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Cinque Terre or Cinque Terre is the name given to a coastal area in Liguria, Italy, consisting of 5 villages in the province of La Spezia and facing the Ligurian Sea. These villages are: Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso and Vernazza. Region with certain geographical characteristics mountainous type, formed by terraces or strata that are descending thanks to a steep slope towards the sea.
The Cinque Terre National Park was created in 1999. This park currently has the Via dell’Amore Trail; a network of paths that connect each of the 5 villages, which is well known not only in Italy but worldwide, especially by couples in love.
But this romantic and famous road in 2012 was interrupted by a landslide, taking the authorities the decision to close the affected section between Riomaggiore and Manarola. But the recovery of the road is already underway, after planning, financing and all the necessary intervention to be able to resume tourism; it will be reopened by 2023, and thus continue to enjoy these beautiful coastal viewpoints.
What is the initial history of this trail?
Throughout different epochs the hand of man has been modeling this land, trying not to alter the ecological balance, using these various terraces to develop their agricultural technique, taking full advantage of what this land offers.
Towards the 20’s of the last century the 2nd line of the train was being built, which began to bring to this isolated area of the country a better life; since it began to communicate the localities that were isolated.
Then, taking advantage of this passage of the train through these areas, a kind of gunpowder store was built between the towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola; that is, a road was built at the level of the coastal cliff in order to reach the famous store, which remained in time.
Then the locals decided that this road was perfect for love encounters, making some paintings on the bark of the mountain, symbolizing their love, so it was named the Via dell’Amore. We are talking about a very beautiful place with breathtaking views of the sea.
Then, over the years, this path was reinforced to make it safer, due to the risk posed by any cliff. For this purpose, the area was paved, that is, a floor was placed for this pedestrian walkway, in addition to a balustrade or a kind of handrail, so that visitors could walk comfortably and without danger.
But, as we already mentioned, in 2012 there was a landslide, causing some injuries to the tourists who at that time were walking in this area and, of course, structural damage to the road. It then remained closed for 3 years, reopening only a part of it in 2015; but again they made the decision to close it to avoid future problems.
Since then, the lovers only access to a distance of 200 m, being satisfied with observing the spectacular views from one of its ends; besides hanging their padlocks on the fence that does not allow the passage; as a symbol of sealing their love.
What are the characteristics of the Via dell’Amore trail in the Cinque Terre Park?
The Park is famous not only among lovers, but also among trekking enthusiasts, as it runs along the entire mountain overlooking the sea, connecting the 5 villages that belong to this park, in a 120 km long route. The Path of Love connects Riomaggiore with the village of Manarola, a sector of about 1 km in length.
This trail is between 1.5 to 2 m wide, although there are some sections of up to 3 m; it is a steep terrain and excavated at rock level, at an altitude of 230 meters above sea level. Also popular is a sculpture of 2 lovers, where couples take pictures.
This trail was also a popular hiking trail because of its easy and accessible nature, as most of the other trails in the park are uneven, steep and physically challenging.
What does the recovery project include?
In 2019, work began on the project for the recovery of this section. The funds have been obtained from the Ministry of the Environment, the Mibac or Italian Ministry of Culture and at the regional level. For this purpose, the artificial tunnel will be enlarged, adding 80 m, specifically where the collapse occurred. Work will also be done on the walls below and above the section.
It is also intended to build a net to be attached to the slopes, made of stainless steel, as well as rockfall barriers; the intention is to block any instability of the rocks. In addition, certain types of sensors will be installed to monitor the movement of the rocks in order to prevent new landslides.
Therefore, this restoration work includes 20,000 square meters of protective netting, but also the removal of 3,000 cubic meters of rock. In this way, this great jewel of the Cinque Terre park will be able to recover its complete route.
While the Via dell’Amore Trail is reopened:
You can meet the starting point in the village of Riomaggiore, with its train station and walk along the cliff, with beautiful views of the sea. It is also a path characterized by Aleppo pines, vineyards and mastic trees. The park in general has several trails for trekking; among them the red trail, for more experienced hikers. But it also has the blue trail, which is closer to the sea and is built along the coast.
There is also a trail for swimming, at the level of the village of Vernazza, about 700 m long, where you can practice not only swimming but also kayaking, snorkeling and canoeing, especially in summer, when there are different competitions. The park also has waterfalls and caves, which are best accessed by kayak, which can be rented.
