Manarola, Italy: attractions, description, history and reviews. A piece of sunny Italy: Manarola Manarola Italy how to get there

– one of the most exciting and daring towns, the oldest of the (Five Lands). With a breakwater approaching the sea at a height of 70 m, with typical houses-turrets in the Genoese style, forming a multi-colored beehive, with narrow streets with a touch of sea salt on them. Founded in the 12th century, it most likely takes its name from the mill wheel.

Manarola has a long history of producing wine and olive oil from plantations in the hills. This area is famous for its dry white wine, Sciacquetra, and the town even has a museum dedicated to the wine. The most scenic way to get to Manarola is to take a path through breathtaking scenery (Road of Love). Inhaling the aromas of Mediterranean vegetation, enjoying the sun and listening to the monotonous sound of the sea. This will take you to Riomaggiore, its commune belongs to.

Geographically, the town is located on East Coast and as part of the Five Lands since 1997 included in the list world heritage UNESCO and since 1999 – part of the same name national park. The coast here is characterized by hills on which grapes and olives grow, as well as a few paths that pass directly above the sea.

Manarola wine, Sciacquetra– one of the most beloved in Liguria, it is synonymous with the Cinque Terres, as it is produced only here. You can see the typical tower houses with roof terraces called cassola: this is where every year in September, after the grape harvest, people go to “relax” in the shade. The result is an aged, golden-colored wine that can be recommended even to a gourmet.

The history of the city is not much different from the history of other cities from the Five Lands, under pressure from two maritime republics- Genoa and Pisa. However, history and nature have done their best: today a truly idealistic landscape opens up before us. Some researchers believe that the name of the city comes from the name of one of the local pagan deities, others - from the mill wheel.

History of Manarola

As for the history of the region, there is one interesting fact: in Volastra, an ancient Etruscan settlement, one of the temples of the Five Lands is located. This Temple of the Madonna della Salute(Santuario della Madonna della Salute), small romanesque church 12th century, stone, with one rectangular nave.

The temple belongs to the parish Church of Saint Lorenzo in (Place Innocent IV) 1338. The similarity of these two churches is striking, but the latter building is distinguished by the presence of a large round window in the shape of a rose on the facade. Another interesting one architectural monument V - Castle on Via Baluardo(Castello di via del Baluardo), built to protect against the Saracens.

Like other coastal cities in the region, Manarola is distinguished by the harmonious proximity of man and nature. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly notice a boat parked on the street - this is a fairly common occurrence, a kind of tradition.

Among the most popular tourist routes –Road of Love, connecting Manarola and Riomaggiore, part of the great Blue Route (Sentiero Azzurro) leading to Monterosso. On this path you will fully enjoy the unique views of local nature, the beauty of agaves, palm trees, mastic trees, and pine trees.

Also known for organizing the largest nativity scene in the world. Christmas in the Five Lands is a unique spectacle: throughout December and early January, the city turns into a giant nativity scene with many lights. The author of the idea, as well as the designer of the nativity scene, is Mario Andreoli. For a long time, this city dweller has been placing the characters of the Parish and thousands of lanterns on the slopes of the hill. In addition to Christmas, the city is worth visiting at Easter or in August - for traditional holiday patron Saint Lorenzo of .

Manarola is a small fishing town in Liguria, in northern Italy. The city is located on a cliff overhanging the wild coastline Ligurian Sea. It is one of five cities that make up the Italian Riviera, known as the Cinque Terre. These towns are connected by a pedestrian path: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore

Manarola is the oldest and one of the smallest cities of the famous Terre Five. In the center of the town is the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338. In the western part there is a small harbor, and in the east there is a square where local residents often gather to discuss any important issues. Like many other places in this part of Italy, there are vineyards everywhere, from which excellent wine is made

There is a boat anchorage in Manarola's tiny harbor. A magnificent picture is formed by picturesque multi-colored houses built right on the slopes of the rock above the gorge. Somewhat reminiscent of the colorful unusual buildings of the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Even though there is no beach here, it is a good place for scuba diving and exploration of caves and rock crevices. A special staircase was built to descend to the water

The main industry here is traditionally fishing and winemaking. Even during the Roman Empire, the local wine was valued for its excellent taste. Recently, Manarola and other towns on the Riviera have also become very popular with tourists, especially during the summer months. The main attraction here is the aforementioned trail connecting all five cities. It is sometimes called the path of love

In Europe there are a lot of small, cozy, and very beautiful towns. For example,

Manarola - small locality V northern Italy, province of La Spezia. They call it a village sea village, a city, is home to only about 850 people. There are several versions why the village is called this way. According to one, the settlement was named in honor of the god Mani, the patron saint of home comfort; according to another, the name was given by a huge mill wheel.

Manarola is one of five villages of the Italian Riviera, united by the common name “Five Lands” or Cinque Terre. In addition to Manarola, it includes Vernazza, Corniglia, Monterosso and Riomaggiore.

Italy-Manarola

The settlement is located 70 meters above sea level on a high rocky cliff overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Looking at it, you get the feeling that houses and buildings hang directly over the sea. A distinctive feature of the villages of Cinque Terre is their colorful coloring. Tourists are invited to observe observation deck above sunset, when the pink-painted houses turn scarlet or orange, and the sea turns golden. No house is the same color as another; at least some of it will be different. All the streets go uphill, they are very narrow and winding. Only in the 20th century did houses become colorful. Before that they were all the same gray color.
From the beginning of this century, tourism began to develop in the Cinque Terre area: hotels, restaurants, bars began to open, things got better transport connection between villages.

Due to their inaccessibility, the towns of the Pentangle have retained their medieval appearance.

Manarola - Italy - attractions

The most interesting and notable places Manarola is hiking trails varying levels of difficulty, tiny coves, numerous vineyards and of course the Church of San Lorenzo.

Hiking trails

All settlements of the Five Lands Park are connected by paths, which are used by both local residents and numerous tourists.

The 12 km long azure trail connects all five villages of the Five Lands. It is the most visited by tourists and the easiest to overcome. The road often has to be closed for repairs after heavy autumn rains wash it out. The trail was made toll to raise money for its reconstruction. The cost of passage is 5-7 euros.

The path or road of love connects Manarola with Riomaggiore and is the shortest. Its length is only 900 meters. According to legend, lovers met on this path: a girl from Riomaggiore and a young man from Manara. At that time, the villages were at enmity with each other and the meetings of the young people were secret. But one day an accident happened and they fell off a high cliff. When the bodies were discovered, the village residents were ashamed of their enmity and made peace. And a touching monument to lovers was erected on the trail. Part of the trail is closed until 2018, only half is open.

Another section connects Manarola with train station in Corniglia. The trail runs very close to the sea. It starts at a level of 6 meters from the sea, then there is a 55 meter ascent and descent. Its length is 2 km.

Manarola and Riomaggiore are also connected by Via Beccara. This is a one and a half kilometer road, rapidly gaining altitude. To pass it you will have to rise 250 m above sea level and overcome 600 steps.

The journey from Manarola to Volastra takes half an hour, but it is a constant climb to the top. You will have to overcome 1200 steps and climb 667 meters. It is believed that it was the inhabitants of the tiny village of Volastra who once founded Manarola.

Many paths intersect with each other, in some areas they connect with each other and diverge again.
Electric trains constantly scurry between the five towns. Travel time is no more than 3 minutes. The price of a day pass is 10 euros.

Other popular attractions

On the way to Volastra there is a temple of the Virgin of Health, dating back to the 10th century. It was originally built in the Romanesque style, but in different historical times underwent restructuring, and now its style is classified as Gothic. From the outside, the temple does not differ in anything noticeable and seems small, but inside, due to the cylindrical dome, it visually appears huge. The temple is decorated with an image of the Madonna dating back to XIV century and very revered by the locals.

During the Christmas holidays, the world's largest Nativity scene (Presepe in Italian) is installed in Manarola, reconstructing the events of the night when Jesus was born. In 2007, the structure consisted of 300 life-size figures, illuminated by 15 thousand light bulbs, and entered the Guinness Book of Records. Every year Presepe is renovated and inaugurated on December 8th. The nativity scene remains open to the public until the end of January. During this period, there is practically not a single free hotel room left in the city. Tourists book months in advance to see this spectacle.

The Church of St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo) was built in 1338. Every year on August 10, the people of Manarol hold a festival in honor of the patron saint of the city, Lorenzo. The three-nave church is very modest in appearance and has one entrance. It is decorated with a relief depicting the martyrdom of St. Lawrence.

Near Manarola is the village of Groppo, famous for its winery, where tourists are offered to taste the best wines of the region. The entire area around the city is occupied by vineyards. After all, the main occupation local residents- viticulture and fishing. Locals and tourists are very fond of Cinque Terre and Shaketra wines. There is even a museum dedicated to the latter, where you can learn about making liqueur wine, try it and buy it.

Punta Bonfiglio is a terrace located in the very high point Manarola. It offers a beautiful view of the entire city. One of the many hiking trails runs through the terrace.

Restaurants, hotels, recreation areas of Manarola

There are no hotels familiar to tourists in the village. You can stay in guest houses, most of which offer only a couple of rooms. The price category is different.

Manarola is famous for its restaurants and the ability of local chefs to prepare signature seafood pasta. The most popular restaurants among tourists are Trattoria dal Billy and Trattoria La Scogliera.

Tourist life is centered around one main street in Manarola.

There are no specially paved beaches here; the shores are mostly rocky. Those who want to swim jump into the water directly from the rocks. Manarola attracts lovers of caves and diving. Scuba diving areas are sheltered by rocks from winds and strong sea waves.

The bay of Manarola is very picturesque and is the only place where boats can be launched. For sea trips You can rent a boat in the bay. The service is available from 12 noon to 19:30.

How to get there

From the south of the country, for example, from Rome to Manarola you can only get a transfer in the city of La Spezia. In the north the closest Big City- Genoa. From here to Manarola it is 2 hours by train. The ticket price depends on the type of train and ranges from 8 to 13 euros.

Between everyone port cities Boats regularly ply the Cinque Terre.

There is a railway connection between the villages. Local buses running on environmentally friendly fuel run around the town.

Cars are prohibited from entering all cities in the park. You won’t find them on the streets, but almost every house has a boat “parked.” The road to Manarola is very narrow and winding with problem areas, so few people travel to this village by car. Since the path to the center is closed, there is a parking lot for 80 spaces at the entrance. The cost per hour is 2.5 euros.

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Manarola spread out on the rocks of an area called the Five Lands (Cinque Terre). Cars are prohibited from entering here (it is under UNESCO protection), so hiking– this is the best way to explore the village.

And since the local streets are quite steep, these hikes are also accompanied by health-improving exercises for the leg muscles :)

The village is located on the rocks and resembles a multi-colored multi-tiered cake.

Many houses have their own vegetable gardens. And on the rocks surrounding the village they grow grapes, from which they then make white table wine and the local pride - the sweet wine “Shaquetra”, from grapes withered on a bush under the hot sun.

On the streets you can even see the “grandfather” of winemaking machines :)

There are no fashionable restaurants in Manarola, but there are cozy bars, cafes and restaurants with delicious Italian cuisine and fresh seafood for every taste. Everything around is done at home and with soul.

And lemons, by the way, are also local - they grow on their own bushes and don’t bother anyone. And they don’t know that our domestic lemons grow differently - in plastic trays on supermarket shelves :)

The local habit of drying clothes right on the streets also adds to the Italian flavor of the village.

Blinds are almost always in use in the summer - everything is closed so as not to let the heat into the house. By the way, a very effective way to save yourself from excessively high degrees. And you say – air conditioning! ;)

And here is the sea itself. The water here is the purest. The Cinque Terre area is considered one of the most environmentally friendly in Italy. And for good reason.

There are no sandy beaches here, only rocks. You can go down into the water either from flat stones, or by diving, or (which is more humane ;)) from specially constructed ladders. Lying on the rocks, by the way, may not be as soft as lying on the sand, but there is something about it that makes you feel one with nature...

And this is the famous view of Manarola from below, from the cliffs. It was even immortalized in the Italian selection of desktop wallpapers for Windows 7 :) And yet, despite the increasing popularity of this village among tourists from all countries, here you can fully experience the leisurely flow of life and inhale the famous aroma of Italian sweet idleness.

From time to time, ships and boats approach Manarola. By boarding a boat, you can go on a trip to four neighboring villages (together they form the very Five Lands that gave the name to the area).