Vernazza was founded around the year 1 thousand. Its name comes from the "Gens Vulnetia", an ancient Roman family to which the  slaves belonged. Once they were rescued they founded the village. Once upon a time Vernazza was richer than the other four villages and has precious architectural elements suh as porches, arches and wide doors. The village, as noble and elegant, develops along the Vernazzola flow, that nowadays is covered, and wraps around the cliffs of a rock. It is passed through by many ripid and tight ways that go down towards the main street that ends  up in a small square placed on the small harbour.  Vernazza is full of defensive buildings, tower-houses, the main tower and the Doria Castle, the symbol of the economical importance received in ancient times and protected by Genovese people against enemies.