History and teachings
Cinque Terre is mentioned in documents dating to the 11th century. Monterosso and Vernazza were settled first and the other villages grew later, whilst within the territory of the Republic of Genoa. In the 16th century, the inhabitants reinforced existing forts and built new defence towers to defend the area from attacks by the Turks. Cinque Terre experienced an economic decline from the 17th to 19th centuries recovering when an arsenal was built in La Spezia and it gained a railway link to Genoa. The railway led to migration from the area and a decline in traditional industries until the growth of tourism from the 1970s onwards brought some prosperity.

Cross-cultural dimensions
The riviera shows an important exchange of human values, in the course of time or within a cultural area of the world, in the field of the architectural developments or in technology, in the monumental arts, in the urban and landscape planning;

it is a remarkable example of a type of construction, architectural or technological whole, or of a landscape showing a significant moment of human history;

it is a remarkable example of traditional human settlement or of one culture’s typical soil use, especially if vulnerable due to the impacts of irreversible changes.

Useful information:
recommended for all; general; doesn’t require prior knowledge; accessible; affordable

Cinque Terre is a coastal area within Liguria, in the northwest of Italy. It lies in the west of La Spezia Province, and comprises five villages. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accessible by public transportation (train and furry).

Access by car is limited.

Guided tours available in different languages. Safety meausures covered.

Assessibility for disabled