We end our stay in Monterosso the way we have our past few visits, with a hike up to Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore, the oldest Marian sanctuary in Liguria with the first small building dating from around the 8th century. The church itself dates from the 13th century, with renovations in the 18th century.
We leave Monterosso and start up the hill.
Leaving Monterosso
Up into the hills above Monterosso
After crossing the road, the trail, for a while, is paved and gently sloping up.
Continuing up
Soon, we are well above Monterosso, looking down on the city and the Mediterranean, with Levanto in the far distance on the other side of the hills.
Monterosso below
At the top of the hill, the sanctuary is now a hotel offering simple rooms overlooking Monterosso and with great trail access to all of Cinque Terre. We enter the chapel alongside to look around. No one is playing the organ today, as has happened in previous years, but it is still incredibly beautiful and serene.
Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore
Old chapel structure in the floor
Views of the chapel
Outside, we pause for more great views overlooking Monterosso and the sea.
View of the sea
We start down, retracing our steps over the stone walkways.
Heading down
Soon, we reach Monterosso, walk into the city and claim our reward.
Reentering Monterosso
Our reward in Piazza Garibaldi
It's sad to be leaving, but we have our reservations at Villa Steno for next year and we'll be back soon!
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