 Introduction
A 4.5 km (9 mile) footpath connects Monterosso with the Cinque Terre's other villages, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarolo. The portion of the hike that joins Monterosso with neighboring Vernazza, features the most difficult terrain. The five towns are also connected by the local train which runs along the Spezia-Genoa line.
Arrival Plane
The Cinque Terre is located between Pisa and Genoa, approximately 100 km from each city. Both Genoa's (GOA) “Aeroporto Di Genova”, and Pisa's “Pisa International Galileo Galilei Airport” are logical arrival point for international travelers. Both airports accommodate flights from around Italy, as well as many cities throughout Europe. Ryanair runs direct flights from London Stanstead to Genoa, and Lufthansa runs three daily flights out of Munich. To Pisa, Air France, Alitalia, and EasyJet operate daily flights from Paris. And several airlines fly direct from London.
Train
From Genoa, take the train to La Spezia, a one and a half hour ride. The journey from Pisa is slightly shorter. Trains from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre depart every hour. The journey takes 30 minutes. Local trains connect all five towns.
Car
Exit the A12/E80 motorway at Carrodano-Levanto, and follow the road to Monterosso, where you can park the car in an indoor garage. Most visitors park in La Spezia and take the train to Monterosso.
Boat
In summer, ferry boats connect all five villages, as well as nearby coastal towns.
History and Culture
In 1874, the railway line was constructed, linking La Spezia to Genoa, thus offering a chance for visitors to easily enter the region, and ending the Cinque Terre's virtual isolation.
In 1997 the five villages of the Cinque Terre became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Churches and Museums
Located in the main square of the old town, this church was constructed in the 1200s, in the Gothic-Genovese style. Its facade is comprised of alternating strips of green serpentine, and white marble. The bell tower dating from 1400 was built to help protect the city from attack. Inside, there is a fresco depicting the baptism of Christ. The church's baroque altar dates from the late 18th century.
The Oratorio'della Morte
The facade of this baroque structure reveals Spanish influence. Frescoes featuring themes of death, and a statue of Saint Anthony Abate, can be found inside.
The Oratorio'della Santa Croce
A wonderful organ dating from the early 19th century is housed within this church. It was constructed in the 16th century, and features a choir loft, the bannister of which includes musical instruments.
The Cappuccini Convent
Perched on San Cristoforo Hill, this Convent was built in the 1600s when Cappuccini monks held a Lent sermon in town. Don Giuseppe Policardi bought the structure in 1894 and restored it. Wooden altars in the typical Franciscan style can be found inside, joining incredible works of art such as a “Madonna degli Angeli” by Oldoino Multedo, from 1896, and an oil painting of the crucifixion attributed to Van Dyck.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
Constructed in the middle ages to help defend the town from pirate raids, the Aurora Tower is located between the old and new parts of Monterosso. It is said that Monterosso was once home to 13 towers, but only three survive. A stroll along the fortified walls offers incredible views of the sea.
Statue of Neptune
An incredible concrete statue of Neptune, by A. Minerbi, rising to 14 meters, can be found at the entrance to the port. The shell was once used as a terrace, adjacent to a villa where many balls were held. The villa was destroyed by bombing in World War II.
Places of Interest
All five villages of the Cinque Terre are linked by a footpath that varies in elevation and terrain. The entire trail stretches for 4.5 km (9 miles).
The Beach
Monterosso al Mare is home to the largest beach in the Cinque Terre. So if it's sand and sun you're after, this town makes a great home base.
Events
This annual celebration held on the first Saturday after Ascension Sunday, honors the largest local lemon. Shops decorate their windows with lemons, and live music performances occur all day.
Feast of Corpus Christi - June
Millions of flower petals, in an array of beautiful designs, cover the streets and alleys of Monterosso on this fabulous feast day. It's celebrated the second Sunday after the Pentacost.
Feast of Saint John the Baptist - June 24
The town celebrates their patron saint on this feast day with a procession.
Walnut Festival - September
A traditional game involving walnuts is played in Monterosso's streets during this local festival.
Links
Transport
Transport
Official Website
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Reiseführer zu Monterosso al Mare
Single room - Von 65€
Apartment - Von 54€
Twin room - Von 90€
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