In July 2012, Save Vernazza, in partnership with the Unione Parmense degli Industriali, restored the Chapel of Santa Marta in Vernazza, including building a new roof. The chapel, an important place for residents to gather and worship, was completely buried in mud and debris on October 25, 2011. We now refer to it as “the little chapel that could.”
In 2014, Save Vernazza responded to the request by the Town of Vernazza to fund the Executive Project for the Restoration of the historical medieval tower and walls that are located above the Town Hall of Vernazza. We are hopeful that this project will be funded and these important historical monuments will be restored.
Piazza Marconi in Vernazza reborn thanks to teamwork: “The piazza that love (re)built!” A revitalized Piazza Marconi was officially inaugurated on May 25, 2015. The Renaissance of Vernazza Project is a symbol of the extraordinary cooperation and support Vernazza has received from institutions and people all over the world following the October 25, 2011 disaster. …
In September 2012, Save Vernazza organized a student volunteer weekend with students from Syracuse University studying abroad in Florence. Save Vernazza founder Michele Lilley led the students on a guided hike from Corniglia to Vernazza. The walk explained the importance of maintaining the territory (with terraced hillsides and stonewalls necessary for agriculture) to preserve Vernazza’s…
Since 2018, Save Vernazza has partnered with other local non-profits and tourism organizations to work on advocacy issues such as quality of life, overtourism, and the environment in the Cinque Terre. On March 19, 2019, the Committee of Cinque Terre Associations (including Save Vernazza) held a conference called “DESTINATION CINQUE TERRE”. This was the first…
In October 2012, Save Vernazza funded the technical costs for the reconstruction of a bridge over the canal in the most damaged area of Vernazza known as “Fontanavecchia” to help residents return home. Thanks to high school student Madison Galati who organized three fundraising dinners to help build this bridge. Before After
Yana Pietras worked with Save Vernazza to found Students for Cinque Terre S5T, a US student organization, at the University of Minnesota.