Manarola, Coastal village in Cinque Terre, Italy.
Manarola is a coastal village in Cinque Terre National Park, perched on steep cliffs above the Ligurian Sea with colorful houses packed tightly together. The buildings form narrow lanes, while terraced vineyards cover the surrounding slopes.
The church of San Lorenzo has a cornerstone dated 1338, marking one of the oldest known records of settlement along this stretch of coast. The village grew around winemaking and fishing, with steep slopes gradually transformed into workable terraces over centuries.
Residents build a large illuminated display on the hillside during the darker months, creating an open-air nativity scene. Figures, lights, and symbols spread across the vineyard terraces, transforming the slope into a shared work of art.
The village sits on the railway line between Genoa and Pisa, so travelers arrive by train and explore the lanes on foot. Coastal paths connect Manarola to neighboring settlements, though some sections may close during bad weather.
The name comes from a Latin term meaning large wheel, referring to an old mill that once operated here. Today, only a few structural traces recall that past, but the name has endured.
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