Rebuild, Restore, and Preserve Vernazza

We are a non-profit organization founded by three American women who are committed to helping Vernazza thrive after the 2011 disaster.

Photo credit: Daniel Metz

Rebuild, Restore, and Preserve Vernazza

We are a non-profit organization founded by three American women who are committed to helping Vernazza thrive after the 2011 disaster.

Photo credit: Daniel Metz

On October 25, 2011, massive flooding and mudslides devastated Vernazza, burying the town under 4m/13ft. of mud and debris.  

Floodwaters reached second-story windows, wiped out road and rail connections, and left residents without water, gas, or electricity. Three people tragically drowned.  Homes, businesses, and territory were destroyed.  

Right from the start, volunteers and citizens worked heroically to begin reconstruction.

Save Vernazza is a non-profit organization founded by three American women to help REBUILD, RESTORE, and PRESERVE Vernazza’s town, territory, and culture for future generations.

Save Vernazza’s projects have transformed Vernazza’s disaster into an opportunity to create a better future for Vernazza’s residents, visitors, and territory. 

Together we can make a difference. 

Who we are

three american expat women who love Vernazza

Save Vernazza’s founders arrived in Vernazza years ago, fell in love with the town, its people, and its territory. We each moved here to create families, businesses, and friendships. We are a part of this community and passionate about our work to create a sustainable future for Vernazza.

With Rick Steves in Vernazza, December 2013 (from left to right) Michele Sherman, Michelle Lilley and Ruth Manfredi 

What is Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre comprises five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – with a population of approximately 4000 residents living in a beautiful, fragile territory known as the Cinque Terre National Park, one of the world’s most beautiful places for hiking, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Marine Protected Area located in northwestern Italy’s Liguria Region.

What is Vernazza?

Vernazza is a medieval town nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the terraced vineyards of its hillsides. It has 921 residents and accommodations for 1000 travelers. Approximately 2.5 million international tourists visit the Cinque Terre each year.
And, for those of us living in Vernazza, it is home.