Eremo di S. M. Maddalena Monterosso al Mare

The 13th century Hermitage of Saint Mary Magdalene enjoys a wonderfully peaceful location, dominating the verdant hillside looking out towards the sea of the Cinque Terre, and just 3kms from the small town of Monterosso.

The earliest written documents concerning the site date back to 1244, when the complex was occupied by a community of Benedictine monks depending on the monastery of St. Gerolamo della Cervara in Portofino. Less than a century later, in 1327, the community of Monterosso entrusted the monastery to Father Bartholomew of Vicenza; the man responsible for the establishment of the hermitage where he served as rector.

The complex is comprised of a church to the north and monastery to the south, linked by a small, brick columned cloister. The church, built in local sandstone and consisting of a single nave terminating in a semi-circular apse, is a charming example of a medieval house of worship. First recorded mention of alteration work to the building dates back to 1427, when the walls of the edifice were considerably heightened. Other significant alteration work was carried out in 1800, when the facade was rebuilt so as leave a space for the square in front. Experts have ascertained that the apse was, in fact, constructed on considerably older foundations, which may well indicate the existence of a church on the same site much before the 13th century structure visible today.

In recent years, the hermitage has been the subject of a painstaking restoration project which has ensured the conservation of all the original architectural features of the building whilst allowing for its transformation in perhaps the finest and, without doubt, the most authentic historical residence of the Cinque Terre.

The villa of the Hermitage of Saint Mary Magdalene is built up on 3 levels. On the ground floor, or cloister level, there is a kitchen, sitting room with large open fireplace, two bedrooms with bathroom, and a small study. A beautiful terrace provides a glorious suntrap where to bask in the sun whilst admiring stunning views across the surrounding countryside. The cloister offers a quite unique, and delightfully cool, alfresco dining venue where to entertain guests during the hot summer months.

The first floor is comprised of a large living area and dining room which overlook the gardens and the decidedly romantic landscape of the Cinque Terre. The second floor is comprised of 2 double bedrooms, a bathroom with shower, and a storage room. Superb sea views await guests heading to the attractive swimming pool, located in the gardens.

The villa is rented on a weekly basis.