Church of San Giovanni Battista Monterosso - an old building with a clock on the top of it
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Church of San Giovanni Battista Monterosso

4.5
·684 reviews·Monterosso al Mare, Italy

A 14th-century Ligurian Gothic church in Monterosso, known for its iconic black & white striped facade and serene interior.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds, find peace

CrowdLow
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Church of San Giovanni Battista Monterosso - an old building with a clock on the top of it

Church of San Giovanni Battista Monterosso

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds, find peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 14th-century Ligurian Gothic church in Monterosso, known for its iconic black & white striped facade and serene interior.

4.5
(684 reviews)

"A striking church in the heart of Monterosso's old town, a must-see for its historical side."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Stripes

The black and white facade is iconic! Get your camera ready for unique shots.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Explore Monterosso's old town and reach the church with ease.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Facade

Gothic Facade

Exterior

Striking black and white marble stripes create a unique Ligurian Gothic architectural statement.

Rose Window

Rose Window

Facade

An intricate rose window adds a touch of delicate beauty to the church's historic exterior.

Serene Interior

Serene Interior

Inside the church

Step into a cool, quiet sanctuary with high arches and ornate altars for peaceful reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Monterosso's Church

While the Church of San Giovanni Battista is a peaceful spot, visiting during peak tourist hours in Monterosso can mean crowds. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to truly appreciate its serene atmosphere and Ligurian Gothic architecture without the hustle.

Navigating Monterosso's Old Town

The church is nestled within Monterosso's charming old town, characterized by narrow streets. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cobblestones and be prepared for a delightful wander to find this gem. It's a key part of experiencing Monterosso's historical heart.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, find peace
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Prices will vary depending on which town & beach you’re at! #italytraveltips #italianbeach #italytripplanning #cinqueterreitaly #cinqueterretravelguide #cinqueterreitaly🇮🇹 #monterossoalmare #monterosso #traveltipsitaly #traveltoitaly
@rivieradreamer
16.7K likes • 648.8K views

📸 Capture the Stripes

The black and white facade is iconic! Get your camera ready for unique shots. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Explore Monterosso's old town and reach the church with ease. TikTok

Rating all the towns in Cinque Terre #cinqueterre #manarola #riomaggiore
@thelittlebasketco
16.7K likes • 463.3K views
We made it home on Saturday!! No travel issues🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Our last stop on our week in Italy was Cinque Terre. We had an Air bnb in the center of Monterosso al Mare right near the church of San Giovanni Battista… which I LOVE! I took a zillion photos of things I want to paint. The colors, the patterns, the food, the hand lettered signs, the plants and flowers. Travel really fills up the inspiration bank...
lorisiebert.studio
402 likes • 12.1K views

🤫 Quiet Reflection

Step inside for a peaceful break from the bustling town. Reddit

📍 Heart of Old Town

Easily found while wandering Monterosso's historic streets. Reddit

Los mejores consejos y ruta para tu viaje a Cinque Terre 🍕🍝🇮🇹 #viajestiktok #viaje #cinqueterre #riomaggiore #italy #italiansummer #manarola #vernaza #monterossoalmare #corniglia #traveltip #rute
@dimedondeynosperdemos
16.5K likes • 402K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Stripes

The black and white facade is iconic! Get your camera ready for unique shots. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Explore Monterosso's old town and reach the church with ease. TikTok

🤫 Quiet Reflection

Step inside for a peaceful break from the bustling town. Reddit

📍 Heart of Old Town

Easily found while wandering Monterosso's historic streets. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(684 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Church of San Giovanni Battista for its striking black and white striped facade, a beautiful example of Ligurian Gothic architecture. The serene interior offers a peaceful escape from the bustling town, with ornate altars and a calm atmosphere. It's considered a charming and historically significant stop in Monterosso's old town.

"Impressive beautiful church in the heart of the old city of Monterosso. With the narrow streets it is hard to see the full structure but the inside is beautiful.

Two small side chapels with a baptismal fountain line the sides of the church, with a large altar covered by an amazing chandelier structure.

The church is small but worth a short visit."

Jamie Wojciechowski

"📍 Parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista – Italy 🇮🇹
A peaceful parish church ⛪ dedicated to St. John the Baptist, often found at the heart of the local community. The architecture is simple yet elegant 🏛️, with a calm interior ideal for prayer 🙏 and reflection 🌿. Depending on the location, some have beautiful frescoes 🎨, altars, and bell towers that add charm to the surrounding piazza. Not a major tourist attraction, but a welcoming stop if you’re strolling through town 🚶‍♂️ and want to see authentic local heritage."

Quing_刘妈妈

"A striking church in the heart of Monterosso’s old town. Its black and white striped facade stands out immediately, a fine example of Ligurian Gothic architecture. Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and cool, with high arches, ornate altars, and soft light filtering through stained glass. It’s a peaceful place to step out of the sun, reflect, and appreciate the town’s deep roots. A must-see for anyone exploring Monterosso’s historical side."

E Scott Parks

What People Like

Striking facade
Peaceful interior
Historic charm

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in the heart of Monterosso's old town. You can easily reach it by walking from the Monterosso train station, which connects to all Cinque Terre villages. TikTok+1

Yes, it's situated in the old town area, and its distinctive black and white striped facade makes it a landmark. Just wander through the charming narrow streets. Reddit

Monterosso's old town is largely pedestrianized, and parking is limited. It's best to park outside the old town and walk in. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Church of San Giovanni Battista is typically free. It's a functioning parish church, welcoming visitors for quiet contemplation. Reddit

While there are no strict official hours posted for tourists, it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit when services are not in progress. Reddit

Admission is generally free, as it is a place of worship. Donations are always appreciated. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The church features a beautiful Ligurian Gothic facade with striking black and white marble stripes and a notable rose window. The interior is simple yet elegant with high arches and ornate altars. Reddit

While it's a beautiful and historic church, it's often considered a peaceful stop rather than a major tourist attraction. It offers a glimpse into local heritage. Reddit

Inside, you'll find a baptismal fountain in side chapels, a large altar with a chandelier structure, and a generally calm atmosphere ideal for reflection. Reddit

Yes, the unique facade is very photogenic. The interior offers a more subdued, atmospheric photography experience. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior, with its distinctive black and white stripes, is a must-capture. The surrounding narrow streets also offer charming perspectives. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed inside, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful effects on the marble facade. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Church of San Giovanni Battista offers a brief, peaceful interlude for families exploring Monterosso. Its relatively small size means it won't overwhelm younger children, and the cool interior can be a welcome escape from the heat. The striking black and white stripes on the facade are visually engaging for kids, and the quiet atmosphere inside encourages a moment of calm. It's a good spot for a quick stop to appreciate local history and architecture without requiring a long attention span. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

For solo travelers, the Church of San Giovanni Battista is a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and a moment of peace amidst the vibrant Cinque Terre. Its location in the heart of Monterosso's old town makes it an easy discovery while wandering through the charming, narrow streets. Reddit Take your time to admire the unique Ligurian Gothic architecture and soak in the serene atmosphere. It's an ideal place to recharge before continuing your exploration of the village. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a prime example of Ligurian Gothic architecture, a style prevalent in the coastal regions of northwestern Italy. Its most striking feature is the black and white marble striped facade, a common motif in the region that creates a bold visual contrast. This pattern is believed by some to symbolize the balance between good and evil. The church also boasts a beautiful rose window, a classic element of Gothic design that allows soft, diffused light to enter the interior. Reddit

Inside, the architecture continues the theme of elegant simplicity. High arches and ornate altars contribute to a serene atmosphere. While not as grand as some of Italy's more famous cathedrals, its historical significance and unique regional style make it a noteworthy stop for those interested in architectural history. The church's modest decoration, often featuring marble and subtle frescoes, enhances its peaceful ambiance. Reddit

A Glimpse into Local Life

More than just a tourist site, the Church of San Giovanni Battista serves as a peaceful parish church at the heart of Monterosso's local community. Reddit Its presence in the old town means it's a place where residents gather for services and community events, offering visitors a chance to witness authentic local heritage. Unlike major attractions, it provides a quiet space for reflection, a welcome respite from the busy streets of the Cinque Terre. Reddit

Many visitors find the church to be a charming and grounding experience. It's a place to step out of the sun, appreciate the town's deep roots, and enjoy a moment of tranquility. The church's location within the narrow streets of Monterosso's historic center adds to its charm, making the discovery of this architectural gem a rewarding part of exploring the town. Reddit

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