AMALFI… An ancient legend tells how it was founded by Ercole in the place chosen by the hero to bury his beloved Amalfi, the nymph with the eyes of the colour of the sea. Beauty and power: the combination that will mark the fate of the city!
Theheart of Amalfi is in the chiaroscuro of the alleys and squares, among the doorways of the buildings! From Piazza Flavio Gioia, go along the seafront until reaching the ceramic panel by Diadoro Cossa that depicts the highlights of the history of Amalfi.
The majestic cathedral, dedicated to the cult of Sant’Andrea, is in the centre of piazza Duomo, the main square of Amalfi. Erected in the 9th century and rebuilt in Siculo-Arabic style in the 13th century, with 18th-century additions, it still retains the main ancient elements: the bell tower, the bronze doors made in Constantinople (around 1066) and decorated with the figures of Christ, the Madonna and saints Andrew and Peter, the 13th-century chapel of the Crocefisso, which houses the Museo Diocesano (Diocesan museum) and the ambos and candelabra. The polychrome façade was reconstructed in second half of the 19th century. Those who wish to look beyond Amalfi’s most famous iconography are advised to visit the Antichi Arsenali (Ancient Arsenals), where robust galleys were once built to transport cargoes of spices and precious materials to the East. The Arsenali are the primary point of contact with the former Republic whose traces can also be found in Palazzo San Benedetto, now the town hall. Here it is possible to see the Tabulae Amalphitanae, the first naval codes, set out at the time of the Republic. As well as copies of maritime laws, it is also possible to admire three panels by Domenico Morelli, one of the most famous artists of the 19th century, the source of the mosaics which cover the façade of the cathedral. In addition to being known as a former maritime Republic, Amalfi is also famous for being the home of the skilled production of handmade paper. Production still takes place in the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) where, in the late 18th century, thanks to the existence of over fifteen paper mills, a sort of industrial settlement was created, alongside the already existing one of peasants and fishermen. Handmade paper is still produced in Amalfi, albeit on a much reduced scale, and mostly for personal use, for artistic creations or luxury limited edition texts. For an in-depth study of the production of ‘Bambagina’ paper, we recommend a visit to the Museo della Carta (Paper museum), on the road which leads to the Valle dei Mulini. Here you will find a complete overview of the historical development of this ancient skill which still survives, just a little further on, in the last remaining active settlement belonging to the Amatruda family. A few steps from the temple of paper is the Museo della Civiltà Contadina (Museum of rural life), which contains a collection of rudimentary machines and utensils used in agriculture in the coastal area over the last four centuries.
RAVELLO, a real centre of historic, artistic, architectural and monumental treasures, but above all home to the International Festival held for over sixty years by the Salerno Tourist Board. Every corner of this city makes a lasting impression on the heart and soul of the visitor. The cathedral is dedicated to San Pantaleone and dates back to the 9th century. But Ravello is justly famous throughout the world for its spectacular historic residences. A short distance beyond the cathedral, a rectangular tower marks the entrance to Villa Rufolo, a collection of buildings dating back to the second half of the 13th century. The dizzying panorama which so enchanted Wagner in May 1880 has since formed the backdrop to the Ravello Festival. The other panoramic residence in Ravello is Villa Cimbrone. With the help of skilled local craftsmen, in the space of 15 years he transformed a simple piece of land into a villa which magically combines the most fascinating antiques with the most exciting modernity. The view from the terraces, which stretches from Punta Campanella to Punta Licosa, taking in Capri, the Sorrentine peninsula and the Gulf of Salerno, is something that you’ll never forget.
POSITANO…The village, famous alla round the world for clothes production, the typical “pezze” made of natural fibres and coloured textiles (Moda Positano), represent the paradigm of several Amalfi Coast centres: it made the whole world fell in love with Positano when it was only a fishmen village, with few houses situatd on the mountain which gets as far sas the beach, and then it changed in the queen of international destinations. Interesting to be seen is the roman villa, redently discovered which reminds us the beginning of this coast centre.
