The first historical documents on the Cinque Terre date back to the XI century. Monterosso and Vernazza sprang up first, whilst the other villages grew later, under military and political supremacy of Genova.<\/p>\n
In the XVI century to oppose the attacks by the Turks, the inhabitants reinforced the old forts and built new defence towers. From the year 600 the Cinque Terre knew a decline which reversed only in the XIV century, thanks to the construction of the Military Arsenal of La Spezia and to the building of the railway line between Genova and La Spezia. <\/p>\n
The railway allowed the inhabitants to escape their isolation, but also brought about abandonment of traditional activities.\u00a0 The consequence was an increase in poverty which pushed many to emigrate abroad, at least up to the 1970\u2019s, when the development of tourism brought back wealth.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>