The history of Corniglia has antique roots and is related to that of Rome. Its name originated from the roman family “Gens Cornelia” to whom the land belonged. Its first inhabitants were probably a group of freed slaves that began the production of wine. This has been documented by the several wine amphora engraved with the word “Cornelia” found in the excavations of Pompei.
Wine is therefore strongly allied to the history of this village. It was praised in “The Decameron” as Boccaccio mentions that the Prior of Cluny, who had been imprisoned by Ghino di Tacco, was cured and restored to life with a glass of vernaccia of Corniglia. This wine was also praised by other great poets from Petrarca to Pascoli and more recently by Gabriele D’Annunzio.
Over the centuries Corniglia became a possession of the Counts of Lavagna, the Bishop of Luni and in 1254 Pope Innocent IV gave the village to Nicolò Fieschi who held it until 1276 when it was acquired by the Doria Family, lords of the Repubblic of Genoa.