Via Dell’Amore

MODE OF USE AND VISITING HOURS
OF THE WAY OF LOVE

The Via dell’Amore is accessed by reservation by choosing a time slot (00′, 15′, 30′, 45′) for a maximum of 100 people every 15 minutes.
The maximum travel time is 30 minutes.
The entrance is from Riomaggiore (on the left as you leave the Station) and, in high season, the route is one-way with an exit at Manarola.

VISITING HOURS AND TOURIST ENJOYMENT

  • LOW SEASON: November 1 to March 31: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (last access at 4:30 p.m.)
  • HIGH SEASON: April 1 to October 31: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.: (last access at 9 p.m.)

INDIVIDUAL TOURISTS

  • Required to reserve a specific time slot and date.
  • Access during visiting hours only
  • Entry at Riomaggiore and exit at Manarola (high season).

GROUPS

  • Maximum 30 people.
  • Reservation up to 72 hours in advance.
  • Payment in advance.
  • Access only during visiting hours.
  • Entry to Riomaggiore and exit to Manarola (high season)

Admission to the Via dell’Amore can be purchased online and on-site, exclusively through the purchase of the Cinque Terre Card Via dell’Amore or as an additional fee of €10,00 applied to each type of Cinque Terre Card already purchased.
For tourists staying in accommodations in the Municipality of Riomaggiore in possession of the resident tourist card (Guest Card) and staying in facilities with the CETS Environmental Quality Mark (European Charter for Sustainable Tourism) the additional fee is €8.00.

You can purchase Cinque Terre Cards, which include access to the Via dell’Amore:


SPECIAL FACILITIES:

  • RESIDENTS IN THE COMMUNITIES OF RIOMAGGIORE, VERNAZZA, MONTEROSSO
    For residents of the municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso, access to the Via dell’Amore is always free, possible in both directions and without reservation, during the opening hours of the road (7:00-1:00). Entitlement to access will be verified by checking ID.
  • RESIDENTS IN THE PROVINCE OF SPEZIA (EXCLUDING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF RIOMAGGIORE, VERNAZZA, MONTEROSSO)
    For residents in the Province of La Spezia (excluding the municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso) the existing provisions for access to some of the Cinque Terre National Park trails apply. During the visiting hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) entry is allowed through the purchase of the Cinque Terre card Via dell’amore, under the same conditions as for the individual tourist; while outside this time slot access is free, without reservation and allowed in both directions.Entitlement to access in the free time slot will be verified through the check of the identity document
  • OWNERS OF SECOND HOME IN THE TOWN OF RIOMAGGIORE, FORMER RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF RIOMAGGIORE AND RESIDENT FAMILIES
    For owners of second homes in the Municipality of Riomaggiore, former residents of the Municipality of Riomaggiore and respective households, access to the Via dell’Amore is always free of charge, possible in both directions and without reservation, during the opening hours of the road (7:00-1:00).Entitlement to access will be verified through self-certification to be presented at the time of the passage (form to be downloaded on the website of the Municipality of Riomaggiore) or with attestation to be requested from the Municipality of Riomaggiore and with identity document check.
  • TOURISTS RESIDENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIOMAGGIORE
    For tourists residing in the Municipality of Riomaggiore and in possession of the resident tourist card (Riomaggiore Guest card), the additional fee is €8.00 and access is allowed in both directions and outside the reservation time slot for the duration of the stay.Entitlement to access will be verified by checking ID and matching with the name on the Cinque Terre Card and the Resident Tourist Card.
  • RESIDENT TOURISTS IN CETS STRUCTURES
    For tourists residing in the CETS facilities of the Cinque Terre National Park, the additional fee is €8.00.Access is allowed in both directions during the reservation time slot and with the same ticket after 5:00 p.m., on the days when the Cinque Terre card is valid.Entitlement to access will be verified by checking ID and matching it with the name on the Cinque Terre Card.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it possible to purchase only admission to VDA?
No, access to the VDA is included in the Cinque Terre Cards, you cannot purchase admission individually. But if you have already purchased a Cinque Terre Card, it is possible to purchase the additional fee that will allow you access to the Way of Love.

How do I enter the VDA?
The VDA is accessed from Riomaggiore and travels through it toward Manarola. Except for the categories indicated in the special facilities.

What are the visiting hours of the VDA?
For visitors:

  • April 1 to October 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last access at 9 p.m.).
  • November 1 to March 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last access at 4:30 p.m.);

What are the VDA entry times for residents?
Residents of the Municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso, former residents of the Municipality of Riomaggiore and their households, and owners of second homes in the Municipality of Riomaggiore and their households can always enter free of charge from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., without reservation and with entry in both directions.

If I reside in the Province of La Spezia, how and when can I access the VDA?
For residents in the Province of La Spezia (excluding the municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso), entry during visiting hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is conditional on the purchase of Cinque Terre Cards, under the conditions provided for single tourists, while outside this time slot it is free, without reservation and accessible in both directions.

If I have already purchased the Cinque Terre Card, how can I add the fruition of VDA?
Purchasing the additional fee. You will need to show both tickets, which are named, at the time of admission.

Can I purchase only the additional fee to enter the Way of Love?
No. To access the Via dell’amore, it is necessary to purchase the Cinque Terre Card Via dell’amore.

For those with the Tourist Card (Riomaggiore Guest Card), is a reservation always necessary?
Tourists in possession of the Tourist Card (Riomaggiore Guest card) must necessarily proceed to purchase (discounted) admission to the Via dell’amore with reservation; however, access is always allowed in both directions and outside the reservation time slot for the duration of the stay.

Is reservation always required for those with CETS?
Tourists in possession of CETS (Card accommodation facilities of the Cinque Terre National Park) must necessarily proceed to purchase (discounted) admission to the Via dell’amore with reservation. However, access is allowed in both directions during the reservation time slot and with the same ticket after 5:00 p.m. on days when the Cinque Terre card is valid.

How long can I stay on the Way of Love?
The maximum travel time of the VDA (900 meters) is 30 minutes, in order to allow access to the next slot

Are guides scheduled to be present during visiting hours?
Yes is planned and they will be distributed along the route to answer visitors’ questions.

Can I visit the VDA without being accompanied by the guide?
Yes, guides are available along the route.

While visiting VDA, can I walk the Way in both directions?
No. Access is one-way from Riomaggiore to Manarola, except for specific categories indicated in the special facilities.


St. John the Baptist – Riomaggiore

June 24 marks the patronal feast of St. John the Baptist in Riomaggiore.
The church dedicated to the saint was founded in Nov. 8, 1340.
Traditionally, a procession is scheduled at 9 p.m. along the streets of the village, and activities organized by the parish take place during the day.

What you can see in the parish church of St. John the Baptist:
  • ROSE WINDOW: The work is located on the main facade and, as the epigraph kept in the building’s bell tower mentions, dates back to 1471. Collapsed along with the facade around 1870, it was relocated to its current location in the early 1960s
  • MERIDIONAL FLOOR PORTALS: dating back to the period of construction of the religious building (founded Nov. 8, 1340), the portals depict zoomorphic and anthropomorphic characters. In particular on the left portal we find two scenes: the first is a dragon chasing a deer, the second a procession of animals (a wolf, a fox, a raven and a rooster surmounted by a stylized sun). This second scene suggests a depiction of a tale from the Roman de Reinard (Reinard the fox).
  • PULPITUS: The pulpit is adorned with a low relief depicting St. Martin with St. Joseph and St. Anne on either side, dating from 1530 (as inscribed). Popular traction has it that the work depicts St. Joachim and came from the Church of San Martino Vecchio in the Vallata di Biassa, which was abandoned in the 16th century. Instead, a notarial deed from the first half of the 1600s attests to the work as being part of the decorations of an existing altar in the church of St. John the Baptist and confirms that, the saint depicted, is St. Joseph.
  • PREDICATION OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST: The painting, displayed in the left aisle, is locally attributed to Domenico Fiasella
  • SACRESTIA PORTAL: On the left side of the altar is the finely crafted portal leading to the sacristy, topped by a bas-relief depicting the Madonna, St. John the Baptist and St. Francis. The bas-relief, dated to the 15th century, is reminiscent of the triptych displayed on the altar of the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Interior
Altar
Rosette
Left portal of the southern facade
Right portal of the southern facade
Pulpit
Pulpit detail
Preaching of St. John the Baptist
Sacristy Portal
Detail of the Sacristy portal triptych

Walking in summer

Holistic trekking in the Cinque Terre

Some tips for how to best approach yourCinque Terre trek.

1) CHOOSE THE ROUTE SUITABLE FOR YOU AND CHECK THE WEATHER.
2) WEAR SUITABLE CLOTHES AND REMEMBER THAT HIKING SHOES ARE MANDATORY!
3) DON’T FORGET: HAT, SUNSCREEN AND A CHANGE OF CLOTHES
4) CARRY PLENTY OF WATER WITH YOU: DRINK IN SMALL SIPS AND OFTEN. ALONG THE WAY YOU WILL NOT FIND MANY FOUNTAINS.
5) STOP AND REST FOR THE NECESSARY TIME AND REPLENISH MINERALS
6) KEEP RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR: EX. DON’T LIGHT FIRES
7) IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 112, stay connected and DO NOT MOVE

Remember that with very high temperatures, it is advisable to walk at times suitable for the route. Try to avoid the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. time slot.

Trekking: avoid the hottest hours

The extraordinary heat of this Italian summer 2022 does not seem to want to subside, which is why Cinque Terre Park is launching an appeal aimed at everyone who wants to walk our wonderful trails.

To avoid heat stroke, we recommend that you walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Thus avoiding the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. time slot.

Feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Feast of St. Bernard at the oratory in the Lemmen locality.

HISTORY OF LEMMEN
Lemmen was one of the first hillside settlements that,together with the villages of Casen, Montenero, Casinagora and Sericò, gave rise to the present village of Riomaggiore. We find records of these settlements as early as 1251. Gradually these skilled vineyard growers began to move closer to the sea in order to facilitate the wine trade, thus giving rise to Riomaggiore.
To learn more, visit the Riomaggiore Municipality Documents and History page.

HOW TO GET TO LEMMEN
The Oratory of St. Bernard is located along the section of the SVA trail that connects Riomaggiore with Telegraph Hill, and from Lemmen there is an impressive panorama.
From Riomaggiore, the ascent is about 1h45 minutes’ walk with a hiking-type difficulty

Feast of St. Roch

Feast of the Oratory of San Rocco in Riomaggiore.

Program will follow

ORATORY HISTORY:
You will find the oratory of san rocco at the entrance to riomaggiore castle square. The small building was built in 1480 following a plague that raged over the village at that time. Of note is the lintel of the entrance door depicting St. Roch, showing signs of the plague, and St. Sebastian pierced. This oratory originally housed the triptych, now on display in the parish church of St. John the Baptist, depicting The Virgin and Child between St. Roch and St. Sebastian.

Rimazû Folk Festival

The festival dedicated to dialect songs returns to Riomaggiore!

From August 19 to 21, appointment in the Cinque Terre village with the third edition of the Rimazû Folk Festival – Sounds and Voices between Liguria and the Mediterranean.

PROGRAM

  • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
    9 p. m. in the enchanting setting of the terrace of Riomaggiore Castle with the Padua Guitar Quartet, which will present a program specially designed for the festival, entitled “¡Cómo resuena la mar esta noche!” Music and dance around the Mediterranean.
  • SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 – TWO DATES
    11 A. M. – The festival will move into the streets and among the people with Sciaàtu ‘nti carugi, traveling stornelli through the most picturesque corners of the village and stopping in the cellars of Riomaggiore winemakers specially opened for the occasion. The start is in front of the Loggia di Banchi in central Via Colombo, and during the morning there will be live links with Radio Skylab Varazze by Stefano Pastorino and Donatella Durando, who will also be the official presenter of all events.
    9 P.M. – The traditional concert featuring the best of Ligurian dialect song in Piazza del Vignaiolo. Doing the honors will be the Riomaggiorese band Grandi & fanti, who wanted to gather around them the many friends who will take the stage: Andrea Facco, Attilio Valeri, Audiovirale, Gnachi & fürbe, Mandillä, Maz Vilander & Makadam Zena, Renzo Graglia, u Cantautupittu, u Carbun & de Januaicans. Once again this year, the piece that is deemed most capable of embodying the spirit of the festival will be awarded a special prize given by the artistic direction.
  • SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
    9 p. m. – Piazza del Vignaiolo, the festival will close with Dezandia de ŝtria!, a concert by Grandi & fanti, who will be accompanied on stage by Genoese rapper Mike fc. The hosts will present to their audience the new song Lamacrexa, winner of the Elmo Bazzano award for scenic impact and consistency in the relationship between lyrics and music at the last Ligurian Language Song Festival. Through a special commemorative T-shirt, moreover, the ten-year anniversary of Vega vughina, the first piece specially written for the band and a true manifesto of its poetics, will be commemorated.
Press Release-Rimazû-Folk-Festival-2022Download

Feast Of The Assumption

Feast of the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta in Riomaggiore (loc. Compagnia).
Program will follow

WHAT TO SEE IN THE ORATORY (16th cent.):
Triptych: depicting the Madonna and Child between St. John the Baptist and St. Francis, the triptych is placed on the altar and is a work of notele value dating back to the 16th century. The author is not known
Statue of the Madonne delle Catene: The wooden statue depicting the Virgin and Child is dated to the early 14th century and is one of the oldest existing wooden sculptures in the province of La Spezia. The chains represent prisoners who were victims of raids by Muslim pirates, of which the Cinque Terre coast was also the scene.

San Lorenzo – Manarola

Patronal festival of San Lorenzo in Manarola on August 10. Here is the schedule of events.

9 p.m. – Procession through the streets of the town with the effigy of the saint.
AUGUST 10 and 11 – Ingenuity Market in Capellini Square from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What you can see in the parish church of San lorenzo:
Rosette: the sculpture that graces the main facade of the Church, is embellished with twelve colinnas with forged capitals. At the top of the crown you will be able to make out human and lion heads. The work was carried out in 1375, as the plaque below the rose window reports.
Marble Tabernacle: In the right aisle, toward the apse, you will find a small tabernacle intended to house the holy oil. At the top you will see a bas-relief depicting the martyrdom of St. Lawrence. This lunette, until not long ago, graced the entrance of the church but, due to obvious deterioration, was moved.
Triptychs: on the High Altar you can admire a fine triptych depicting the Madonna and Child between St. Matthew, St. John the Baptist, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Lawrence. While in the left aisle is a wooden triptych with St. Lawrence between St. Anthony Abbot and St. Bernard. Both works are dated to the early 1500s and are attributed to the Master of the Cinque Terre.