Today we were ported in Genoa. From there we went to an area know an Cinque Terre. This is a coastal area in northwestern Italy comprised of 5 towns built on the hillsides that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited 3 of these towns. The towns are mentioned in documents as far back as the 11th century. The towns are linked by walking trails and train and all but one are accessible by ferry, but it is challenging to reach some of them by car. This is a very popular tourist destination in Italy, and for good reason. The towns are filled with colorful buildings that are close together and up on the cliffs. It is all very quaint. The area is also known for olives, olive oil, basil/pesto, lemons, and fishing.

Monterosso al Mare, old town

Monteroso al Mare, new town

We started out at Monterosso al Mare, which has an old town and new town which are separated by a small reef/rock formation. You can go between the two through a tunnel or take a more scenic route by climbing over the rock formation (there’s a path and a restaurant at the top, so not a real climb). We had free time to walk around here. There is a large beach, although we definitely did not have beach weather. It was raining, sometimes heavily. It still was nice walking around the town and I managed to get good pictures. We went into the local church, St John the Baptist Church, which was built between 1244-1307. It’s an example of Ligurian Gothic architecture (not sure what that is, but that’s apparently what it’s called) and has black and white marble stripes on the outside. I think it looks like Beetlejuice, but it certainly is striking. The tower is a completely different style, which makes some sense since it was erected in the 15th century. We managed to avoid the heaviest rain during lunch (pure luck).

St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church

The next town was Manarola. This may be one of the oldest of the Cinque Terre. It is also one of the smallest. It is known for its vineyards and wine production, with large terraces above the town. We basically had enough time to walk through the town to the water, take pictures, and walk back. Not rushed, but not enough time to go through anything.

Manarola

Manarola

Church of San Lorenzo

Painted ceiling

inside the church

Finally some sun on Manarola

From there we went to Riomaggiore, which is also known for its vineyards. This is the most southern of the Cinque Terre. Again, we basically had enough time to walk through the town down to the water, take pictures, and walk back again. It has a rocky harbor where people were jumping off into the rough waters. Today it was so rough that the ferries were not running. It was enjoyable to see these towns as they picturesque. I’m sure we missed out not having more time in the last 2, but I’m glad we got to go to them.

Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore

We took the train back to the town where our bus had dropped us off and drove back to Genoa. By then it was nearly time for dinner, so we headed back on the ship. Tomorrow is a day at sea, so probably nothing up for tomorrow.

Random seaside town (taken through heavily tinted bus windows, so sorry for the odd color)

Random countryside church

Genoa