Sacred Sites and Churches

Explore the religious heritage of Riomaggiore and Manarola through a collection of 12th to 16th-century churches and sanctuaries. These sites showcase Ligurian Gothic architecture, characterized by Carrara marble rose windows and local sandstone facades. The list includes central parish churches and remote hilltop sanctuaries like Volastra and Montenero, which are historically connected by ancient pilgrimage paths and offer expansive views of the Ligurian coastline.

Chiesa di San Lorenzo

14th-century Gothic church featuring a Carrara marble rose window from 1375. The interior contains a 15th-century triptych and Baroque altars.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

Built in 1340, this church features a 19th-century Neo-Gothic facade and two original Gothic side portals. The interior houses a 14th-century wooden crucifix and a historic mechanical organ.

Our Ladys Church

16th-century oratory containing a 15th-century triptych of the Madonna and Child and a wooden statue of the Assumption.

Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

12th-century Romanesque sanctuary featuring simple sandstone construction and a 14th-century image of the Virgin Mary.

Madonna di Montenero

14th-century sanctuary rebuilt in the 18th century. Situated on a ridge overlooking the coast, it is accessible via historic hiking trails from Riomaggiore.

Cappella di San Bernardo

Small hillside chapel located along the hiking trails connecting Riomaggiore to the Telegrafo pass.

Chiesa Angeli Custodi

Small place of worship located in the coastal hamlet of Fossola, along the rugged cliffs between Riomaggiore and Portovenere.