The medieval buildings of the XIV and XV century, the towers and the castles of the same period with their arches and their hard stones tipical of Liguria and Pisa architecture, prove that the architecture of the villages is conceived as a defence system.

» At Monterosso
The remains of a medieval castle and the parish church of the XIII century in gothic-ligurian style with a remarkable rosette.
Next to the church we find the bell-tower.
Inside the church of st. Francesco, annexed to the Capuccini monaster, there is a Crucifixion ascribed to Van Dyck.
The medioeval tower called Aurora, on the top of the Cappuccini hill, separates the old and the new part of the village.

» At Vernazza
The parish church, consecrated to St. Margherita Antiochus, is a national monument, it's style is gothic-ligurian and it has been reconstructed in 1318.
It was built on the rocks, at sea level, mostly with a very strong black stone, carefully squadred, coming from a cave in Punta Mesco which is nowadays no more in use.
The beautiful and stately bell-tower, 40 mt. hight, has been built on the church transept.
We also find a castle in a commanding position over the village, and the fortification called Belforte, standing at water level.

» At Corniglia
The parish church dedicated to St. Peter dates back to 1334.
It's in the usual gothic-ligurian style with some baroque addition. The white marble rose-window is of exellent workmanship.

» At Manarola
The parish church, with its white marble rosette and its gothic-ligurian style front, dates back to 1338.
In the inner part of the building we find an interesting triptych of XV century, representing St. Lorenzo between St. Antonio and St. Bernardino.

» At Riomaggiore
Remains of a medieval castle, partially restored and, in the parish church dated 1340 consecrated to St. Giovanni Battista, there is a painting ascribed to D. Fiasella and a wooden crucifix belonging to the Maragliano's school.
Is also of some interest the "oratorio dei Disciplinati" (XVI sec.).