Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations for both residents of Russia and guests from neighboring countries. This land is literally saturated from the very depths and “breathes” faith, since in every Italian province there are a great many temples, churches and cathedrals. There is also a huge number of stunning architectural buildings and landscape figures, from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. This article will talk about such an amazingly beautiful place as Manarola (Italy).
Description
The most striking highlight among the famous places in Italy can be recognized as such a wonderful, truly paradise place, like the Cinque Terre.
It is located in a small but very cozy region of Italy - Liguria. Only 5 villages are part of this "paradise on Earth", however, each of them stands out for its originality and elegance. If you delve into linguistics, then translated from Italian, “Cinque Terre” means “5 lands”. Each neighborhood has its own name: Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Monterosso al More, Manarola. Italy is not only the sea, beaches and vineyards. It is also mountain peaks and rocky cliffs. All these settlements are located directly between two cliffs among the mountains and rocks on the coast in northwestern Italy.
Manarola, a colorful city on the cliffs (Italy), is incredibly popular among tourists, even despite the lack of ennobled beaches and places of recreation. And all because life here is unusually measured and calm. This is what many vacationers appreciate. The streets are very narrow and winding, there is no noise of cars and traffic jams. Vineyards grow everywhere, which give a rich harvest. A great number of grapes of wine, famous all over the world, are produced from beautiful grapes.
The capital of winemaking
A very useful function of vineyards is that they are able to hide the whole village and its inhabitants from prying eyes. In the race for the championship right among the most famous cities where wine is produced, Manarola (Italy) takes the leading place. The most famous wines are called "Cinque Terre" (this is dry wine) and "Chaketra" (dessert). The first grade of wine is most often served in addition to a hearty lunch or dinner, for example, grapes and cheese snacks. As for Shaketra, wine is considered very sweet and is drunk only on holidays.
Local gastronomic masterpieces
Do not forget that it is Manarola (Italy) that is considered to be the birthplace of the world-famous spicy pesto sauce, which is used in many dishes, with pleasure and in large quantities consumed by Italians. The climatic conditions of Liguria are considered optimal in order to engage in the cultivation of such a specific spice as basil. It is believed that this plant in this area has a special aroma. Also, Ligurians often add cedar nuts, olive oil, cheese of various varieties to pesto.
Each restaurant in Liguria, even the smallest, is ready to present to the guests a lot of excellent culinary delights based on anchovies and other seafood. An excellent example is the famous spaghetti carbonara throughout Italy.
In order for cozy Manarola (Italy) to become accessible to the eyes of visiting guests, it is necessary to cross the bridge of lovers. This path is considered the most beautiful and picturesque section of tourist routes. For those who like to travel comfortably in the province of La Spezia, you can rent a special minibus with a driver who will take you to any place almost for free.
Manarola (Italy) is available for visits by tourists all year round, but the best period for this is the time from March to May. The thing is that during this period the climate is most favorable for walking with the aim of exploring the most beautiful places in the country. It is no accident that Manarola (Italy) attracts tourists from all over the world.
The city's attractions
From the list of the most popular places for viewing, first of all, it is necessary to single out quite traditional houses for Italy, outlines resembling high towers and made in all the traditions of the Genoese architectural direction. The famous Path of Love starts right there, inspiring romantic feelings on many travelers. Many couples in love say that this wonderful place makes the best impression in the evening, when the crimson of the setting sun hangs over all of Italy.
To overcome the trail and all its sections, it may take about 5 hours of free time, since the route stretched for as much as 12 kilometers. If there is neither desire nor strength for a walk, then a train or a boat that takes you to a place with comfort and minimal time costs is at the tourists' service.
There are a huge number of legends and legends about how exactly this path appeared. One of them says that earlier this road was a stream, to which couples in love came every day and swore eternal feelings. The source was incredibly popular among young people living in Manarola and neighboring villages. As soon as the stream dried up, a path was formed here, prayed for with oaths of eternal love.
This legend is told by many guides in Italy, as it attracts more tourists to the city.
Presepe
Manarola, a picturesque village on the rocks (Italy), is famous for another event. As in any country in the world, in Italy there are unshakable traditions, including in relation to the celebration of Christmas and New Year. Prespep is a kind of Christmas market with a million holiday lights, which is also popular here, like a Christmas tree in Russia, which is completely hung with balls, tinsel and garlands. Presep, which opens to the gaze of tourists, begins on December 8 of each year. 2016 will also not be an exception, and Presepe will shine with illumination at about 5 pm local time. Tourists and indigenous people of Italy will be able to observe this enchanting phenomenon until the very beginning of February. Usually, everyone comes to see this spectacle, including residents of distant countries and the whole world. It’s a sin to miss such an event, especially if at this time you were planning a trip to Italy. The only thing is better to book accommodation in advance in the village of Manarola (Italy). The hotels here are incredibly comfortable and atmospheric.
History
The main inspirer of the Presepe project was named an architect named Mario Andreoli, who is now on a well-deserved rest, and previously worked on the railway. Since the long past 1976, Mario gave his life to translate this idea into reality. It took Mario about 30 years to cover the entire hill with professional attention. In 2007, this creative plan and the project itself were awarded entries in the Guinness Book of Records.
For Manarola (Cinque Terre, Italy) to shine and appear in all its glory and magnificence to a large audience, the master needed about 7 kilometers of electric cable, about 15,000 LED bulbs, about 300 sculptures in human height, which were made from industrial and food waste. Recently, this design has become not only environmentally friendly, but also autonomously illuminated using its own power plant. It is worth saying that the energy consumption here is completely small.
On the territory of the village there are also temple buildings.
St. Lawrence Temple and Chapel
The church was built back in 1338. It is believed that this building was erected by the masters of Antel. The holy place is equipped with a nave in three compartments, a Gothic facade, a window in the form of an all-seeing eye, decorated with marble chips. The main entrance to the temple is decorated with a bas-relief, which depicts paintings of all the torment and persecution experienced by St. Lawrence. The triptych of the 15th century in the monastery of Lawrence is presented in the Baroque style. Not far from the church itself is a high bell tower, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century. From the very beginning, this bell tower served as a normal viewing platform. The flagellant chapel, which used to play the same role, was conveniently located in the side of the building.
In the corner of the small square is a miniature church for church employees. This institution bears the name of a famous Italian saint named Rocco.
Ruins
The ruins belong to a castle built in the 13th century and, unfortunately, now completely destroyed. Currently, the walls of the temple and all the towers just organically fit into the surrounding landscape and are in harmony with the cliffs hanging over the sea depths.
Groppo
This place is worthy of the attention of vacationers also for the reason that it is here that famous wines and liquors are produced.
Having been in Manarola, not a single tourist will remain indifferent and will not refuse to visit this wonderful town again. This is evidenced by numerous reviews.
In the village there are a huge number of hostels and hotels with everything you need for a comfortable stay. This place is with a special atmosphere, which everyone should visit if possible.