About
The Church of San Giovanni Battista stands in the heart of Riomaggiore, the easternmost village of the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast of Italy. Also known in English as the Church of Saint John the Baptist, it is the village's historic parish church, and its origins go back to 1340.
What to see
- Gothic architecture, which gives the church its character and marks it as one of the older buildings in the village.
- A rose window, a feature visitors often look for when they come to see the facade and interior.
- Its setting, in the centre of the village, with views over the sea.
Planning a visit
Because the church sits within the village itself, it fits naturally into a walk through Riomaggiore's streets, where narrow lanes climb between colourful houses toward the water. It makes a quiet stop between the village's lively harbour area and its higher paths. Travellers who enjoy historic religious buildings will find it a rewarding place to pause, and those interested in the Cinque Terre's long history will appreciate its age.
The church is at Via Colombo, 19017 Riomaggiore, in the province of La Spezia. For questions about visiting, you can call +39 0187 920633 before you go.