Vernazza Cinque Terre

VERNAZZA

Vernazza’s territory was already peopled during the Roman age: by the way Roman settlers obtained the lands which had been confiscated to the Ligurians. During the 7th century Vernazza appeared into the “Anonimo Ravennate”, with the name of “Vulnetia”.
The origin of this coastal village is linked to the community who lived around the church of Reggio, the actual Sanctuary of Vernazza.
During the 11th century, Reggio’s inhabitants left their village: a group of them went inward and settled on a level ground, where they founded the village of Pignone; the other group went toward the coast and joined a pre-existent community, founding togheter the village of Vernazza.

Vernazza is already quoted into a document, in 1050.
Between the 11th and 12th century the Orbetenghis ruled the territory and they ordered the building of a castle on a high storm-proof cliff. The castle is proved by documents since 1056.
Vernazza was one of the main port of call of the Cinque Terre, thanks to its natural well-sheltered harbour.