Vernazza is the village that makes you fall in love. For many, it is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cinque Terre, famous worldwide for its atmosphere and considered a jewel between sea and rock. It is the fourth village of the Cinque Terre, starting from La Spezia. The
colorful and perched houses, the ups and downs of the "caruggi," the goiters that swing in the water in front of the small beach: once you have visited Vernazza, you will be hopelessly in love with it.
The appearance is that of a fortified village, noble and elegant, perched on the slopes of a rocky spur, where steep and very narrow alleys lead down to the marina. It was built by the Genoese in the year 1000 as a place of defense, and the typical tower houses, the Torrione and the Doria Castle recall its ancient origins.
The first impact on the country is enchanting. The green of the vineyards, the medieval facade of the church of S. Margherita di Antiochia, the square with the restaurant tables, the houses with the typical Ligurian colors, and the artisan shops in the narrow alleys give Vernazza an atmosphere halfway between the traditional and the fairytale.
The town's symbol is the Belforte tower of the Doria Castle: from here and from the terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the town and the coast up to nearby Monterosso.
Another suggestive place is the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna: the square in front of the church is ideal for resting in the shade of oak trees in front of the exciting view of Vernazza from above.
The Cinque Terre e, the Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto islands are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Just think that these areas, which remained isolated until the end of the 19th century, today have to deal with essential tourist flows that exceed 3 million visitors every year.
To reach Vernazza, I recommend parking your car comfortably in La Spezia, the station car park, and quickly arriving at these beautiful areas by train.
For some, Vernazza is the most evocative village of the Cinque Terre, so much so that in 2013 the New York Times named it one of the 46 places to visit absolutely.
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