The small village of Manarola is perched on the top of a scenic promontory, from where you can enjoy breath-taking views, and then develops in the terminal part of the valley of the stream Groppo.
The typical pastel-coloured tower-houses are lined up on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea.
On the route from La Spezia, Manarola is the second village of the Cinque Terre.
The village is magically surrounded by vineyards cultivated on terraces above the sea.
Vernazza was not born as a fishing village, as it used to be located on the hills, specifically in Volastra.
Manarola had its own castle, which protected it against the Saracen pirates who often looted these areas; you can still observe some of its ruins in the Castle Square.
Manarola, just like the other 5 villages, has a Sanctuary too: The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Well-being, located in Volastra, the village’s original location, above the sea. Built in Romanesque style, inside it holds a valuable image of the Holy Virgin.
What to visit in Manarola:
Typical houses, “caruggi” and small shops in the heart of the small hamlet.
The Church of St. Lawrence: dating back to the early 1300’s, it features a fine facade in Gothic/Ligurian style. A visit to the church offers an opportunity to admire a number of valuable artworks: a tempera triptych on wood, a painting representing the Holy Virgin with the Child by Casone (seventeenth century) and the statue of St. Lawrence (thirteenth century), which is brought in procession during the celebrations of August 10 every year.
Festivities and celebrations held in Manarola are the following:
In June: Festival of Painters. An event involving artists from different countries, who create their artworks in the streets of the village.
5 August is when the procession to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Well-being is held, an event highly regarded by locals, who have been worshipping the Holy Virgin since ancient times.
On 10 August, a spectacular boat procession animates the village of Manarola at night. Particularly picturesque is the blessing of the patron in the sea, with a grand finale featuring hundreds of floating candles being in the water.
Starting December 8, on the Colle delle Tre Croci overlooking Manarola, you can admire the luminous nativity scene which extends over an area of about 4.00 sqm, representing all characters of the nativity covered with bulbs (almost 15 thousand bulbs are used).