It seems that Manarola was founded by a group of citizens from the near Vernazza who moved, during the XII century, towards the interior, thus settling as the first village core.

If its name really dated to that period, we might suppose it derives from “Magna Roea” (big wheel), referring to a big watermill.

In fact, back then Manarola probably had a few watermills, as it has always been renowned for its agricultural production: olive oil and Sciacchetrà  have always made the village popular around the world.

Although this might be an easy explanation, maybe more research might reveal more romantic and sacred secrets.

Manarola, in fact, has also a latin etymology: “Manium Arula” (little temple of the “Mani”). The “Mani” were the spirits of the houses, minor divinities that, during the roman empire age, were believed to protect families and houses. If this theory were right, the origins of Manarola might date back to more ancient times than the XII century!