The origins of Corniglia go back to Roman times. The name comes from the Gens Cornelia family, who owned the property and made a renowned wine. During the excavations amphorae with the inscription Cornelia were found in Pompeii.
In 1211 Corniglia was mentioned in a document. The village belonged to the order of the Fieschi until then and later passed to the Republic of Genoa. Under the rule of Genoa, the fortress and the city wall were built to protect against pirates and unbelievers. Remains of the fortress can still be seen in some places in the highest part of Corniglia.