Riomaggiore
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Riomaggiore is the first village of the Cinque Terre on the side of La Spezia. The main town is separated from the railway station and the wharf by tunnels, so it can be said that the town is divided into three parts: the railway station (from which the famous Way of Love starts), the old town and the wharf (which has a mooring and a small  rocky beach).
Hotels: Book here and get best deals.
Walking trails: see below for more details.
Photos of Riomaggiore.
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What to see in Riomaggiore (tagged on the map):
 1. Church of St. John the Baptist
The church is situated in the upper part of the historical centre of Riomaggiore. According to memorial plaque on the façade, Antelami masters at the wish of diocese bishop Luni Antonio Fieschi built the church in 1340. After a minor collapse, the church was completely renovated in 1870 - 1871.
The art collection here includes a preserved painting “Preaching of John the Baptist” by artist Domenico Fiasella, a wooden crucifixion of Antonio Maria Maragliano, a marble cathedra of 1663, as well as other masterpieces of the XVII - XVIII centuries, and a mechanical organ of 1851.
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 2. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
It is located in the very centre of the village on its main street - Via Cristoforo Colombo. It was built in the XV-XVI century. It contains a triptych of Jesus, Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist and St. Dominic de Guzmán. There is a wooden statue of Madonna also.
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 3. Castle of Riomaggiore
The Castle was intended as a protection against barbarian attacks. Its construction began in 1260 by Marquis Turcotti, and was completed during the times of the Genovese Republic.
It is open to public. Behind it there is a terrace with benches, and it has a view on the Azure trail and seaside. It is a very romantic place.
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 4. Sanctuary of Montenero
First reference to the Temple of the Madonna di Montenero dates back to 1335, but according to a legend it was built in the VIII century. It was last renovated in 1847.
Location of the temple is such that it gives you a bird’s eye view overlooking a huge stretch from the Cape of Mesco to the Tino Island.
You can reach here via the route "the Riomaggiore Ring", described below. "The Way to Portovenere" passes through this sanctuary as well.
Photo inside.
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Walking trails near Riomaggiore:
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The Way of Love
Journey time: 15-30 minutes.
Difficulty: not any.
Path length: 900 m / 0.5 miles.
Description: tourist walking trail connecting two villages: Riomaggiore and Manarola. It is the simplest and the shortest section of all the walking trails of the Cinque Terre Park.
The route consists of paths: #2a.
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The Riomaggiore Ring
Journey time: 1-1.20 h.
Difficulty: low.
Path length: 3 km / 2 miles.
Description: two paths #3 and #3a start in a village towards different directions, but far from the Montenero Sanctuary they intersect again. It is more comfortable to take a clockwise route on this path.
The route consists of paths: #3, #3a.
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The Way to Portovenere
Journey time: 5 hours.
Difficulty: low.
Path length: 12 km / 7.5 miles.
Description: one of the most popular long routes among tourists. Large section of the path runs not far from the sea and crosses several small paths leading to nearby villages and beaches.
The route consists of paths: #3a or #3 + #1/a.
Hotel booking at best prices:
The sites we have chosen provide best offers for hotel booking in the Cinque Terre National Park. Promotional offers are updated on a regular basis. You will not find cheaper prices anywhere.
Important: 7 days before your arrival you can cancel your booking without any penalty. So book a hotel in advance, it will save you money if your plans do not change.
Photos of Riomaggiore:
The Blue Path:
