On October 25th, 2011 Montorosso, one of the most charming and picturesque villages in Italy (yes, I’m slightly biased) experienced devastating flash floods. Over 20 inches of water poured from the sky in a matter of three hours, leaving the ground floor buried beneath mud and debris. Neighboring Vernazza suffered even more severely. The days following would never be forgotten.
My first trip back to Monterosso was during Christmas. My heart sank at the state of this once picture-perfect village. Already the hard work was well under way and sounds of opera filled the air as the local wine bar made a toast to the village. Resilience redefined. I returned again for Easter, my second Pasqua in Italy. What I discovered was a village reborn. Much like I remembered it.
The beach cleaned up, with several remaining boats resting upon it’s shores.
A street once ravished by the flood, bustling back to life.
The much frequented wine bar resting pre-aperitif hour.
A village in bloom, ready for the spring.
The famous pasticerria newly renovated and re-opened.
An acclaimed restaurant, ready again to serve it’s regional specialities. (Mmmm, pesto!)
The main road no longer concrete, but a mix of wooden planks and grates.
There remain parts of the village that have yet to come back to life. In time.
Crossing from the new part called Fegina, into the historic village, it’s difficult to imagine the scenes that took place just months earlier. The waters now calm and clear, the sun smiling down upon the growing numbers of tourists… a village filled with vitality. What the last 6 months have proven is the incredible strength and unity of a village and it’s people. Next stop… Vernazza.
Click here to find out more about Monterosso’s continued progress. Better yet, come to visit!
