Italy's Beauty There is so much beauty for which art lovers and people like you and me turn to Italy for the models, that we sometimes loose sight of the universality of Italian artistic production. There is scarcely a department of art work in which Italy did not excel the world in history.

The Cinque Terre, Italy

If you are thinking about a trip to Italy, you might want to consider Cinque Terre. This is a quiet set of towns on the Italian Riviera in Northern Italy that are built essentially on the side of a cliff. It is extremely secluded because of the incredibly harsh terrain. There is almost no overbearing commercial development in this area, and there isnt likely to be any anytime soon the land and current architectural technology simply will not allow for it.

Cinque Terre is literally translated into "The Five Lands". These lands are called Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Corniglia. Each is distinctly unique, but also has a number of things that tie them together. For one, it is not easy to drive to any of these lands. The best way in or out using modern means is by train. This seclusion makes it a popular destination for the rich and famous. You can also travel between the villages by use of a ferry or a walking trail called Sentierro Azzurro, or "The Light Blue" trail. You can also hike a trail connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola. This world famous trail is called the "Love Walk" and is a very simple stroll with extraordinary views. You can enjoy an even easier and relatively flat walk from Manarola to Corniglia as well if hiking is your thing.

Manarola is actually the second smallest town of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre. Like all of Cinque Terre, this place is rich in history. A famous church in this village dates back nearly 700 years to 1338. The wine and food in Manarola may be as rich as its history. People have been writing about the fresh fish and magnificent wine since ancient Roman times.

Also known for its wine, the historic village of Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in Cinque Terre. It actually goes down to the water and even has a small beach. The narrow antique streets are lined with amazing restaurants and bars, making this the perfect getaway for anyone looking to relax and take in the flavor of a new culture. If you are lucky, you may even have time to wander the hillsides that encompass the town, as it is a treasured national park.

As with all of the villages, Monterosso al Mare is located in the province of La Spezia. What sets it apart is that it has two specifically defined sections of town that divide the village into the old town and new. This is the largest of the five villages, and also has the largest beach in Cinque Terre. It his heavily used by locals and tourists alike. You might even catch them sun bathing while sipping on freshly squeezed lemon juice from the famous lemon trees that line the nearby hillside.

Vernazza has absolutely no cars, and things are not all that much different than they were 100 years ago. It is more of a true fishing village, and the people there live a very simple life. There are actually public documents going all the way back to the year 1080 of this town being officially recognized, making it officially nearly 1,000 years old. The fact that this beautiful place has remained relatively small for such a long time is truly remarkable. There are a large number of manmade lookout points that you can visit in Vernazza. They were built centuries ago because this quiet little town was once a favorite target for pirates to raid.

The final village for you to visit in Cinque Torre is Corniglia. Little is known for sure about the history of this little town, as much of its rich history was destroyed by invaders. There are official records of a castle from the 13th century, but its location and ruins have yet to be uncovered. The surrounding countryside of Corniglia is an uneven grid of terraces and vineyards, which are also famous for the quality of wine they produce.

Unlike all of the other villages, Corniglia is not directly on the water. Instead, it is built on high ground, roughly 350 feet up on top of a large hill. This was fortunate in 2011, when Cinque Terre was devastated by incredible floods. Many people lost their life in October of that year, and the property damage from landslides was extensive. Despite the setbacks, however, Cinque Terre put on a brave face and has since moved on. Bravery is nothing new to Cinque Terre, as they also famously fought against Benito Mussolini, his fascists, and the Nazi occupation during World War II.

If you are looking for an amazing adventure rich in important history, breathtaking views, and exceptional dining, Cinque Terre, Italy is one place you simply have to plan on exploring. Make sure you have plenty of time, however, because it must all be taken at the leisurely relaxing pace these villages are known for.