Cinque Terre: Corniglia

The location of Corniglia provides a breathtaking view, which sweeps across the coast to Monterosso and Punta Mesco, the village situated on a small promontory overlooking the sea, it’s the most typical of the Cinque Terre. The origins of the village are dated back to Roman times; the same name of the village probably comes from Gens Cornelia, family owners of the land. It is interesting to recall that during the excavations of Pompeii, vinarie amphoras were found on which appeared the name of "Cornelia".

To reach Corniglia, it is necessary to climb the Lardarina, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 382 steps or, otherwise follow a vehicular road that, from the station, leads to the village.
Croniglia is located centrally in relation to other centers of the Cinque Terre. It differs from the other villages of the Cinque Terre because it is the only village that is not directly facing the sea, but it sits on top of a promontory about ninety meters, surrounded by vineyards of the characteristic terraces with band , except the side facing towards the sea.

Its low and wide houses are more similar to those of the hinterland than to the typical coastal houses. The most important monument of the village is the Church of San Pietro, of gothic-Genoese style built around 1350 on the remains of the previous building. The facade of the church, embellished by a marble rosette, is enriched by many decorations, amongst which a bas-relief which shows a deer, the emblem of the village. Also interesting are l’Oratorio dei Disciplinati, dating back to 1700 and from which one has a breathtaking view of the sea, and Largo Taragio, the small main square of Corniglia, real pulsating heart of the village.

The terraced fields, also known as bands, ronchi or steps, are a solution adopted in agriculture to make particularly steeply lands arable. The terraces are made by digging in the hilly part, then bounded by stone walls, built dry and resting on the rock, which support the ground, forming a sort of step. This type of cultivation is suitable for the screw. Among the typical products of this area, lemons stand out most of all.