RIOMAGGIORE
The seaside road out of Spezia leads to Riomaggiore, passing by beautiful panoramic views of both Spezia and the Ligurian Sea. However, travelling by car is not the best, nor the most comfortable way of reaching the hamlet. In the summer, those travelling by car are obliged to leave it parked along the cliff front and descend a long flight of steps on foot, a walk which does, however, offer a striking view of the town. The Cinque Terre shuttle is an easier alternative, and we recommend that you arrive before 2pm to avoid missing the last one, which leaves from the bar next to the Tourist Information Centre. If the shuttle does not appeal, the view of the typical pastel-coloured houses, packed in on top of one another in what can only be described as a precarious but fascinating balancing act, is a veritable feast for the eyes! If you find yourself visiting in the summer, you will no doubt want to head straight for the port and its rocky beach, to immerse yourself in the fresh, clear water. However, before you do, take a moment to stop and notice the 16th century Disciples’ chapel, a white-plastered building on the left, which is often hidden by a car parked in front of it. The chapel houses a distempered triptych of a 15th century Madonna with Child and a wooden figure of the “Madonna della catena”. If you really can’t resist going straight down to the sea, then don’t forget to visit it on the way back!
If you are more of an art-lover than a sea-lover, then why not grab yourself an ice-cream and head off through the narrow streets in search of the church of San Giovanni Battista, which was erected on the highest part of the town in 1340, and boasts a lovely rose window set into a neo-gothic façade. Don’t miss Domenico Fiasella’s triptych in the left nave, dedicated to Antelami and the Predicazione del Battista. Carry on up through the church courtyard to the 13th century castle, with its two circular keeps that you will have seen on your walk down to the town. It was built on the Cerrico Pass by the Turchotti marquises, and finished by the Genova family in the 15th and 16th centuries.
If you are still not tired, and not alone, a walk along the Via dell’Amore, accompanied by the lulling sounds of the waves, will eventually lead you to Manarola, where, depending on the time of day, you can enjoy a lovely view of the sunset.
