UNESCO World Heritage in Liguria
There are two sites of UNESCO World Heritage in Liguria waiting to be explored, even though the Riviera is the third smallest region in Italy.
Regular readers of Italian Notes may have sensed a special affection for UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. In my opinion, these places that have been singled out for their outstanding cultural or natural importance never fail to give the visitor something to remember and with a total of 47 sites, Italy has more to offer on this account than any other country in the world.
I’ve just come back from Liguria, where the stunning coast is dotted with picturesque villages and electrifying cities. And among the numerous attractions there are also two UNESCO sites.
Pictures from the Cinque Terre hike.
Cute coloured villages on a rugged coast
The most famous UNESCO World Heritage in Liguria is undoubtedly the coastline between Cinque Terre and Portovenere. According to UNESCO these 15 km of jagged, steep coastline represent ‘the harmonious interaction between people and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality that illustrates a traditional way of life that has existed for a thousand years and continues to play an important socio-economic role in the life of the community’.
Among the cliffs and terraces there are five Medieval towns with winding streets and pretty pastel coloured houses. Coming from the north you start in Monterosso al Mare. A walled town, that was originally only accessible by sea or mule paths. These paths are now used for hiking, and there are train services from Genoa and La Spezia. From Monterosso you hike or take the local train to Vernazza, Corniglia , Manarola and Portovenere. Part of the charm of Cinque Terre is the fact that the towns cannot be reached by car from the outside. Most visitors – and there are many – hike along the Sentiero Azzurro trail where you can enjoy fantastic panoramas. The total hiking time is about 5 hours, but it is natural to take a break in every village. Moreover, it is possible to move over the most difficult stretches by jumping on one of the trains. In fact, all five villages are connected by local trains that leave about every half hour.
Pictures of the palaces in Genova/Genoa
Mansions built to impress
The other site of UNESCO World Heritage in Liguria is Genoa’s Strade Nuove with the impressive Palazzi dei Rolli. My first reaction upon entering this narrow street in the centre of the historic city was surprise and disappointment. The facades are so grand and looming they seemed to fence me in, but then I started noticing the endless details in the architecture and decorations of these immense Renaissance and Baroque palaces.
The Palazzi dei Rolli were originally constructed in the 17th century as public lodging for visitors of state and homes to eminent families. They have recently been beautifully restored, so that it is possible to walk around and explore the architecture, courtyards, staircases and rich interior and exterior decorations. And it’s really enjoyable too.
I haven’t been to Liguria but it looks incredible – cliffs, 5 Medieval towns and UNESCO sites. What more could you ask for?
Oh, there are scores of Medieval town but only 5 have UNESCO status. The others are absolutely worth a visit as well.
This is really cool! I still have to go to Liguria I hear, read and write many beautiful things about it.
It is highly recommendable. And the landscape and weather is so different from the surrounding regions.
Sometimes I think I’m the only one who hasn’t been to Cinque Terre. High on the list…How is that area in winter? Say January-February?
Right now I’m waiting to hear what it’s like after the heavy rain of the last few days. Cinque Terra is vulnerable. especially after last year’s flooding, but otherwise – and if you hit a sunny week – I think January-February would be perfect for a visit. Just beware that the hiking trail can be closed for part of the year.
I think I’d fall in love with the Italian Riviera as soon as I’d see it in person. Love the colorful buildings of the villages. Sophie, you’re not the only one who hasn’t been to Cinque Terre — neither have I, but I’m looking forward to it sometime!
Suppose Cinque Terra comes to everyone eventually;)
I would love to visit the Italian coast. The villages on the side of cliffs are just so beautiful
I walked the Cinque Terre years ago, or most of it in a day but never stayed the night in any of the villages – I’d love to return and do that for those sunset and night shots :)
I’m sure it would be fantastic.
Cinque Terra and a hike in the Dolomites are what I most want to see in Italy right now. Those villages look lovely and I like the fact – naturally – that you can walk between them.
Understandably – just don’t expect to have the trails to yourself.
I was asking for advice on different spots to hit in Italy over the summer on Twitter and wish I’d run into this place earlier. Uggggg. Looks fabulous.
It is a great place. And quite popular as part of the tourist circuit.
They look like great sites! Personally, I think Italy has more UNESCO sites than it deserves. There’s a lot of similarity between some of the inclusions and many of them are not nearly as special as places which have not been included on the list from other continents.
You’ve found a couple here that live up to the hype, though!
Well. You have more authority on worldwide UNESCO sites than I, so I presume you are right. Italy definitely has more world heritage than they can afford to preserve and protect.
What a lovely feast to the eyes. Thank you for taking us on a tour with you. I hope I someday would be fortunate totake the trip. It’s really interesting I recently learned that Accre in Israel is declared a world heritage city by UNESCO.
I’d think Israel had lots of UNESCO sites, but I’ve never been there. Must remember to write it on my bucket list.
Until now I have enjoyed visiting most of the sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and I am sure that it is safe to say that a visit to Liguria just became a must for me. Thanks for the tip.
I also think the World Heritage List is a wonderful invention. And I hope some day at least to have visited all the listed places in Italy.
I visited the cinque terre in Nov 2012 and I have to say I was disappointed. There has been so much hype over this region for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, I do love Italy and of course, loved these small towns, but since the flooding, they have had a real difficult time getting back on their feet. All over the place were the signs of water damage and repairs awaiting to be fixed. It was Nov, so maybe they are waiting for the Spring to have sunny days to work, but they are in need of many a repair. IMMO While in the region, I flew into Genova and of course, fell in love!!!
I agree. I’d choose Geneva over Cinque Terra anytime, but tastes differ and part of this area still look like a postcard.