Market Day in Monterosso al Mare

We wake up at Villa Steno, take in the view from the hotel over the village to the Mediterranean, and (after the delightful breakfast buffet) head down into town for market day in Monterosso.  The market comes to town once a week and brings food, clothing, household goods, and just about anything one could want.

Our morning view across the village

We find the market in Piazza Garibaldi and wander, checking out, in particular, the clothing, housewares, cheeses, and meats.

Exploring the market

Mounted on the wall under the railroad tracks, in the middle of the market, are posters commemorating the mudslides that poured through several of the Cinque Terre villages on October 25, 2011.  On that date, an intense rainstorm caused torrents of water to flow from the surrounding mountains into town, particularly Monterosso and Vernazza, carrying tons of mud and debris.  The massive flooding destroyed homes and businesses and landslides filled the streets with rocks, dirt, and debris up to 12 feet (4 meters) deep, burying entire ground floors of buildings.

The villages have recovered and rebuilt, but noone will forget that day!

Reminders of the flood