Italy´s “Path of Love” welcomes visitors after a 12-year closure; the most romantic in the world

The most romantic path in the world, Italy´s “Path of Love” is re-opening on August 9 after a 12-year closure, caused by a damaged walkway which injured four Australian tourists in 2012.

The 1km-long path encapsulates the beauty of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, unique for its timeless charm and romantic, coastal atmosphere.

Via dell´Amore

“Via dell´Amore was built by our ancestors to connect the two communities,” shared the mayor of Riomaggiore and Manarola, Fabrizia Pecunia. “It represents the strength and determination of the people here.” The path was built at the beginning of the 20th century, during the modernisation of the railway line between Genoa and La Spezia.

What was initially a route for railroad workers who needed a way to get between Riomaggiore and Manarola while a tunnel was being constructed, became a secret lovers´ spot, which Romeo and Juliet wished they had lived to witness. Shut during the Second World War, the path was reopened and became a secret meeting place for lovers.

After a journalist reported the words Via dell´Amore were written with chalk on the door of what was once a gunpowder warehouse, the mayor renamed the pathway and it has since been the place of love confessions, first dates and marriage proposals.

Romantic seclusion

After 12 years of longing for the iconic path and a €22 million investment, the restoration project has finally finished with a new pathway made of steel mesh and 8,800 new plants. The “Path of Love” can now be walked by locals from 8am until 7pm and by tourists through one-hour time slot bookings for €15.

The president of the Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, emphasised that the new beginning will mark the return to seclusion and quality experience, as last year, local officials had to introduce fines of up to 275 for tourists blocking traffic and disrupting the space around the area. “Via dell´Amore is a jewel for our region, not just for those who visit.”