Churches and oratories

Riomaggiore

Church of San Giovanni Battista

The church was built in 1340 but in 1870 the facade was rebuilt in a Neo-Gothic style. The Gothic doors on the right side, the rose window, the wooden crucifix and the organ from 1851 are all well worth seeing. From the square in front of the church, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the village. I love walking up here at night, Riomaggiore is really pretty with the lights.

Oratory of San Rocco

The oratory can be found next to the castle. It was built in the 15th century in remembrance of the plague in the village.

Manarola

Church of San Lorenzo

The church, which was built in 1338, has a Gothic facade with a nice rose window, and a Baroque-style interior. On the facade, there is a bas-relief representing the martyrdom of San Lorenzo. On the 15th-century triptych, you can see San Lorenzo with other saints. The church can be found in the upper part of the village. On the same square, you will find a 14th-century oratory and a bell tower from the 13th century, originally built as a watch tower.

Corniglia

Church of San Pietro

The 14th-century church is one of the most interesting monuments of the Ligurian Gothic style. The rose window on the facade is made of white Carrara marble, and it has Corniglia's ancient symbol, a deer, in the middle. Make sure you walk inside as well, you will see a 12th-century christening font and a polyptych.

Oratory of the Disciplinati of Santa Caterina

The 18th-century monument stands above the Largo Taragio square. You can enjoy a beautiful view from behind the oratory.

Vernazza

Church of Santa Margarita d'Antiochia

The church, which stands on the main square of Vernazza, was constructed in 1318 in Ligurian Gothic style. Its belltower is 40 meters high and has an octogonal shape. At an open-air art festival, there was a rope connecting the belltower with a temporary tower on the other side of the beach. As part of the show, the belltower went up in flames and a rope dancer escaped, walking on the rope high above the little harbour. It was an amazing experience!

Monterosso

Convent of Cappuccini and Church of San Francesco

The convent with the church can be found on top of the San Cristoforo hill. It was built in 1619 and, during the centuries, it was used as hospital and warehouse as well until it was returned to its rightful owners. Among other artwork, you can also see Van Dyck's Crucifixion inside. Next to the church, you will find the cemetery.

Church of San Giovanni Battista

The 13th-century church is located in the historical center of Monterosso, and is another nice example of Ligurian Gothic style. Its beautiful facade is comprised of alternating strips of white marble and green serpentine. Its belltower was originally part of Monterosso's defence system, used as a watch tower. The Baroque altar dates back to 1744.

Oratory of Confraternita dei Neri

The 16th-century Baroque oratory can be found in the old town of Monterosso, near the church of San Giovanni Battista.

Oratory of Confraternita dei Bianchi, Santa Croce

This oratory is located in the old town of Monterosso as well, behind the church of San Giovanni Battista. So within a few steps, you can see three interesting sights. You should spend some time inside the oratory as well, the 19th-century organ is well worth seeing.

Portovenere

Church of San Pietro

This church was constructed in 1277 over the ruins of another church dedicated to Venus. Venus is Venere in Italian, while Porto means harbour, so that's where the name of the town comes from. The Genoan-Gothic building is beautiful with its black and white stripes, perched on top of a rock in the sea. Next to the church, don't miss the Romanesque style arcades with amazing view towards the Cinque Terre.

Church of San Lorenzo

The Romanesque style church was built in the 12th century. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged during the centuries and had to be rebuilt several times.

Levanto

Church of Sant Andrea

The 13th-century church is a nice example of Ligurian Gothic style. Its facade is comprised of alternating white and dark green strips with a white marble rose window.