Church of St. John the Baptist

The Parish Church of Monterosso al Mare was founded on November 8, 1340, with the permission of the Bishop of Luni, Antonio Fieschi, as recorded in a plaque on the southern side of the building. Positioned in the upper part of the village, the church is the result of a period of considerable economic development and settlement in the area, and is a fine 14th-century work by antelamic craftsmen.A significant and important reconstruction of the façade in neo-Gothic style and the enlargement of the entire building were carried out in 1870 following a collapse, retaining, however, the 14th-century rose window in white Carrara marble. The two Gothic-style entrances and single lancet windows decorated with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic elements are what remains of the original structure.The church, which has a basilica plan with three naves separated by elegant ogival arches, contains several artistic treasures. These include a wooden crucifix by Maragliano, a triptych depicting the Madonna and Child and Saints Rocco and Sebastian from the 15th century, marble reliefs from 1530, a valuable 18th-century pulpit, and an Agati mechanical organ from 1851.The Parish Church of Monterosso al Mare is an important historical and artistic testimony to the region and is a place of worship of great significance to the local community. Its 14th-century architecture and the works of art inside make it an attractive destination for visitors wishing to explore the cultural heritage of the Cinque Terre.