VERNAZZA - CINQUE TERRE
liguria
Vernazza was founded around the year 1000. Its name comes from "Gens Vulnetia", a Roman old family. To them belonged the slaves that, once liberated, founded the town. Vernazza was once the most prosperous village of the Cinque Terre. The historical centre conserves beautiful architectural elements as lodges, arcades and portals. It develops on a rocky spur along the Vernazzola brook, now covered. Vernazza presents a big number of side streets connected by steep stairs and it is dotted by defensive constructions, tower houses, the Turret and the castle of the Doria family, symbol of its old economic importance.
Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia
Constructed in 1318 in Ligurian gothic style by the "Maestri Antelami", the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia rose one a pre-existing XI century building. It was built on a rock in front of the sea, with an impressive 40 meters belfry adorned by a pointed shape dome. It has three aisles and was widened in the XVI and XVII century. According to the tradition, the church was built because of the founding on the beach of a wooden box with the bones of Saint Margaret finger. But the inhabitants decided to build the church in the "Isolotto" quarter and a strong sea storm destroyed it and the relic got lost. Time after, it appeared again in the original point and the population then erected a new church there, where it stands now.
Doria Castle of Vernazza
Vernazza was already a fortified village in 1080, with the Obertenghi family, who immediately see Vernazza's strategic importance. It dominates the village in the southern part, with an imponent bastion and a cylindrical tower of quadrangular base, the Belforte.
"Torrione" of Vernazza
The "Torrione" rose on the opposite side of the Doria Castle. Dating back to the XVI century, it is located inside of the garden of the "Padri Minori Riformati di San Francesco". Originally, the old town-walls of Vernazza started here.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio in Vernazza
The sanctuary of Vernazza is dedicated to the Lady of Reggio. It was built in the XI century on a pre-existing crypt. The first written mention dates back to 1248. The church has three aisles and in the XIV century was transformed to a Latin cross plant. Only the facade remains of the original Romanesque complex. The "Madonna Nera" with Child is the adored image, known as "The African" as well.
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