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Foto di Davide Crovara

Riomaggiore

History and identity

Riomaggiore is a compact, vertical village characterized by colorful tower-houses that rise along a steep river valley.

Historically founded close to the coast, its identity has been shaped by a continuous balance between the seafaring life of fishermen and the heroic viticulture practiced on the terraces behind the town.

Exploring it means walking up and down its caruggi—the narrow, signature Ligurian lanes—and changing perspective at every turn

Points of interest

RIOMAGGIORE CASTLE

A 13th-century fortified castle with perimeter walls and semicircular towers, originally built to defend the village from raids by sea. Today it is a panoramic public space that hosts the permanent exhibition “Cinque Terre, un paesaggio umano” and the Manario VR Experience, an immersive virtual reality experience.

  • On foot: Follow Via Colombo uphill, take the stone steps up Via Telemaco Signorini, and follow the directions leading to the Castle square
  • By lift: Upon exiting the station tunnel, bear left and take the public elevator up to the Church of San Giovanni; from there, continue on foot

Open daily (spring/autumn: 09:30-12:30 and 14:00-17:00 | summer: until 19:00).

Admission: €4.00 (included with the Cinque Terre Card + Via dell’Amore).

RIOMAGGIORE HARBOUR

The most celebrated vista of the village, enclosed by rugged cliffs and multi-colored tower-houses. Traditional wooden gozzi boats are still pulled ashore here by local fishermen, and a small pebble beach ideal for swimming extends just to the left of the cliff.

About a 10-minute walk from the station: pass through the pedestrian tunnel and follow Via Colombo downhill to the sea.

As this is one of the village’s busiest spots, we recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the midday peak hours.

CHURCH OF SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA

The village’s main house of worship, founded in 1340.

It stands as a fine example of Ligurian Gothic architecture, featuring a white marble rose window from 1471 and 14th-century portals decorated with animal motifs. Inside, it houses a wooden crucifix by Maragliano.

About a 10-minute walk from the station: walk up Via Colombo and continue onto Via Pecunia.

Admission is free, though visits are subject to religious services.

On June 24, the village celebrates its patron saint with an evocative evening procession

VIA COLOMBO (the main street)

The central axis of the village. It is the heart of local services (food shops, pharmacies, ATMs), shopping and local cuisine.

You can reach it directly from the exit of the railway station pedestrian tunnel.

ORATORY OF SAINTS ROCCO AND SEBASTIAN

A small oratory in a panoramic position next to Riomaggiore Castle. Traditionally dated to 1480, it is linked to the memory of the plague that struck the village. With its simple architecture, small entrance portico and stone lintel decorated with the two saints, it is a short but meaningful stop to discover the devotional and community history of old Riomaggiore.

Around 10 minutes on foot from the station.
Walk through the pedestrian tunnel, head uphill along Via Colombo, and follow the signage toward the Castle / Piazza Castello.

SANCTUARY OF NOSTRA SIGNORA DI MONTENERO

A historic building, documented as early as 1335, set at 340 metres above sea level and forming the spiritual heart of the village.

It offers a sweeping panorama stretching from Portovenere to Punta Mesco.

  • From the Lavaccio area (upper part of the village), along the SVA/Via Grande trail among votive shrines and vineyards (1h-1h30).
  • From the SP370 coastal road, via a short pedestrian path (15-20 minutes).