The village of Corniglia differs substantially from the others of the Cinque Terre thanks to its elevated position above the sea. It is located on a cape, a terrace on the sea, like that of Volastra, a hundred or so metres above the sea, which descends steeply and is inaccessible from the sea. To reach it one has to climb the 'Lardarina', a long series of steps in brick: 33 flights totalling 377 steps; there is also a road that leads from the railway to the village. The village layout of Corniglia also differs from that of the other villages: the houses are shorter, only recently have floors been added, making them similar to those of inland villages. The residential area develops along the main road, via Fieschi; on one side the houses look on to the opposite side of the street and on the other, they look out onto the sea. Of Corniglia's fortifications some remains survive of a stronghold dating back to 1556, on a cliff plunging into the sea. From a document dated 1276 there is news of a castle of which there remains no trace.

A tourist's perspective: Corniglia is a quiet pleasant place; just a little bit convenient to the sea, by reason of the elevated location, but on the other hand the views are spectacular from many points of it.

Get more infos and video on www.cinqueterre.com/blog/tag/corniglia