Vernazza is located after Monterosso, along the winding road of the Cinque Terre coast. It starts on the Western side of the coast and includes the village of Corniglia, which is one of its district. It features a series of colorful medieval houses, that boast a long and glorious naval tradition. Visiting Vernazza one understands why the Cinque Terre have been included in the UNESCO and its territory has been proclaimed "World Heritage" and why it hosts one of the marine protected areas established in Italy.
It was the territory of Orbetenghi between XI and XII centuries, a fortified village and efficient maritime base, an important port for the naval forces used in defense against the Saracen invasions. The town submitted the dominion of the Da Passano and for a short period, it was ruled by Nicolò Fieschi, who, in 1276, handed the lands to Genoa. Vernazza with Genoa fought and won the war against the Pisani.

ATTRACTIONS:

Traces of the wall, the ramparts and towers over the sea.
The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio built at 325 meters above sea level.
The Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, started in 1318, features a medieval style on the Eastern side and a Renaissance style on the Western side.
The Castle of the Doria features a cylindrical watch tower believed to date back to the XI century, which is the oldest part of the fortification.