Early origins
The Cinque Terre and its surrounding areas have early evidence of human presence. The Grotta dei Colombi on Palmaria Island contains deposits that include remains of burials, animal bones and fossils, as well as flint artifacts from the Paleolithic period. It is likely that during this time, the island was still connected to the mainland.
During the Neolithic period, polished axes made of actinolite suggest that the region was inhabited by hunters who either had permanent or temporary dwellings in caves or rocky shelters. The abundant forest and wildlife supported hunting activities, which remained a primary resource for millennia, including during the Roman era.
Menhirs found in the Campiglia Tramonti area and near Mount Capri provide further evidence of ancient human presence. Some researchers propose that these stones may have had calendrical functions, while others see them as precursors to the stele statues found in the nearby Lunigiana region.
The Bronze Age introduced a social organization known as “pagense.” Basic centers (“vici”) were grouped into small districts (“pagi”), which were governed by defensive “castellari” located in dominant positions. Excavations on Mount Castellaro in the Pignone Valley revealed a significant amount of decorated pottery fragments, indicating an important and stable settlement.
Roman era
Roman military records show that the Ligurian tribes posed a significant challenge to Romanization. As a result, the Romans focused their activities in the Luni plain of the lower Val di Magra.
While there is no surviving material evidence or documented proof of the Cinque Terre villages’ current form having a Roman origin, some local place names suggest Latin origins. This implies that the ancient coastal route may have been used by the Romans, who established small horse relay stations along the way.
Medieval times
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region followed the historical events of Liguria, experiencing Gothic, Byzantine, Lombard, and Frankish dominion. In the 10th century, it became part of the Obertenga March, a vassal of the Kingdom of Italy.
The current structure of the Cinque Terre villages dates back to the 11th century when populations from the Val di Vara permanently settled along the coast, forming the five villages. The oldest known document mentioning the Cinque Terre dates back to March 1056, recorded in Monterosso. In this document, a local marquis donated immovable assets on various islands and in Porto Venere to the monasteries of Santa Maria and San Venerio.
The migration of people from the Vara Valley to the coast was influenced by two common historical events in Western Europe: population growth and the diminishing Muslim threat after successful responses by Genoa and Pisa in 1016. The coastal area also offered a more favorable climate for cultivating products like grapes and olives. The Cinque Terre villages initially emerged as agricultural settlements, requiring the terracing of mountainsides for farming.
Over time, as the inhabitants of the valley settled along the coast, they became familiar with the sea, using it as a means of communication and a source of sustenance. Privateering activities were carried out, and Genoa led by the powerful Doria lineage, expanded its control over the eastern Riviera.
To modern times
Throughout the 15th century, the Cinque Terre faced constant pirate threats. Numerous towers were built for surveillance and defense. Optical signals and fires were used to communicate danger, with specific patterns indicating the presence of infidels. Pirate attacks occurred in 1545, with the deportation of slaves from Monterosso and Corniglia. However, the people of Manarola, aided by Riomaggiore, managed to repel the attack. The last Islamic raid occurred in 1815, capturing fishermen off Punta Mesco. From then on, the Cinque Terre population thrived through fishing and agriculture, becoming a famous tourist destination only from the late twentieth century.
Today, Cinque Terre’s five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—each possess their own distinct allure and cultural heritage. From the sun-soaked beaches of Monterosso al Mare to the captivating vistas of Manarola, and the vibrant atmosphere of Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre beckons travelers to explore its rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you are an adventure seeker, history buff, or a lover of stunning coastal landscapes, Cinque Terre is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.