The Scalinata Lardarina is more than just a staircase; it’s the grand, challenging entrance to the village of Corniglia and a quintessential part of the Cinque Terre experience. This formidable flight of brick steps serves as the physical and symbolic link between the railway line at the water’s edge and the village perched high on the cliff above. Unlike the gentle strolls into the other villages, the journey to Corniglia via the Lardarina is a deliberate ascent, a zig-zagging pilgrimage that rewards climbers with increasingly spectacular views of the turquoise sea and terraced hillsides. To conquer these steps is to earn the tranquil beauty of Corniglia, making the arrival feel like a true accomplishment.

Name and Location

• Name: Scalinata Lardarina (The Lardarina Staircase)
• Location: Connects the train station of Corniglia to the village itself, which is located in the center of the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast of Italy.

How to Get There

The Lardarina is not a destination you travel to, but rather a path you take upon arriving at Corniglia’s station.

• By Train: Exit the Corniglia train station. The base of the staircase is immediately visible, beginning the long climb up the cliff face towards the village. It is the primary pedestrian route.

Landscape and Architecture

The staircase is a remarkable feat of engineering, designed to make a steep cliffside accessible on foot.

• Zig-Zag Pattern: The Lardarina is a long, wide brick staircase composed of 33 flights that switch back and forth as it ascends the hill. This zig-zag pattern helps to manage the steep gradient of the cliff.
• 382 Steps: The official count is 382 steps, making it a significant but manageable climb for most visitors. The steps are relatively low and wide, but the sheer number makes it a good workout.
• Open-Air Views: Unlike the narrow, enclosed alleys within the village, the staircase is completely open to the elements. As you climb, the views of the sea and the surrounding coastline become more expansive with each turn.
• Terraced Landings: The switchbacks create small landings or terraces at each turn, offering natural resting points where climbers can pause to catch their breath and admire the stunning scenery below.

What Makes It Famous

The Lardarina is famous for being the iconic and challenging gateway to the most inaccessible of the five villages.

• The Gateway to Corniglia: It is the most memorable and direct way to enter the village from the train station, making the climb a rite of passage for visitors.
• A Rewarding Challenge: The physical effort required to ascend the nearly 400 steps makes it a well-known feature of a Cinque Terre visit. The sense of achievement upon reaching the top is part of its appeal.
• A Photographer’s Subject: The staircase itself, with its repeating patterns cutting across the green cliffside and the blue sea in the background, is a highly photogenic and recognizable landmark.

Differences from Other Wonders (e.g., Corniglia village)

The staircase, as a single architectural feature, offers a different experience from the village it leads to.

• Environment (A Path vs. A Destination): The Lardarina is a transitional space—a functional path designed for movement and ascent. Corniglia is a destination—a place to explore, rest, and immerse oneself in the village atmosphere.
• Primary Attraction (The Climb and the View vs. Village Life): The main experience of the Lardarina is the physical act of climbing and the evolving panoramic views. The main experience of Corniglia is wandering its quiet alleys, enjoying its peaceful ambiance, and looking out from its belvedere.
• Core Story (The Journey vs. The Reward): The staircase tells a story of a journey and the effort required to reach a remote place. The village tells the story of the quiet, agricultural life that exists as a reward at the end of that journey.
• Atmosphere (Exertion and Anticipation vs. Tranquility and Arrival): The atmosphere on the staircase is one of physical effort, anticipation, and changing perspectives. The atmosphere in Corniglia is one of arrival, calm, and rustic charm.