Riomaggiore is the first village in the Cinque Terre, located just outside La Spezia. Set between two terraced hills that steeply slope down to the sea, the village develops vertically, characterized by alleys and stairways that separate the typical tower-houses with their tall, narrow shapes, painted yellow or pink and covered with slate roofs. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when the inhabitants, originally settled inland, swore allegiance to the Republic of Genoa and moved toward the sea to develop faster and safer trading activities.In Riomaggiore, you can find monuments of great interest, such as the Church of St. John the Baptist in the upper part of the village, erected in 1340, with its three naves and pillars in different styles, and two Gothic doors; the 16th-century Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses a 15th-century triptych and a 14th-century wooden statue depicting the Madonna; and the Castle that dominates the historic center.Riomaggiore is also the starting point of the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), a famous scenic walk that connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. The first section of the trail, called "Via dell’Amore," which connects Riomaggiore to Manarola, is particularly famous for its romantic atmosphere, especially at sunset. Unfortunately, some sections of the trail are currently unusable, but it is possible to walk a pleasant flat road from Riomaggiore in the direction of the Madonna di Montenero Sanctuary and Volastra, while still enjoying splendid panoramic views.Riomaggiore is an enchanting place, full of history and natural beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world with its authenticity and typical Ligurian charm.
