VISITING MANAROLA
Manarola attracts visitors all year round. However, the sea is not the only thing that attracts the numerous tourists who bathe in the waters around the port in the summer. The fascinating shape of the hamlet, structured around tiny streets and alleyways that wind up through its coloured houses, immediately captures the imagination. The most important edifice is definitely the church of San Lorenzo, located on a clearing with a panoramic view that spans the horizon from the sea to the hill of the Tre Croci, upon which an illuminated nativity scene is placed during every Christmas period. The 14th century ligurian gothic church is known for the rose window set into its façade, just above the lunette arch in which resides the bas-relief of the martyr of San Lorenzo. The bell tower was built in the same century, but is separate from the church. To the left of the church, in the same square, is the 15th century Disciples’ oratory chapel.
On the main road leading down to the sea, you will find the Museo dello Sciacchetrà. This small venue houses a collection of tools and machinery used to make wine, along with various posters and films explaining how they work. The same road houses a succession of bars, restaurants and small bakeries, where you won’t be able to resist trying a delicious ligurian foccacia. Just outside the port lie the only remains of the ancient castle; a grey rampart that rises up between the houses, at right angles with the sea. For the best views of the hamlet, we recommend that you continue along the path towards the cemetery and Corniglia.
