MANAROLA - CINQUE TERRE
liguria
Manarola has very old origins. It was founded by the inhabitants of the probably Roman settlement of Volastra. Its name derives from the Latin "Manium arula", that means a small altar dedicated to the "Mani", Roman gods of the house. Manarola is characterized by tower houses defending the village. The town is located on a sharp promontory of dark rock, and it is structured around the course, now covered, of the Groppo brook. The square is situated on the higher part of the village. Here we find the 1338 parish church in Gothic style, the oratory and the bell tower. Among the houses, stands the white pyramid of cement, a sign for the sailors. Manarola is the calmest of the Cinque Terre, later discovered by the tourists. It is possible to enjoy the nature with relaxing walks, above all the "Via dell'Amore" that leads to Riomaggiore.
Church of the "Natività di Maria Vergine" or of San Lorenzo
The Church is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, known as well as Church of Saint Lawrence, patron of the village. It was built in Gothic style by the "Maestri Antelami" in 1338, as it indicates a cornerstone in the facade. The pointed arch portal is decorated with a bas-relief representing the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, while the rose window is adorned by twelve little columns. The XIV century squared bell tower was an ancient defensive building . The baroque inside has three barrel vaults aisles. On the main altar we find a XIV century triptych with the Madonna with Child, Saint Lawrence and Saint Catherine. On the aisle, a second triptych coming from the church of Volastra with Saint Lawrence, Saint Dominic and Saint John the Baptist.
Oratory of the "Disciplinati" of Manarola
In the same square of the church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, we find the XV century oratory of the "Disciplinati", of the "Santissima Annunziata" or of the "Azzurri". At the square corner with the main road is located the building of the Lazzaretto, or ancient hospital of Saint Rocco.
Bastion of Manarola
Of the ancient castle of Manarola only remain the rests of a bastion, probably dating back to the second part of the XIII century. Part of the ruins are today houses directly at the sea.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Health in Manarola
The sanctuary is in Volastra, a village between Manarola and Corniglia. It has a Romanesque shapes with the beautiful facade, while the pointed arch in sandstone of the entrance has a gothic double lancet window upon it. Inside, the single rectangular aisle is covered by a barrel vault.
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