Riomaggiore - Unique Fishing Hamlet Of The Cinque Terre In Italy
As Rick Steves says in his Italy 2007 Travel Guide, Riomaggiore is a “fascinating tangle of pastel homes leaning on each other like drunken sailors.” An apt description. Starting from the south, this non-resort town is considered the first of the 5 hamlets that make up Cinque Terre. Perched precariously on a hillside leading down to the rock edge of the sea, this little town on the Ligurian coast of Northern Italy has a magic all its own.
There once was a major river that ran through the valley that is Riomaggiore - thus the name: local dialect river is “rio” and major is... you guessed it, “maggiore”. Today, this river ravine is paved over (same as all the rivers that once ran through these five towns). When the river was in existence, the town sported romantic arched bridges that connected the two sides of the community.
Now, those bridges are replaced with more modern roads. But, don't think that ends the quaintness of the first stop in Cinque Terre. It has many delights that you can only find while on foot, or taking a bus up into the hills, or an elevator ride that takes you to the top of the town.
Making the trek to the top of the town is well worth it. You'll be treated to spectacular views of the ocean and you can visit the church, perched high above or take some time to look at the murals of heroic fisherman and grape growers of the region on the walls of the city hall, painted by an Argentinean artist named, Silvio Benedetto. It'll be the part of your trip to Italy that you'll remember as the place you could take a break and not feel like you were missing out on anything.
Cinque Terre and the other four villages that make it part of the "five lands," Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso have so much to offer a traveler of Italy. Between the food, the culture, the history and the amazing sea views along the trails, you'll find plenty to do and come away with some wonderful memories. But whatever you do, go to this beautiful place, respect the locals and enjoy all that these “five lands” by the sea have to offer.
By: Sara Gray
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Sara Gray is an avid lover of many things in life, and one of them is her favorite place in the world, the Cinque Terre, found along the Ligurian coast of Northern Italy. She shares her love of this magical place with a Web site she's created called My Cinque Terre where you can find out everything you wanted to know about the history, food, people and more of the "5 Lands."
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Vacations Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From - Home | Travel & Leisure | Vacations
Get discounts in budget hotel in New Delhi
Alternative Options Article
Get Your Vacation Packages before Time
Why Cruises are the Greatest Vacation for Families
Follow These Rules for a Drama-Free Vacation Rental Booking
San Antonio Hotel: Rendering Style and Comfort To Tourists
Which is the Best Hotel in Las Vegas?
Timeshares and RCI Points Explained
Cheap hotels booking - Enjoy vacations
Explore Colorful Holidays to Turkey
Mail this post