Cinque Terre

As Cinque Terre (Italian for five villages ) one about twelve kilometers long, air -privileged coastline of the Italian Riviera between Porto Roca and Punta di Monte Nero is northwest of La Spezia in the Liguria region designated. From northwest to southeast, the five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore line up along the steep coast.

The region has about 7000 inhabitants and is protected as a national park, in which nothing can be built or modified. In 1997, the Cinque Terre have been explained together with Porto Venere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography

Along the coast stretches a several hundred meters high, steeply sloping into the sea to part, gently rounded mountain range. The Cinque Terre consists of five small, steep road cuts, which open to the sea. In the valleys is ever one of the villages. Four of the five villages are situated directly on the waterfront. Only Corniglia sits on a rocky outcrop about 100 meters above the sea.

History

The oldest evidence of a Castro Venaccio from the year 1050 and a Monte Russo go back on gift certificates. The landscape structure underwent major changes during this time. Close to the sea terrace cultures were taken for viticulture. Today, built on the steep slopes patios must be kept permanently repaired to prevent slippage of entire slopes. Fishing and trade contributed to the development of closer relations between the coast and the hinterland. In the 12th century, the Republic of Genoa was a strategic fortress on the Punta San Pietro in the larger, neighboring Southern town of Porto Venere build. In 1209, the Republic took final possession of Vernazza. For most of its history shared the Cinque Terre with the Republic of Genoa.

Economy and infrastructure

Agriculture

The slopes above the villages are largely forested. The attached here wine and citrus fruits and olives were next to the fishing for centuries the livelihood of the inhabitants. The wine has also helped to create the unique cultural landscape with its vineyard terraces and dry stone walls and preserved.

Traffic

1874, the railway line was built from Genoa to La Spezia along the coast and each of the five villages got its own railway station. Outside the train stations, the route is almost entirely in tunnels. The exit is still the most important connection between themselves and the surrounding areas, because only Riomaggiore and Manarola are the well-maintained state road 370 to reach the Litorânea della Cinque Terre. Originally, this road would result in up to their construction isolated lying region to connect with the city of La Spezia and the tourist center of Sestri Levante. After protests by locals, the construction was eventually set. So the other villages remain accessible only by train or very time-consuming, winding and steep roads.

Tourism

There are also many Cinque Terre at least since the appointment of a UNESCO World Heritage Site no longer. From spring to autumn stream tons of tourists and the train in the region. The train ride itself is an attraction, as it traverses the region in an impressive tunnel route to the sea - with frequent views of the water - and in all five villages and keeps in the neighboring beach resorts. Thus, tourism is at the present time, the main source of income of the residents dar. But there is a small piece of beach just in Monterosso al Mare, the beach mass tourism is difficult to gain a foothold in the small villages. Most are day-trippers ( " sightseeing tourism" ) and hikers.

In addition to the villages themselves is in fact the trail Via dell'Amore that connects the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola along the coast in moderate altitude, the biggest attraction. Scenic, charming is the subsequent long-distance trail from Manarola Corniglia and Vernazza over to Monterosso. Here you walk on narrow paths through the vineyards and olive groves. Sturdy footwear is mandatory, while you can go into the Via dell'Amore comfortable with sandals. The section between Riomaggiore and Corniglia (above Manarola ) is currently closed due to work on the track and is only reopened in 2014 for hikers and walkers.

Also recommended is a walk of Riomaggore to the south larger Porto Venere. This walk takes you from the " Cinque Terre " out, but remains in the National Park.

Paying is now - in the sense of a ticket - the entire trail through the National Park. There are different control stations. A day ticket costs 6.00 euros. For 12.00 euros you can share a bus and train as required. There are also multi-day tickets.