Corniglia is the only village in the Cinque Terre located on the top of a rocky promontory. The center of the village can be reached via a staircase, called Lardarina, consisting of 33 ramps with 382 steps. Among the most important monuments of the village there is the Church of San Pietro, in Gothic-Baroque style.
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Corniglia is a hamlet of the town of Vernazza and is the only village of the Cinque Terre located on top of a rocky promontory.
It is surrounded by vineyards placed on characteristic terraced strips, excluding the side facing the sea and its houses, low and wide, are more similar to those of the hinterland than to typical coastal dwellings.
The origins of the village date back to Roman times and the name of the village probably derives from Gens Cornelia, the family that owns the territory.
The center of the village can be reached by a staircase called Lardarina, composed of 33 ramps with 382 steps.
One of the most important monuments of the village is the Church of San Pietro, in Gothic-Baroque style, dating back to the first half of the ‘300, home every summer of the Organ Festival of the Cinque Terre.
Its facade, embellished with a marble rose window, is enriched by many decorations, including a bas-relief depicting a deer, the emblem of the village. On June 29th we celebrate the patron saint, San Pietro, whose religious celebrations include the classical procession through the streets of the town, from the church of San Pietro to the terrace of Santa Maria.
The typical gastronomic specialty of the festival is the rice cake, prepared with rice, cheese, eggs and baked. Equally typical is the distribution in the square of the Torta dei Fieschi to all the participants at the party. Famous is the wine of Corniglia, closely linked to the history of the village, quoted by Boccaccio in a story of the Decameron in which it is said that the abbot of Cluny, prisoner of Ghino di Tacco, was cured and made to resuscitate with a glass of Corniglia.
Municipality of Vernazza
Province of La Spezia
Liguria Region
Altitude center: 3 m s.l.m.
Borghi più belli d’Italia
Area naturale marina protetta Cinque Terre
Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre
Via San Francesco 56 – tel: 0187821247
BY CAR
- It is one of the most isolated villages of the Cinque Terre to be reached by car because the road that connects them is very narrow and winding.
BY PLANE
- Pisa airport
- Genoa airport
Every year on September 8th the festival of the Sanctuary of Corniglia, San Bernardino is celebrated: the inhabitants of the village go on a pilgrimage to the small church of the hamlet, with deep devotion to Our Lady of Grace.
What to do in Corniglia
If you are wondering what to do in Corniglia, here you will find activities, experiences and tours to enjoy the village and its area in an authentic way, among nature, culture, food and wine, and guided routes.
News and stories about “Corniglia”
Insights and stories from the area, to keep discovering.
Continue the journey
Corniglia is only one of the treasures of the area. Use the interactive map to discover what to visit nearby, how far the other villages are and which experiences you can enjoy along the route.
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