernazza
- Style: Romanesque
- Built: before 1318
- Address: Via G M Pensa, 5, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy
Castello Doria
The Castello Doria aka Castle of Vernazza and the tower that stands approximately 70 meters above the sea is the symbol of the town.
- Built: before 13th century
- Address: 19018 Vernazza, SP, Italy

Chapel of Santa Marta
- Address: 30 Via Agostino del Santo, 19018 Vernazza, Italy
Monterosso Architecture
The old town of Monterosso is located on the hill of San Cristoforo, which separates the village into two parts. This older part, called Monterosso Vecchia, has remained mostly intact and has similar characteristics to the other Cinque Terre towns. The new part is located in the valley along the banks of the Branco stream (now covered). The two districts together form the largest town of the Cinque Terre.
Church of San Francesco and the Capuchin Friars Monastery
The Church of San Francesco and the Capuchin Convent (Convento dei Cappuccini e Chiesa di San Francesco) are located on the hill of San Cristoforo.
- Built: starting 1618
- Address: Salita dei Cappuccini, 20, 19016 Monterosso al mare SP, Italy
Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Church of San Giovanni Battista is located in the old part of the town, among other historic buildings.
- Style: Genoese Gothic
- Built: 13th and 14th centuries
- Address: Via Roma, 12, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy

Fegina and The Giant of Villa Pastine
The ruins of Il Gigante di Villa Pastine are located at the west end of the public beach (Fegina).
- Architect: Arrigo Minerbi
- Year Built: 1910
- Address: Via Fegina 138, 19016 Monterosso al Mare, Italy
Aurora Tower
The Genovese built the Aurora Tower during the 16th century as part of the local defensive system against attacks by pirates.
Volastra Architecture
Volastra is a small village located on the hillside above Manarola. The terraces of the vineyards near Volastra form a lookout high about sea level. It’s a great resting place with spectacular views on the hike from Riomaggiore to Corniglia.

Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute
- Style: Romanesque with later Gothic elements
- Year Built: 12th century
- Address: Via N.S. della Salute, 19017 Volastra SP
Portovenere Architecture
Portovenere aka Porto Venere is located to the south of Riomaggiore. It’s not technically part of the Cinque Terre, but it’s a short ferry ride away and well worth a visit.
Church of San Pietro
- Style: Gothic
- Built: opened 1198; renovated 1256 and 1277; restored 1931 to 1935
- Address: Piazza Lazzaro Spallanzani, 19025 Portovenere SP
Church of San Lorenzo
- Style: Romanesque
- Built: originally 1098; restored 1494 and 1582
- Address: Vicolo dell’Oratorio, 6, 19025 Portovenere SP
A fire damaged the church in 1340. Then, in 1494, the church was partially destroyed by an invasion of the Aragonese.

Porta del Borgo
- Address: Salita al Castello, 1 Salita al Castello n4, 19025 Portovenere SP
Doria Castle
Castello Doria di Porto Venere
- Built: prior to 1139; rebuilt 1161; reconstruction from 15th to 17th century
- Address: Via dei Mulini, 19025 Portovenere SP

Forte del Muzzerone
- Built: 1880
- Address: 19025 Porto Venere, Province of La Spezia, Italy
Levanto Architecture
Although it is not part of the Cinque Terre, Levanto is connected to the villages by a very short train ride (approximately 10 minutes from Monterosso). The Cinque Terre Express runs every 15 minutes with stops in Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and La Spezia.
If you are visiting the area for an extended stay, it would be prudent to consider staying in Levanto for many reasons, including the cost and convenience of well-stocked grocery stores. If we return, this is almost certainly where we will stay.

Port of Levanto

St. Andrew's Church
- Style: Gothic
- Built: 1222; consecrated 1463
- Address: Piazza S Andrea, 19015 Levanto SP
Castello San Giorgio
aka Castello di Levanto
- Built: second half of 16th century
- Address: Via Domenico Grillo, 10, 19015 Levanto SP

Villa Pallastrelli
- Address: Via Gaetano Semenza, 5, 19015 Levanto SP
Things to Know About Cinque Terre Architecture
UNESCO World Heritage Site and Its Significance in Protecting Cinque Terre's Architecture
Cinque Terre is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing its outstanding universal value. This recognition highlights the importance of preserving the unique architectural heritage of the region. By being part of this prestigious list, Cinque Terre receives global recognition for its historical significance and prompts sustainable development practices to safeguard its iconic buildings and landscapes. UNESCO’s involvement helps raise awareness about the need to protect and conserve the architectural treasures of Cinque Terre for future generations.
Environmental Sustainability in Cinque Terre Architecture
The architecture in Cinque Terre reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability. Amidst the stunning landscapes and cliffside vineyards, the local communities prioritize sustainable development. Efforts are made to preserve the historic buildings while adapting to modern challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. This delicate balance between heritage conservation and eco-conscious practices contributes to the region’s outstanding universal value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maintaining this equilibrium ensures the preservation of Cinque Terre’s unique architectural charm for future generations.
Community Resilience and Architectural Conservation
Community resilience is integral to the conservation of Cinque Terre’s historic architecture. The local communities have shown remarkable strength in preserving their medieval castles and cliffside vineyards despite natural disasters and climate change threats. Through sustainable tourism practices and a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, the villages of Cinque Terre continue to safeguard their rich architectural heritage for future generations. This collective effort highlights the outstanding universal value of the region’s unique architecture and reinforces the significance of community engagement in architectural conservation.
City Tours in Cinque Terre
Want to learn about local history during your Cinque Terre stay? Book a highly-rated city tour!
FAQs About Cinque Terre Architecture
What and where is the Cinque Terre?
The Cinque Terre is a string of five picturesque towns located along the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. The towns, which are named Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, are known for their colorful buildings, narrow streets, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The area is popular with tourists for its scenic hiking trails that connect the towns and provide breathtaking views of the coastline. Visitors can also enjoy local seafood dishes and wines while taking in the beauty of this unique destination. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to add the Cinque Terre to your list of must-see destinations!
Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?
The villages of Cinque Terre form a famous and picturesque region of coastline in Italy that features colorful houses built on steep cliffs above the sea, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists every year. Whether or not it is worth visiting depends on your personal interests and preferences for travel destinations. If you enjoy natural beauty, outdoor activities, and Italian culture, then Cinque Terre may be a great destination for you to explore.
What Is So Special About Cinque Terre?
In 1997, UNESCO noted the following when recognizing Cinque Terre as a World Heritage site:
“a remarkable cultural landscape created by human endeavor over a millennium in a rugged and dramatic natural environment. It represents the harmonious interaction between people and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality.”
How old are the buildings in Cinque Terre?
The buildings in Cinque Terre date back several centuries, with some structures dating as far back as the 13th century. The architecture in Cinque Terre reflects a rich history and cultural heritage, showcasing a blend of medieval and colorful coastal buildings that have stood the test of time. Each building tells a story of the region’s past and contributes to the unique charm and character of Cinque Terre.
Where are the colorful houses in Cinque Terre?
The colorful houses in Cinque Terre are located in the five villages that make up the region: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each of these villages has its own unique charm and character, with brightly colored houses lining the steep hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The vibrant hues of the buildings are thought to have originated from a tradition of fishermen painting their homes bright colors so they could easily spot them from the sea. Today, the colorful houses have become a hallmark of Cinque Terre’s picturesque landscape and draw visitors from around the world to explore this beautiful and historic region.
What Are the Houses In Cinque Terre Made Of?
The houses in Cinque Terre are made from slabs of “Ardesia,” a stone from the quarries in the valley behind the village of Lavagna. The stone is used throughout the region, but especially in the seaside towns of Cinque Terre.