With Cinque Terre’s only proper harbor, Vernazza has a long history as a fishing village. While there is a small beach, sightseeing is more common in this astoundingly beautiful cliffside town. Highlights include the 16th-century Belforte Tower (which offers incredible views of the area), the 11th-century Doria Castle and the 14th-century Santa Margherita d'Antiochia church. It involves a steep hike, but the shrine at Nostra Signora Di Reggio (Our Lady of Reggio) is well worth it.
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Places to See
In Vernazza, you will find the typical Italian piazza where the locals would gather to "gossip" or spend time together. In local dialect, it is known as "u cantu de musse", and is one of the more characteristic corners of town.
Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
The octagonal tower of 40 meters and the entrance, located in the apse side rather than in the facade side makes this church stand out for its exceptional simplicity and beauty and it also makes the choice for the brides in the area. St. Marguerite is the patron saint, and legend tells of a treasure chest containing the bones of her hand beached on the shore of Vernazza, lost and then found again the people of Vernazza saw it as a sign to build the church on the same spot where the bones were found.The church is mentioned for the first time 1318, however there is some debate as to its actual construction since the materials and mode of construction could place its origins earlier, some time in the 12th century. The Feast of Santa Margherita is the 20 of July where the town celebrates with a festival and fireworks.
Castello
The Doria castle contains one of the few of the original watch towers that protected Vernazza and its people during the reign of the Republic of Genoa.
The Sanctuary of our Lady of Regio
Located two kilometers above the train station, the sanctuary sits where is is once thought to be the site of the first town, before it moved closer to the coast. There is a path which you can follow to the 11th century sanctuary to view the Madonna di Reggio, a black-skinned Madonna which many call the "l'Africana." This image was apparently brought here to Vernazza at the time of the crusades, is venerated by many. The feast of the Madonna di Reggio is celebrated on the first of August.
City Walls and Convent
The Convent of the Reformed Fathers of St. Francis, is now the government headquarters in Vernazza. Nestled within the city walls it is possible to view a tower (once one of the city watch towers), a cloister and a church which is no longer in use. This exceptionally beautiful convent was newly restored bring to life 14 marble covered tombs with latin inscriptions underneath the church floor.
Beaches
There are two possible beaches in Vernazza. The first and easiest to get to is near the harbor, with a small sandy beach and another one (a bit larger) which can be reached from the main square of the city.
How to get here:
You can arrive by car if you have based your holidays in Tuscany or the Lunigiana area close to La Spezia, even if it is highly discouraged due to limited parking. Take the A12 and exit at Santo Stefano di Magra in direction La Spezia. Then follow signs for Portovenere, on the Litoranea. Use the exit for Corniglia. Access & parking is really reserved for residents only, Approximately one kilometer from town is a paid parking lot, where tourist may leave their cars
The best way to get to Vernazza is by taking the train from La Spezia or from Levanto. For more information about getting around in Cinque Terre read our article. From Vernazza you can head south to visit Corniglia or you can head north to visit Monterosso. Or you could take a ferry boat from Monterosso or Riomaggiore to appreciate the beauty of this town from the sea.
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