Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute, Manarola

Religious Building in Manarola

Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute Cinque Terre
Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute Cinque Terre
CC BY-SA 3.0 / avide Papalini

The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute in Volastra is one of the best places to visit in Riomaggiore if you're craving a quieter, more contemplative side of the Cinque Terre. Perched in the hamlet above Manarola and Riomaggiore, this 12th-century sanctuary belongs to the network of Cinque Terre Marian sanctuaries and feels a world away from the busy seafront promenades. Framed by vineyard terraces and olive groves, the simple stone façade, ogival portal, and Gothic mullioned window give it a timeless, grounded presence that fits perfectly with the rural landscape around it.

Stepping inside, you'll find a single barrel-vaulted nave leading to a narrow Gothic apse and a Baroque altar, with a venerated image of the Madonna that was crowned in 1891. The atmosphere is intimate and devotional rather than grand, making it a peaceful stop to sit, listen to the silence, and imagine the centuries of pilgrims who have climbed up here. The sanctuary is often visited on walking tours of Riomaggiore and Manarola, especially those that link the coastal villages with the high paths running along the ridge of the Cinque Terre.

History and Significance of the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

Built in the 12th century in the upper part of Volastra, the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute is one of the earliest Marian sanctuaries in the Cinque Terre. It is closely tied to the parish church of San Lorenzo in Manarola and forms part of the cluster known as the “Cinque Terre sanctuaries,” alongside Montenero in Riomaggiore, Nostra Signora delle Grazie and Nostra Signora di Reggio in Vernazza, and Nostra Signora di Soviore above Monterosso. Together, these sanctuaries mapped out a spiritual geography above the coastal villages, giving local communities places of pilgrimage, thanksgiving, and refuge away from the sea.

The sanctuary’s Romanesque origins are clearly visible in its solid, gabled façade built from local stone ashlars and the decorative crowning of small arches that runs along the top. Later Gothic touches, such as the ogival sandstone portal and the mullioned window above it, show how the building evolved with changing styles while keeping its essential simplicity. Narrow lancet windows along the sides let in filtered light, creating an interior that is modest but quietly dignified.

Inside, the single rectangular nave with its barrel vault leads towards a tight Gothic apse where a Baroque altar was later installed, reflecting the ongoing care and embellishment the sanctuary received over the centuries. The venerated image of the Madonna, crowned in 1891, remains the devotional heart of the church. Originally, a 15th-century triptych of San Lorenzo between Saints Anthony the Abbot and Bernardino, attributed to the Master of the Cinque Terre, was displayed here; it is now preserved in the parish church of Manarola, but its link to Volastra reinforces the sanctuary's historical and artistic importance.

Things to See and Do in the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

From the outside, take time to really look at the façade. The simple gable, built of carefully laid local stone, is topped with a row of small blind arches that soften the profile and add rhythm to the front wall. The sandstone portal, with its pointed ogival arch, draws your eye upwards towards the Gothic mullioned window, whose delicate stonework contrasts with the solid wall around it. The overall effect is sober, almost austere, but details like the crowning arches and carved profiles reward a closer look.

Walking around the sanctuary, notice the narrow lancet windows cut into the side walls. These slim openings are typical of Romanesque and early Gothic rural churches, letting in enough light to illuminate the interior without weakening the structure or breaking up the stone surfaces too much. The setting also deserves attention: Volastra’s terraced vineyards, olive trees, and glimpses of the sea below give the sanctuary a sense of hovering between earth and water, village life and pilgrimage path.

Inside, the single nave feels intimate and focused. The barrel vault overhead guides you towards the Gothic apse, where the Baroque altar stands as a later flourish in an older architectural shell. The crowned image of the Madonna is the focal point for local devotion, and even if you are not religious, the layers of history and care are easy to feel. If you have time, pair your visit with a stop at San Lorenzo in Manarola to see the triptych once kept here. Taken together, the sanctuary, its art, and its hillside setting make this one of the must-see places in Riomaggiore's hinterland for anyone who loves quiet corners and centuries-old faith.

How to Get to the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

Most visitors to the Cinque Terre arrive via nearby airports such as Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) or Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, then continue by train or car to the Ligurian coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Manarola on Booking.com.

To reach the sanctuary by train, travel on the main coastal railway line to Manarola or Riomaggiore, then connect with local buses or walking paths that climb up to Volastra; the walk from Manarola via terraced vineyard paths is particularly scenic but includes some steep sections. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

If you are driving, you can approach Volastra along the hillside roads above the Cinque Terre, following signs for the hamlet and parking in designated areas before walking a short distance to the sanctuary itself. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Organised tours and local hiking guides sometimes combine the sanctuary with other hilltop viewpoints and vineyard trails, offering transport logistics and route-finding assistance if you prefer not to navigate on your own.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

  • Suggested tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan to walk up from Manarola or link the sanctuary with other hillside trails.
  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and clearer views; early morning or late afternoon provide softer light and a quieter atmosphere in and around the hamlet.
  • Entrance fee: The sanctuary is a functioning place of worship and is usually free to enter; donations for maintenance are appreciated.
  • Opening hours: Opening times can vary with parish schedules; the sanctuary is often open around services and key feast days, so check locally for current hours.
  • How long to spend: Plan on 20-40 minutes to appreciate the exterior, interior, and surroundings, longer if you are walking to or from Manarola or exploring Volastra's lanes.
  • Accessibility: Access involves uphill roads and paths; the immediate approach to the sanctuary includes uneven surfaces and steps, so it may be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility.
  • Facilities: Facilities in Volastra are modest, but you'll usually find a small bar or café and basic services; for a wider range of options, head down to Manarola or Riomaggiore.
  • Photography tip: Capture the façade straight-on for symmetry, then step back to include the surrounding terraces and sea; inside, use natural light to highlight the apse and altar without flash.
  • Guided tours: Consider joining a guided hike that links Manarola, Volastra, and the high trails; guides often add stories about the Cinque Terre sanctuaries and local traditions.
  • Nearby food options: Enjoy a drink or snack in Volastra itself, or descend to Manarola or Riomaggiore for more restaurants, wine bars, and seafood options overlooking the sea.

Where to Stay close to the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

Staying in Manarola or Riomaggiore makes visiting the sanctuary particularly easy, whether you head up by bus or on foot along the vineyard paths. In Manarola, Hotel Marina Piccola offers sea-view rooms just above the harbour and simple access to the trail up to Volastra. If you prefer to base yourself in Riomaggiore, Affittacamere Dai Baracca provides a comfortable, village-centre stay with quick train connections and bus links to the hillside hamlets. For a more boutique feel, La Torretta Lodge combines stylish rooms with sweeping views, making it easy to blend coastal relaxation with a serene pilgrimage up to the sanctuary.

Is the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute Worth Visiting?

The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute is absolutely worth visiting if you want to experience the quieter, more spiritual side of the Cinque Terre. Far from the busy waterfronts, it offers a calm space where Romanesque stone, Gothic details, and Baroque devotion have coexisted for centuries. The simple nave, Gothic apse, and crowned Madonna image create an atmosphere that feels deeply rooted in local faith, while the views and village setting add a gentle, rural charm.

Because it fits so naturally into a walk between Manarola, Volastra, and the high trails, the sanctuary also works beautifully as part of a wider day exploring terraces and ridges above the sea. For many travellers, that combination of gentle pilgrimage, architecture, and panorama makes it one of the things to do in Riomaggiore that leaves a lasting impression long after the trip is over.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (273)

Chiesa di San Lorenzo on Via Rocca sits above Manarola and is a modest Gothic and Baroque stone church noted for its 14th‑century origins and frescoes; visitors describe a simple interior with a rose window, a vintage Italian chamber organ, and a peaceful atmosphere—the small square outside provides rooftop and sea views and a quiet place for reflection after an uphill walk from the village.

The Lost Forest Mum
3 months ago
"📍 Chiesa di San Lorenzo – Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy 🇮🇹nA peaceful 14th-century church ⛪ at the top of Manarola, reached by an uphill walk 🚶‍♂️from the village. Built in Gothic style with a rose window and a simple interior 🏛️, it offers a quiet break from the busy streets below. The small square outside gives nice views of the rooftops and sea 🌊. Not crowded, making it a tranquil stop if you don’t mind the climb. 🙌..."
michele campanelli
a month ago
"The first wonder to see in a beautiful village between the hills and the sea.. ❤"
Richard Ward
a year ago
"A very simple, humble, yet memorable church in the center of town, up on top of a lovely hill granting excellent views of the sea. A small, yeteffective plaza to gather the locals around each week. Inside, there were a couple of worshipers, and the numerous lit candles added an air of spiritualness as you walked through the doors. We spent some quality quiet time here. You should too...."

FAQs for Visiting Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

No, visitors of all backgrounds are welcome; just be respectful of services and people praying, and keep voices low inside.
Yes, there are marked paths that climb from Manarola up to Volastra; they are scenic but can be steep, so bring good shoes and water.
Modest clothing is recommended-cover shoulders and avoid beachwear or very short shorts, especially if you enter during mass.
Services are held according to the parish schedule; check notices in Volastra or in the church of San Lorenzo in Manarola for current times.
Discreet photography without flash is usually accepted when no service is in progress, but always respect signs and local guidance.

Nearby Attractions to the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute

  • Manarola - A classic Cinque Terre village with pastel houses, a tiny harbour, and seafront paths perfect for sunset strolls.
  • Church of San Lorenzo (Manarola) - The parish church linked to the sanctuary, home to artworks including the triptych once kept in Volastra.
  • Riomaggiore - A colourful village with steep lanes, a small marina, and easy train access to the rest of the Cinque Terre.
  • Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) - The famous coastal trail linking the Cinque Terre villages, sections of which can be combined with Volastra’s hillside paths.
  • Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Montenero - Another Cinque Terre sanctuary above Riomaggiore, offering wide sea views and a complementary perspective on the region's Marian devotion.

The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Salute appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Manarola!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Opening times can vary with parish schedules; the sanctuary is often open around services and key feast days, so check locally for current hours.

Price:

The sanctuary is a functioning place of worship and is usually free to enter; donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Manarola: 1 km

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