In a significant cultural and tourism development, Italy’s renowned Via dell’Amore, or “Path of Love,” is set to reopen on Saturday, July 27. This celebrated 900-meter (2,950-foot) trail, famous for its stunning coastal views, has undergone a major refurbishment funded by an investment surpassing $24 million. The Italian Tourism Ministry confirmed the reopening, marking the end of a prolonged closure.
Location and Historical Significance
This scenic path, offering panoramic views of the sea, links the municipalities of Riomaggiore and Manarola in the Liguria region. It lies within the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, known for its dramatic landscapes and historical charm.
Closure and Engineering Challenges
The trail has been closed since September 2012 following a landslide that injured four Australian tourists. The refurbishment process has been particularly challenging due to the trail’s fragile cliffside location, making the project a notable engineering feat. The Tourism Ministry highlighted the complexity of restoring a path that clings precariously to the rock face.
Refurbishment Process and Techniques
Work on the trail commenced on January 14, 2022, and concluded on July 19, 2024. The refurbishment involved specialized contractors who transported materials using helicopters and installed a stainless steel net along with deep bolts. Rock climbers, suspended by ropes and steel cables, played a crucial role in installing the necessary equipment on the rugged rock walls.
Funding and Management
The restoration project cost nearly €24 million (about $26 million), financed by several Italian ministries. Following the refurbishment, the path will be managed by the Municipality of Riomaggiore and will function as an open-air museum, preserving its historical and cultural significance.
Access Restrictions and Booking Information
Initially, from July 27 to August 8, the path will be accessible only to residents of the Cinque Terre, along with those from Levanto, La Spezia, and former residents or second homeowners in Riomaggiore and their families. From August 9 onwards, tourists will be allowed entry by advance booking through the website www.viadellamore.info, which is currently being developed. A €10 (approximately $11) fee will be charged, with guided tours available for visitors.
Visitor Limits and Route Details
Access will be limited to 400 people per hour, organized into groups of 100 every 15 minutes, as stated by the Municipality of Riomaggiore. Visitors will enter the path in Riomaggiore and proceed towards Manarola on a designated one-way route.
Official Inauguration and Future Prospects
The Via dell’Amore was officially inaugurated on Friday evening by local dignitaries and government officials. Giacomo Giampedrone, the commissioner overseeing the safety work, expressed his pride in the successful restoration and the path’s return to public use.
Commissioner’s Statement and Invitation
Giampedrone remarked, “It is a source of great pride to return the Via dell’Amore in all its beauty, uniqueness, and safety to residents, Ligurians, and visitors from around the world.” He compared the restoration to recovering a priceless work of art, emphasizing the care taken to respect the surrounding environment. Giampedrone invited people to visit Liguria and experience the Via dell’Amore, promising an unforgettable encounter with this extraordinary trail suspended between sky and sea.