Vernazza, perched on the steep slopes descending to a narrow valley, is a picturesque village dominated by a watch tower and the ruins of a castle. Its natural pier with an amphitheatre shape is the only harbour in the Cinque Terre and the port of call of all the boats in the area. Vernazza was a Roman installation and had a big strategic importance during the age of the Maritime Republics in Genoa. The ancient urban layout is still evident in winding alleyways that climb the steep hills.