Reopening of ‘Path of Love’: A Romantic Journey in italy
Via dell’Amore, Cinque Terre’s iconic footpath is finally opened for visitors following a 12 year and 23 million euro renovation.
Love is in the air as one of the most famous walking routes in Italy is set to reopen after more than a decade. The most romantic walk in the world, the Via dell’Amore or “Path of Love” located between Riomaggiore and Manarola was closed back in 2012 due to a landslide incident. After extensive renovation, it was finally reopened on 27th July, 2024.
Being a rover, you might have heard about this romantic hiking trail and might be fascinated about this reopening. Then this reading is for you!
All About “Path of Love”
La via dell’Amore is a path overlooking the sea, with a length of just one kilometer connecting villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, in Liguria, Italy. It is one of the renowned parts of four sections of the Sentiero Azzurro, “the Blue Path”, most famous hiking trail in Cinque Terre National Park.
Ironically, no one ever thought of building a “Path of love”. Today, Riomaggiore and Manarola- villages on majestic rocks stacked upon each other captivate the attention of tourists chasing Italian fantasy. But originally, they were simple settlements of farmers connected by ancient trails. The construction of a railway line between Genoa and La Spezia at the end of the 19th century, brought up the idea of connecting the two paths. Thus the construction started in 1920 and ended about 11 years later. Boasting the sunset views and dramatic rocky landscapes over the waves, this trail became an ideal spot for romantic date nights.
Fortunately, Via dell’Amore was written anonymously on the rocks and the path got its romantic name this way. Undoubtedly, Cinque Terre is a man-made blend with nature.
As the trail was set up in a beautiful and dangerous spot, it has seen unforeseen situations of flood and landslides in 2011 and 2012. Due to a landslide incident in 2012 in which four tourists were injured, it was closed and caused the trail to need repair. However, visitors are now able to walk again on this path as it has reopened on 27th July offering them the scenic views back on their Romantic Journey in italy.
How To visit reopened Via dell’Amore
If you are keen to have this Romantic journey in Italy, you must set your alarms and pre book your time slots in 15-minute intervals. Within the first week after reopening, 10,000 reservations were booked. Surprised? During the high season, this one way route from Riomaggiore to Manarola, limits the visitors to 30 minutes and capped at 400 people per hour.
High season: During April 1 to October 31, the route is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Low season: During November 1 to March 31, you can visit from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Worried about the tickets? You can purchase the tickets for Via dell’Amore online, exclusively through the purchase of Cinque Terre Card or for an additional fee of 10 euros. Most importantly, for tourists with resident tourist cards and staying in facilities with the CETS environmental quality mark the fee is 8 euros.
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What visitors can expect in new Via dell’Amore
Undoubtedly, the newly reopened stretch of Via dell’ Amore is a restored Lover’s lane where safety, preservation, and safety are top priorities now. To not let the earlier incident rehappen, specialized rock workers were flown in to block the rocks below and above the route with steel mesh for nearly 28,000 square feet of rockfall. There has been extension of artificial tunnel providing support for the path and down below is a 574 foot breakwater to prevent the erosion.
To reinforce the natural beauty of this region, more than 8800 plants have been reintroduced and new Via dell’Amore has pigmented design architecturally compatible with nature. The colors blending with the rocks will be mesmerizing.
There is a geotechnical monitoring system keeping the track of rock movements which will provide advance warning against the landslide situations. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy on-site storytelling guiding through the region and revealing the tales of history, nature and community of the route. This “Path of Love” is transforming the path into a model of tourism, protecting the identity of Cinque Terre.
Places to visit near “Path of Love”
Being the gateway to Cinque Terre, La Spezia has a strong maritime heritage. The Naval Technical Museum narrating Italy’s naval history through the captivating exhibits.
There is Amedeo Lia Museum housing a remarkable collection of centuries old art. If you love the panoramic views of the city and its picturesque bay, the San Giorgio castle is perfect.
Porto Venere is a town located on the Ligurian coast comprising three villages called Fezzano, Porto Venere, and Le Grazie is undoubtedly a maritime gem. Once you are there, don’t miss seeing Doria castle, a medieval fortress boasting the ruins of Grotta dell’Arpaia.
There is also a famous town of Carrara for its marble quarries offering a glimpse of Italy’s artistic qualities. You can have guided tours to these extraction sites. While you are here, consider visiting the National Archeological museum, Carrara Cathedral, Ducale di Lucca, and the Archaeological Zone of Luni. Finally, Sarzana is there offering glimpses of Italy’s medieval past. Renowned for its antique market, Sarzana is also a treasure near “Path of Love”.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, say goodbye to the scribbling on the walls and welcome this new canvas “PATH OF LOVE”. The time of timed entries, new visitors, and pre-booked reservations is abc to promote tourism throughout Cinque Terre.
This iconic stretch is perfect to enhance your Romantic journey in Italy. From amazing views to perfect countryside ambience, this place holds a different charm and glorifies the history of Italy. Encompassing the picturesque seaside towns of Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso and more, this is just an amazing escape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is “Path of love” reopening now?
A. From July 27 to August 8, the path will open for the residents and it will be open for the wider public after 9th august.
Q. Where is the via dell’ Amore located in Italy?
A. This panoramic route overlooking the sea is located between Riomaggiore and Manaroia.
Q. What is the most romantic path or walk in the world?
A. Widely popular for the most romantic walk in the world, the Via dell’Amore or “Path of love”, is perfect to dive into the beauty of this majestic place.