When was Monterosso built?

The oldest parts of Monterosso likely date to the 11th century. The ruins of a medieval fortress, including three former watchtowers built to spot invading pirates, still stand in the old town, or Borgo Antico.



Monterosso al Mare, the largest and oldest of Italy’s Cinque Terre villages, was officially founded in the 11th century, around the year 1056. However, its human history stretches back even further to the year 643, when the inhabitants of the nearby mountain hamlet of Albareto fled to the coast following the destruction of their homes by the Lombards. The town we see today was developed primarily under the feudal jurisdiction of the Obertenghi family. Throughout the 13th century, it became a strategic military stronghold for the Republic of Genoa, which built the iconic fortifications and watchtowers to protect against Saracen pirate raids. By 1282, construction began on the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which still stands as a centerpiece of the old town. In 2026, Monterosso remains unique for being divided into two distinct parts—the historical "Old Town" and the more modern "Fegina" resort area—connected by a single pedestrian tunnel.

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Since 1931, the Via dell'Amore has been the most iconic—and popular—hiking path in Italy's Cinque Terre. Etched into seaside cliffs, the trail connects Riomaggiore and Manarola, two of the five coastal villages that make up this UNESCO World Heritage-recognized area.

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Shopping and prices The Cinque Terre is not cheap. As everywhere in the world, tourism has raised prices. I often go to the market of La Spezia to shop for food, it's much cheaper than the stores of the villages. In restaurants, you have to expect Western European prices.

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Locally owned and operated by the Varchetta brothers, Salvio, Leo and Roberto bring together many generations of combined hospitality and restaurant experience to their latest venture, Cinque Terre Ristorante.

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The Amalfi Coast is home to lavish 5-star hotels and international jet-setters. Plus it's possible to reach the beautiful island of Capri, sample pizza in its home of Naples, and visit Pompeii. Cinque Terre is more laid-back, suited to those who adore hiking and photography.

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You can swim in the beautiful blue water of Cinque Terre from May until October. All along the coastal line there are rocky outcrops, harbour quays and sloping pebble beaches covered with eager bodies basking in the sun or enjoying a cooling swim in the clear water.

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Corniglia is the only one of the five Cinque Terre towns that isn't a fishing town and you need to walk up around 365 steps to get there. That puts most people off and means that Corniglia is the Cinque Terre town with the fewest tourists.

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Cost. Visiting Cinque Terre should be cheaper than the Amalfi Coast. Of course, so much depends on your choices – how you travel around, where and how long you stay, which restaurants you dine at, etc. But in general, the Amalfi Coast is a much more expensive destination than Cinque Terre.

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The 'Old' Monterosso This section of the village is dominated by the walls of the ancient fortress - the Aurora Tower - and the remains of the Fieschi Castle, as well as the the Church of St John the Baptist and the Capuchin Monastery, both of which are visible from both the old and the new sections.

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Visit some of the villages Choose to visit two or three of the villages, for example Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You have to skip Corniglia situated on top of a cliff 100 metres above sea level. If you are limited on time, take the train between the villages.

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Corniglia is the smallest and quietest of the Cinque Terre villages. It is located 100 meters above sea level, on top of a small promontory. Houses are a bit different here, smaller and wider, similar to the houses of the villages inland.

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