BTN News: After 12 long years of closure, the most romantic path in Cinque Terre, Italy, has finally reopened, welcoming visitors to experience its breathtaking views and historical charm once more. The Via dell’Amore, a scenic trail carved into steep cliffs with stunning vistas over the Ligurian Sea, was closed in 2012 after a landslide injured four Australian tourists. This unfortunate incident highlighted the urgent need for safety improvements in the area. Now, after significant investments in new safety measures, this 800-meter path, rich in history and romance, is open again, promising an enchanting journey through one of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes.
Cinque Terre, known for its five medieval villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty and Italian charm. The Via dell’Amore, or “Path of Love,” links two of these villages, Riomaggiore and Manarola, and is considered one of the most romantic walks in the world. The trail’s origins, however, were not as romantic as its name suggests. In fact, it was created by chance over 100 years ago during the construction of the railway between Genoa and La Spezia. Workers carved out sections of a stone path along the cliffs to transport materials and explosives, inadvertently creating what would become one of the most beloved walking trails in Italy.
Before its closure in 2012, the Via dell’Amore was a highlight of the 130-kilometer network of trails that weave through Cinque Terre, offering some of the most spectacular views in the region. The villages themselves, with their pastel-colored houses stacked atop one another on steep cliffs, seem almost like a dream, offering visitors a vibrant, living postcard of Italian coastal life. Riomaggiore and Manarola, in particular, are often described as “vertical” villages due to their precarious yet beautiful positions on the rocky coastline.
Despite its name and the romantic image it now holds, the creation of the Via dell’Amore was driven by practicality. The villagers of Riomaggiore saw an opportunity to connect their village with Manarola, making life easier for everyone. The construction of the trail began in 1920 and took about 11 years to complete. It wasn’t until an unknown writer inscribed the words “Via dell’Amore” on the rocky walls of the path that the trail took on its now-famous identity as a romantic destination.
The path’s reopening on July 27, 2024, marks a significant moment for Cinque Terre and its many admirers. Visitors can once again stroll along the trail, taking in the stunning views of the Ligurian Sea, the rugged cliffs, and the picturesque villages that make this region so special. To ensure safety, the trail has been reinforced with harnesses, nets, and anchors designed to prevent rockslides, while preserving the natural beauty that makes the Via dell’Amore such a unique experience.
Exploring Cinque Terre is an adventure that offers much more than just the Via dell’Amore. The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crisscrossed by 48 trails of varying difficulty, providing endless opportunities for hiking and exploration. The easiest way to get around is by the Cinque Terre Express trains, which run every 20 minutes and connect all five villages. For those who prefer to travel by foot, the Cinque Terre Card offers access to the trails and other park services, including guided tours and restrooms.
A visit to Cinque Terre would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like pesto pasta, Ligurian focaccia, and fresh sardines. For a different perspective, take a ferry between the villages, offering stunning views of the coastline from the water. And for those with disabilities, several of the park’s trails are now accessible, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty of Cinque Terre.
Riomaggiore, the village at one end of the Via dell’Amore, offers a particularly enchanting experience, especially at sunset. The path’s easy, flat terrain makes it an ideal choice for a romantic evening stroll, with the sun setting over the sea and the waves crashing against the cliffs far below. It’s easy to see why this trail has captured the hearts of so many visitors over the years.
Despite its beauty, the Via dell’Amore is also a reminder of the delicate balance between human ambition and the power of nature. Built on a steep, unstable mountainside in a region prone to landslides, the trail’s history is a testament to the challenges of living and building in such a rugged landscape. The original path between Riomaggiore and Manarola was actually much higher up the mountain, avoiding the cliffs where the Via dell’Amore now sits. Cutting a path along the cliffside inevitably led to problems with stability, and the frequent landslides that plagued the trail are a stark reminder of the forces at play in this dramatic landscape.
The entire region of Cinque Terre is an extraordinary example of “heroic viticulture,” where farmers have cultivated the steep, rocky terrain for centuries, building dry-stone walls to create terraces for olive groves and vineyards. This dramatic and dangerous form of agriculture has shaped the landscape in unique ways, creating a series of man-made terraces that are both beautiful and functional. However, with the decline of farming in the area and the rise of tourism, many of these terraces have fallen into disrepair, increasing the risk of landslides and erosion.
The reopening of the Via dell’Amore after 12 years of closure was no small feat. It required a significant investment of 22 million euros and the cooperation of various local and national entities. The process involved securing the mountain, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and ultimately constructing a safety system that would protect the trail without detracting from its natural beauty. The result is a path that is not only safe but also as enchanting as ever, offering visitors a chance to experience one of Italy’s most romantic and scenic walks.
To visit the Via dell’Amore, visitors must book tickets online or at the park’s ticket offices, with a limit of 400 people allowed on the trail per hour to prevent overcrowding. This new policy is part of a broader effort to manage the flow of tourists and preserve the delicate environment of Cinque Terre. As one of the smallest but most densely populated national parks in Italy, with 4,000 residents spread across 3,800 hectares, the region faces unique challenges in balancing tourism and conservation.
While full-scale wedding ceremonies on the Via dell’Amore will have to wait until the opening of a small amphitheater and botanical garden planned for next year, the path is already hosting intimate weddings with only a few guests. As the Via dell’Amore reopens to the world, it remains a symbol of the enduring romance and natural beauty that makes Cinque Terre such a magical destination.
The Via dell’Amore is more than just a trail; it is a journey through history, culture, and nature, offering visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of those who have come before and to create their own memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its reopening, the path invites travelers to rediscover the romance of Cinque Terre, where every step is a reminder of the timeless allure of Italy’s rugged coastlines and colorful villages.
