Cinque Terre
09 43 '45 "East / 44.10694, 9.72917
Italy Identification
** UNESCO Geographical Classification
The Cinque Terre (in Liguria : "Five Lands") form part of the coast of the Riviera Italy , in Liguria , west of the city of La Spezia. The Cinque Terre are five villages from west to east, Monterosso al Mare , Vernazza , Corniglia , Manarola and Riomaggiore.
The Cinque Terre occupy a rugged and steep, which were built over centuries of terraces for agriculture. The villages are built on the coast Mediterranean , in coves and cliffs. Despite the construction of a road and a rail in the twentieth century, access remains difficult.
Since 1997, villages, coast and surrounding hills are on the list of World Heritage (with the nearby village of Porto Venere and some islands) .
Summary |
Geography
Relief
The Cinque Terre are composed of a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the ridge line separating them from the Val di Vara (it) and the Gulf of La Spezia (IT). The mountainous area is parallel to the coast and includes low-lying peaks like Mount Malpertuso (815 m) or Mount Vth (486 m), but close to the sea, causing a significant drop.
The coastline is bordered to the west by Cape Mesco and continues in a southeasterly direction to Porto Venere , including in many bays and headlands. The coast is rocky and steep, and in some cases almost vertical. Beaches of sand and pebbles are present near Monterosso, Corniglia and Riomaggiore.
Hydrography
The drainage of the Cinque Terre is characterized by torrential rivers, with maximum rainfall in autumn and spring, and lowest in summer. The watersheds are limited by the proximity of mountains to the coast. The creation of terraces and walls for agriculture has also had an important role in controlling the waters.
Climate
The Cinque Terre are experiencing a Mediterranean climate. Like the rest of the Riviera, it is a region of Liguria where winter temperatures are milder than average, averaging close to 9 C.
Geography and human protection
The Cinque Terre consists of three municipalities : Monterosso al Mare , Vernazza and Riomaggiore , and several hamlets: Corniglia (the town of Vernazza) Manarola (that of Riomaggiore ), Volastra and Groppo
The landscape of the Cinque Terre is characterized by the presence of thousands of miles of terraces , supported by walls of dry stone , which are grown mainly vineyards , the olive , and citrus fruit , the basil and herbs. In total, these walls form a length of 6729 km. This work-moving, high above the sea, was built from the XI century with stones and soil found on site. Developed area on the terrace is approximately 1400 hectares and occupies the opposite coast to 450-500 meters above sea level, starting at times close to the shore.
In 1997 , the UNESCO classifies the Cinque Terre on the World Heritage List as cultural landscape. The same year, the Italian Ministry of Ecology class marine area of Cinque Terre in marine natural for environmental protection, guardianship and exploitation of biological resources and for the promotion and socio-economic development compatible with the importance of naturalistic landscape. In 1999, the Cinque Terre National Park is established to maintain ecological balance and preserve the landscape and cultural values of the place.
Transportation
To reach the territory of the Cinque Terre, the easiest way is certainly the train from Genoa and La Spezia. And the train is also the most practical solution for travel between the five villages of the national park.
There are also hiking trails between the villages. The trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore (the Way of love). It runs along the coast, walking is easy and beautiful views. The path from Manarola to Corniglia is also easy to navigate. One leading from Corniglia to Vernaza is steep. The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso, through vineyards and olive orchards is by far the steepest but offers the best views of the bay.
From the summer of 2008 , access to the Marine Protected Area is permitted to sail and motor eco-compatible, that is to say using the green fuel or biofuels. In addition, all boats over twenty feet long must have a tank collecting the wastewater from the edge. The anchorage is regulated in some areas of the area.
Villages
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the town 's most western territory of the Cinque Terre. It is located in the center of a small gulf. The old village still retains its medieval character with its original case-torri (tower houses) and carruggi (narrow streets). One of the ancient defensive towers transformed into bell tower , now houses the bell from the church Saint Jean Baptiste. To the west of the town, discovered the largest and busiest beaches of the Cinque Terre coastline.
Vernazza
Continuing eastward, after Monterosso, Vernazza is reached. The site is perched on a small rocky promontory, and once the most prosperous of the Cinque Terre. The Family Castle Doria and other medieval relics recall its rich economic past. Near the small port, the parish church of St Margaret of Antioch , flanked by a high octagonal tower, overlooking the sea
Corniglia
Corniglia is located in the center of the coastline of Cinque Terre. It is the only village that does not have a front directly overlooking the rural sea coast of withdrawal, it is nestled on top of a hill surrounded by terraced vineyards. To get there, it is necessary to take a long ramp stairway composed of 377 steps or down the street from the train station.
Manarola
After Corniglia, Manarola is the smallest town. It is established on a small rocky cape steep dark. Its neighborhoods are developing in a narrow enclosed by two rocky outcrops. On the top part of the village stands a Gothic church in 1388. From Manarola, a spectacular course between sea and mountains called Via dell'Amore can reach Riomaggiore.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the easternmost of the Cinque Terre. The historic center dating from the thirteenth century, is situated in the valley of the river Rio Maggiore, the ancient Major Rivus which it derives its name. Near the ruins of the ancient castle of the XVI century, the church stands John the Baptist , built in 1340. Like many Ligurian fishing villages, the tower houses are painted in warm shades of ocher.
See also
Related articles
- Cinque Terre National Park.
- Towns and villages in the area:
External Links
- Cinque Terre Category Directory dmoz
References
- (en) Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) , UNESCO. Accessed June 27, 2010
- (en) Decreto istitutivo , Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. Accessed June 27, 2010
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5, rated)
Loading ...