Costiera-Amalfiana, or the Amalfi Coast, stretching along the southern part of the Sorrento Peninsula for 50 kilometers, is one of the best Mediterranean coasts in all of Europe. And this is easily explained.
Cliffs with small terraces breaking off into a glossy sea abyss, discordant rows of snow-white villas, as well as sea and sky merging into one whole - this is the picture that one who gets to Sorrento (Italy) sees before his own eyes. Photos of beautiful landscapes are presented in this article. The natural diversity and amazing beauty of the area attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.
Vetri sul Mare
For centuries, the locals have been making wall tiles and pottery. Although, of course, the main attraction of the Amalfi Coast for vacationers is not this. Many people are also interested in the history and architecture of Vietri sul Mare.
In the Carosino Palace, located on Umberto I Avenue, not so long ago the Museum of Fine Arts. Manuel Cargaleiro, a ceramics master and artist from Portugal, who put a lot of effort intoto create this exhibition complex. Here are the works of the author himself, made in Vietri sul Mare, and works by other foreign and Italian masters. In Vietri, ceramic production is a large industrial sector, the symbol of which is the Solimene ceramics palace. This landmark factory is lined with narrow clay tubes by Paolo Solieri.
Santa Trinita Abbey
The building of this church was erected in the 11th century, after which it was expanded and rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries. This church is one of the most famous in Sorrento, Italy (photo in the article below), it is located between the Santa Trinita bridge and Tornabuoni street. The author of the project for the reconstruction of the ancient Benedictine monastery, which previously stood here, was supposedly Andrea Pisano. It is worth noting that the interior of the church is as severe as its facade.
Various archaeological finds, marble sculptures, Roman sarcophagi, paintings by Giovanni Francesco Penny, Andrea da Salerno and others are exhibited in this house today. Of particular interest is a map of the 15th century, silverware, and an ivory case from the 11th century. Miniatures and incunabula of the 9th-16th centuries remained in the library, valuable specimens from the times of the Normans and Lombards remained in the archive.
Cava de Tirreni
The city in 1058 was transferred to the ownership of the Abbey of Santa Trinita. It played for centuries the main role in trade relations with the Kingdom of Naples due to numerous tax breaks and monopolies.for the sale of silk tapestries.
Today, the Amalfi Coast attracts many tourists with this city, which has retained its original plan. A distinctive feature of Cava de Tirreni are the streets with small porticoes. In other southern cities, such architecture is not found anywhere else. A typical example is the Scacciaventi galleries.
Chetara
From here you have a stunning view of Salerno, you also have the opportunity to see the picturesque town of sailors and fishermen, which is considered a port - Santa Trinita. Before going further along the route, it is worth buying dried fish, which is sold here in ceramic vases.
Mayori
In terms of the length of beaches and the number of interesting buildings, Maiori can be called one of the most popular resorts on the entire Amalfi Coast (Italy). A photo of the city is presented in this article. It is located in a bay and is a modern settlement with a developed infrastructure. The city was rebuilt after a flood in 1954
Santa Maria a Mare is an elevated church. It is decorated with a majolica dome, in addition, there is an 18th century bell tower. In the XII century, the first building was made, over the centuries, the appearance has undergone various changes. The space of the church is divided into 3 naves. Of particular interest is the coffered ceiling of the 16th century. In this place you can admire the image of the Madonna and Child and the main altar. In the church museum organized in the cryptart are works of the XII-XVIII centuries, alabaster stucco molding of the XV century is of particular interest.
Santa Maria de Olearia
Arriving on the Amalfi Coast, special attention should be paid to this abbey. The town of Erki appeared around the Benedictine monastery. From the observation deck, you can enjoy an amazing view of Cape Campanella, you can also admire Capri. On the way from Erca, you can see the remains of the Benedictine complex. They are right on the rock. There are also 3 temples here. The oldest is decorated with frescoes. There are disputes regarding the date of its creation (X-XI centuries). The main chapel was built in the second half of the 12th century. The Chapel of San Nicola was built at the beginning of the same century, unique decorative frescoes have been preserved on its walls and vaults.
Minori
Medieval polycentrism, which is characteristic of the Amalfi Coast (Italy), allowed the city of Minori to keep the relics of St. Trofimena. It is probably due to ancient religious traditions that the main rites of Holy Week, when processions with laudatory chants take place, have been preserved.
This town is much smaller than neighboring Maiori. Here is the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, which was built in the XI-XII centuries and rebuilt seven hundred years later. There is a crypt remade in the 18th century with an urn from the patroness of this city. To the west is a Roman villa from the 1st century BC. BC. It probably belonged to one of the emperor's courtiers. There is a swimming pool in the center. Triclinium divides the dwelling into 2parts, one of them contains terms.
Ravello
The town is located away from the bustle of the coast, as you can see by looking at the Amalfi Coast on the map of Italy. It is distinguished by an amazing calmness, spilling over the magnificent gardens, streets and buildings of Sicily. In the XIII century, the city occupied the main positions in trade with Sicily and the East, while its population exceeded today's fifteen times.
Cathedral in Ravello
On the central square. Vescovado, on the orders of Orso Papirio, the cathedral was erected in 1086-1087. It was supposed to visually resemble the abbey of Monte Cassino. Some time later (in the 18th century) it was rebuilt in the Baroque style. In 1786, the portico was dismantled, from which today only 4 columns remain, which were previously located in front of the facade. The marble architraves are original. They are borrowed from various ancient buildings. The bronze door was donated by a merchant from Ravello. It is worth noting that this is the work of the famous Barisano da Trani. On one of the doors of the door you can see the year of its creation - 1179th.
Surely you have no doubt that the Amalfi Coast occupies an important place on the map of Italy. We continue to consider the beauties of Ravello further. Near the church there is a 13th century bell tower with interlaced arches and bifores. Its interior space is divided by pilasters and columns into 3 naves. During the Renaissance, the stucco of the transept was redone, and the vaults were abolished. Along the nave on the left is the pulpit (1330) - thisthe only remaining example of Byzantine architecture in Italy.
Oscar Niemeir Audience
It is located in a very advantageous location. The auditorium was created in 2010 by a little-known Brazilian architect. Concerts of the annual music festival are held here.
Atrani
Arriving on the Amalfi Coast (the map is presented in this article), you should definitely visit Atrani. Here the road goes up a little, sometimes even leads along the terraces of houses. The overpass was created specifically because of the small areas. This is a real barrier between the sea and the city. The city is located on steep rocky slopes, it is intersected by numerous ladders, paths, viaducts that stretch over white houses, colorful vegetable gardens and gardens.
Amalfi
In 977, an Arab traveler described this settlement as the most prosperous, noble, abundant and we althy city in the region. Today, everything that could survive from the greatness of those years is a symbol of Italy, the fame of which has spread throughout the world.
The bewitching beauty of the Mediterranean nature and the mild climate, together with the interweaving of white houses and streets climbing the rocks of Lattari, the bright blue sea, well-groomed gardens and terraces, green islands of vegetation - this is all Amalfi.
Coast
No wonder the Amalfi Coast (Italy) is so popular among tourists. Many admire this place. Amalfi is well protected by the tower, a defensive system that was built in the sixteenth century along the south coast. AgainstLuna Hotel is located on the territory of the monastery of San Francesco.
At the beginning of the western part of this coast is an arsenal. Two naves have been preserved from it, covered with lancet cross vaults. On a rocky cliff is the historic inn of the Capuchins, which was organized in the thirteenth century monastery of San Pietro della Canonica.
Paradiso Patio
Paradiso is a courtyard that served as a cemetery in 1266-1268. for famous residents of the city. For this, the main part of the left side of the Church of the Crucifixion was dismantled. The courtyard is surrounded by a peristyle of graceful lancet arches supporting double columns. It is worth carefully considering the sculptures of various times. Judging by the reviews, such masterpieces of art leave a lasting impression.
Emerald Grotto
Today, many who come to the Amalfi Coast are very interested in the sights of the region. The so-called emerald grotto deserves special attention. A special shade, in which the rays are colored, refracted under the rocks in the water, led to the appearance of a greenish color of the reservoir. The presence of stalagmites at the bottom of the grotto indicates that it was previously dry. Due to seismic activity, water began to flow here, flooding it completely.
Chapel of the Crucifixion
Arriving at the Amalfi Coast, the photo of which is presented in this article, many begin to explore its truly unique sights. So, to the old cathedral, built in the X centuryDuke Munson I, can be reached from the Paradiso cemetery. The Diocesan Museum is located in this place, where a 13th century miter, silver items from the Baroque and Gothic eras, medieval and Roman marble items are exhibited. The crypt can be accessed from the old cathedral. It was built in the 17th century. By age, this building corresponds to the cathedral located in Salerno: the altar is considered the work of the famous Domenico Fontana, the frescoes - Vincenzo de Pino, the statue of St. Andrew - Michelangelo Naccherino, in addition, the figures of St. Lorenzo and Stephen were made by Pietro Bernini.
Positano
In the sixties of the last century it was the most popular and fashionable place on the coast. It is worth noting that since those years it has not lost its charm. This slightly arrogant city is entwined with a network of narrow streets with shops, cafes and restaurants, artists' ateliers. Mediterranean snow-white houses are buried in dense greenery. Their shape resembles a cube, and vaults with arches and loggias overlook the seashore.
Very popular beaches stretch along the entire coast: La Porta, Fornillo, Arienzo and Chumicello, in the grottoes of the rocks you can find the remains of the ancient first settlements. For example, in a grotto called La Porta, objects from the Mesolithic and Paleolithic periods were found.
Praiano
Today, tours to the Amalfi Coast are becoming more and more popular. In Praiano, fishermen's houses are located along the entire Sant'Angelo ridge, Cape Sottile goes into the sea. In addition to the church of San Luca with works by Giovanni Bernardo Lama, this localityattracts with another place - Marina di Praia - a small quiet beach.
Vettica Maggiore is a town that belongs to Praiano. It is also famous for its beach. The Church of San Gennaro is decorated with majolica. It is decorated from the inside with paintings of the 16th-17th centuries. From the terrace-piazza, partly lined with majolica, offers an amazing view of Positano.
Excursion Italy
Traditional excursions from Positano include trips to the towns of Montepertuso and Nocelle. The latter is a very picturesque village that can be reached on foot from Positano along narrow slopes and paths (there is a stunning view).
Amalfi Coast reviews
As this coast becomes more and more popular among tourists, today it will not be difficult for anyone to find reviews of holidays here. Many tourists admire the incredible nature of this part of Italy, its historical and architectural monuments. But some are confused by the rather high prices for vacations. According to travelers, the trip is remembered for a lifetime.