|
| Vernazza |
|
|
Vernazza’s territory was
already peopled during the Roman age: by the
way Roman settlers obtained the lands which
had been confiscated to the Ligurians.
During the 7th century Vernazza appeared
into the “Anonimo Ravennate”, with the name
of “Vulnetia”. The origin of this coastal
village is linked to the community who lived
around the church of Reggio, the actual
Sanctuary of Vernazza. During the 11th
century, Reggio’s inhabitants left their
village: a group of them went inward and
settled on a level ground, where they
founded the village of Pignone; the other
group went toward the coast and joined a
pre-existent community, founding togheter
the village of Vernazza. Vernazza is already
quoted into a document, in 1050.
Between the 11th and 12th century the
Orbetenghis ruled the territory and they
ordered the building of a castle on a high
storm-proof cliff.
The castle is proved by documents since
1056. Vernazza was one of the main port of
call of the Cinque Terre, thanks to its
natural well-sheltered harbour.
Its inhabitants were clever seamen, but they
often overran the neighbouring communities,
Pisa and Genoa, too.
Just for this reason, in 1209, Vernazza was
punished by Genoa for its piratical action
against the Republic.
It was a feud of the Bishop of Luni, then it
passed to the Da Passano’s Bishops and
finally to the Ponzo’s ones. |
|
|
|
|
