Positano is as a romantic melody,a charming picture of Italy,a captivating and beautiful coastal town,ideal place to spend dream holidays,admiring the stunning beauty of the Divine Queen of that enchanting place called Amalfi Coast.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,Positano is located just 53,0 kilometres south of the city of Naples,the colours of the Tyrrhenian sea and the picturesque natural landscapes are absolutely sublime at that latitude as are simply unique and the views from its promontory overlooking a magnificent poetic gulf,all stunning highlights of such paradise.
Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Salerno,along with Ravello and Amalfi, it is one of the most important and favourite tourist destination of the beautiful,unique and unforgettable coastline of the Campania Region and probably the most shining gem of that Southern Italian coast.
There are many reasons why that Mediterranean Eden has always been a favourite destination for several tourists from all around the world, undoubtedly apart all those mentioned features the most relevant is that picture and image that resort shows which every visitor will take in the most pleasant memories for ever.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,Positano is located just 53,0 kilometres south of the city of Naples,the colours of the Tyrrhenian sea and the picturesque natural landscapes are absolutely sublime at that latitude as are simply unique and the views from its promontory overlooking a magnificent poetic gulf,all stunning highlights of such paradise.
Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Salerno,along with Ravello and Amalfi, it is one of the most important and favourite tourist destination of the beautiful,unique and unforgettable coastline of the Campania Region and probably the most shining gem of that Southern Italian coast.
There are many reasons why that Mediterranean Eden has always been a favourite destination for several tourists from all around the world, undoubtedly apart all those mentioned features the most relevant is that picture and image that resort shows which every visitor will take in the most pleasant memories for ever.
Positano with its 4,000 inhabitants is a town perched on a picturesque cliff overlooking the crystalline waters of the sea with characteristic narrow streets,small courtyards with flowered balconies,its captivating and romantic promenade,its picturesque white houses are all part of a scenery simply enchanting at first sight.
That magic resort enjoys all the advantages of a mild climate all year surrounded by a group of green mountains called Monti Lattari formed by the Monte Comune,Monte Santa Maria del Castello, Monte Sant´Angelo Tre Pizzi,Monte Conoccina,Monte Campo and Monte dei Galli which all together are a splendid and picturesque crown around that beautiful and sublime Queen with magnificent views of the villages of Montepertuso and Nocelle.
The original structure of Positano is characterised by small houses which seem to be stacked on one another.Looking on the top of the town you can also admire its stupendous vegetation composed by lemon and orange trees,flowers and small gardens which extend to the sea and a great feature of that enchanting place is that it is a pedestrian site where the visitor must be willing to explore on foot all sorts of hidden places.Very typical of the resort are also its famed steps,,there are a lot of them which make the town a kind of a vertical paradise creating evocative and panoramic views admiring the stunning gulf shape in its totality.
During the Middle Ages the former town was surrounded by towers built to defend itself by the several pirates attacks and some of them are still visible.The first along the coast is situated in a famous place called Punta Campanella, where Amalfi Coast begins just off the coast of Positano towards the splendid Sorrento.
The most appropriate description of such Eden is found right by the writer John Steinbeck who wrote and said: "when you happen to find a place as beautiful as Positano,your impulse and almost Always keep your discovery. Think: "If the story is filled with tourists who ruin, the locals begin to live according to the tourism and goodbye to your wonderful discovery!"Yet the famed writer described in an article with regard to the resort on Harper's Bazaar in 1953 as "a dream place which is never quite real until you are alive and that becomes animated when you're gone"Undoubtedly the American Pulitzer Prize with all his talent sang hymns and praises in honour of a places who were loved since the Greek and Roman times by Kings and Emperors.
The most appropriate description of such Eden is found right by the writer John Steinbeck who wrote and said: "when you happen to find a place as beautiful as Positano,your impulse and almost Always keep your discovery. Think: "If the story is filled with tourists who ruin, the locals begin to live according to the tourism and goodbye to your wonderful discovery!"Yet the famed writer described in an article with regard to the resort on Harper's Bazaar in 1953 as "a dream place which is never quite real until you are alive and that becomes animated when you're gone"Undoubtedly the American Pulitzer Prize with all his talent sang hymns and praises in honour of a places who were loved since the Greek and Roman times by Kings and Emperors.
Positano
history is really long,including full of a myriad of legends,literary
works,opinions,mysterious suppositions and quotes.About 10,000 years ago
just after the last ice age,when sea level was much lower,certainly Positano as presumably other areas of the Amalfi Coast was inhabited by hunter-gatherers,like Cro Magnon,all that is certified by archaeological finds corresponding to fossil bones of
deer and wild boar beside a hearth of some 8,000 or 9,000 years
ago.
In the period of the Classical Greece,Capri,Sorrento and Positano were mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, when Ulysses resisted to the sirens song and that place was definitely remembered as that stunning coastline point facing the island of Li Galli, off Positano,so you know that sublime coastline was already known to the ancient Hellenic populations,though probably,according to the famous historian Strabo the area was
almost uninhabited or populated by small communities mainly living along the slopes the nearest mountains.
Historically that magnificent place comes from oblivion at the time of ancient Rome,thanks to the mild climate and its scenic beauty and it was a resort vacation since the ancient Roman ages.On its shores,as for much of the Amalfi Coast,were built sumptuous Patrician villas belonging to wealthy freedmen and that magnificent town probably takes its name from the most spectacular villa belonged to the freedman Posides Spado,or in any case according another version by Poseidon,the God of the sea.
Among the ancient inhabitants of the place it said of many hidden villas,some of which are under the sand of Marina Grande starting from the pier where the boats dock passengers up the cliffs of enchantment which take the name from the supposed Villa Incanto namely the east side of the beach,where,in memory of the old fishermen still sticking a column used to moor the boats.
It is said that the Emperor Tiberius,who moved from Rome to Capri because he did not trust anyone and he was afraid of being poisoned, for that reason he is forwarded to Positano with his triremes in order to equip the flour from a mill which still exists in the Mills Square and even still operative until the period of the 2nd World War.
It is said that the Emperor Tiberius,who moved from Rome to Capri because he did not trust anyone and he was afraid of being poisoned, for that reason he is forwarded to Positano with his triremes in order to equip the flour from a mill which still exists in the Mills Square and even still operative until the period of the 2nd World War.
The villas,along with other buildings of the ancient Romans were buried by pumice during a Plinian eruption in the 79 AD and certainly the life and the economy of those ancient inhabitants suffered a severe blow.There are other information of the following centuries,perhaps the hardships of life went to the efforts of those ancient town intent to wrest that land from a lifetime in itself already stingy.
Unfortunately,in the following centuries the decline of the Republic of Amalfi of which Positano was part began prematurely,it is said due to internal conflicts for too many lands integrated in that powerful Marine Republic and the individualism of people enriched components are dissociated, first time in pursuing autonomy, then,disorganised and mostly because they had lost their collective strength soon became prey to the feuds surrounding gentry.Its active port went into decline following the demise of the Republic due to the raids by Roger II of Sicily and the Pisans.In the year 1492 Positano became a feudal land of Naples and in 1532 under rule of Giovanni Miroballo and Mastrogiudice Marino, who were succeeded by Cossa,Bianco and Bonito families.
In those years of decadence and different cruel rulers with sad events,Positano experienced poverty and terror.The feudal lords put taxes of all kinds, attacks and raids by pirates were frequent and the crown of the surrounding mountains were infested by brigands,furthermore a plague decimated a land already heavily marked.
In those years of decadence and different cruel rulers with sad events,Positano experienced poverty and terror.The feudal lords put taxes of all kinds, attacks and raids by pirates were frequent and the crown of the surrounding mountains were infested by brigands,furthermore a plague decimated a land already heavily marked.
The Ottomans attacked in several occasions Amalfi and Positano,carrying several raids,the Turkish Pacha Suleyman came with 170 ships in the bay,plundered and burned many towns and villages including Positano.Amalfi Republic at that time before the Ottoman and Saracen devastation lived without wars but despite that the robbers and the mismanagement of both Ministers and Barons authorising their feuds all sorts of abuse.
It was the time when the people began to make their voices heard and also the period when the famous fisherman Tommaso D'Aniello staked in the popular uprising in Naples and in the year 1668 the turn toward a new beginning,Positano disbursement 12,943 ducats to redeem itself from the weight of feudal and declared Royal City, then opened the maritime trade with Greece,the island of Cyprus also reactivating the commerces with Apulia, Calabria and Sicily becoming superior in terms of trade to other maritime cities.
It was the time when the people began to make their voices heard and also the period when the famous fisherman Tommaso D'Aniello staked in the popular uprising in Naples and in the year 1668 the turn toward a new beginning,Positano disbursement 12,943 ducats to redeem itself from the weight of feudal and declared Royal City, then opened the maritime trade with Greece,the island of Cyprus also reactivating the commerces with Apulia, Calabria and Sicily becoming superior in terms of trade to other maritime cities.
The area was also as in the past a place as well as of the incursions of pirates even the place where inmates were criminals because in the east of the main island, there were found with the cells of the chains which bound definitely needed to keep the convicts.
To cope with the constant attacks from the sea side the Viceroy Pedro of Toledo ordered that every town or village from which the towers notified any dangers from the sea.Positano built a lot but the most important was that one of riverside in another place called Trasita so named because there were always plenty of birds.
To cope with the constant attacks from the sea side the Viceroy Pedro of Toledo ordered that every town or village from which the towers notified any dangers from the sea.Positano built a lot but the most important was that one of riverside in another place called Trasita so named because there were always plenty of birds.
In the decade between 1860 and 1870 with the advent of the Unification of Italy,the heavy taxes on a land already perceived as stingy and the military occupation of the village the land was practically depopulated.
The famous Southern Question tells you that there was a military post on the beach,where there is currently a Restaurant,place where the soldiers dispensed with the butt of the gun if only went out to sea,many were unable to pay taxes seeing confiscated homes and properties.According to the history of Southern Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi betrayed the expectations of the population,ironically, the expedition of that leader linked to the reunification of Italy did not bring improvements.
The famous Southern Question tells you that there was a military post on the beach,where there is currently a Restaurant,place where the soldiers dispensed with the butt of the gun if only went out to sea,many were unable to pay taxes seeing confiscated homes and properties.According to the history of Southern Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi betrayed the expectations of the population,ironically, the expedition of that leader linked to the reunification of Italy did not bring improvements.
With that background of fear,hunger and repression during centuries and without a future,about 6,000 people to survive were forced to emigrate to America.The houses were empty,the walls crumbled,the paint discoloured,the roof fell and deteriorated.
People before leaving for the new continent removed the windows of the houses to be surveyed and that would not be taxed, giving a bleak landscape of that time.Due all that Positano had in that time a bad reputation and nicknamed ghost town and since that period the local population has never exceeded 4,000 inhabitants.
Between the late 19th century and early 20th century,the town was almost depopulated.The emigration to America continued and a relevant detail to remember is that in New York about,30,000 inhabitants of origin or parentage of Positano decided to fix their residences in the Big Apple.
Since the beginning of the 20th century until some artist visited the place by accident,yet still dazzled by the beauty of that place,so it was when the current resort became a sort of alcove of artists and many more in love with that sublime land.
The Neapolitan Caprile,the German Richard Oelze, Picasso,Carra fell in love with the divine Queen of the Amalfi Coast which also became a destination of prominent writers such as Siegfried Kracauer, John Steinbeck,Corrado Alvaro, Dino Buzzati, Alberto Moravia.
Apart all those famed figures worth also a mention that group of German refugees, who from 1939 to 1945 found refuge in Positano to escape by the Nazi tyranny,among them the writers Stefan Andres,Armin Wegner, Martin Wolff and also the Russian painter Ivan Zagaruiko decided to live there.
People before leaving for the new continent removed the windows of the houses to be surveyed and that would not be taxed, giving a bleak landscape of that time.Due all that Positano had in that time a bad reputation and nicknamed ghost town and since that period the local population has never exceeded 4,000 inhabitants.
Between the late 19th century and early 20th century,the town was almost depopulated.The emigration to America continued and a relevant detail to remember is that in New York about,30,000 inhabitants of origin or parentage of Positano decided to fix their residences in the Big Apple.
Since the beginning of the 20th century until some artist visited the place by accident,yet still dazzled by the beauty of that place,so it was when the current resort became a sort of alcove of artists and many more in love with that sublime land.
The Neapolitan Caprile,the German Richard Oelze, Picasso,Carra fell in love with the divine Queen of the Amalfi Coast which also became a destination of prominent writers such as Siegfried Kracauer, John Steinbeck,Corrado Alvaro, Dino Buzzati, Alberto Moravia.
Apart all those famed figures worth also a mention that group of German refugees, who from 1939 to 1945 found refuge in Positano to escape by the Nazi tyranny,among them the writers Stefan Andres,Armin Wegner, Martin Wolff and also the Russian painter Ivan Zagaruiko decided to live there.
The American writer Steinbeck so in love with that resort apart all mentioned before also said ;"The houses of Positano are built on a hill so steep that it would be a cliff if there had been carved scales. I believe that the foundations of houses, usually vertical, in Positano are horizontal. The small Gulf sinuous incredibly blue water and green slightly wet a beach of small pebbles "
In that pleasant description is encapsulated the particular characteristic of that unforgettable town,an ideal place for painters,writers, musicians and artists.So it was as those characters including Steinbeck who was one of the characters most related to the local intellectual life brought friends,the voice of such divine place ran and the town became increasingly a place of marvellous attractions.
In addition to all that,there was a notable local change,the houses were turned into Hotels,the old haunts in restaurants and many fishermen began to organise operations arranging beaches and boats services.
In that pleasant description is encapsulated the particular characteristic of that unforgettable town,an ideal place for painters,writers, musicians and artists.So it was as those characters including Steinbeck who was one of the characters most related to the local intellectual life brought friends,the voice of such divine place ran and the town became increasingly a place of marvellous attractions.
In addition to all that,there was a notable local change,the houses were turned into Hotels,the old haunts in restaurants and many fishermen began to organise operations arranging beaches and boats services.
Later another important stage is linked to another kind of tourism less cultural and more linked to sun,tanned skin and beach,it was the time in which came the foreigner tourists from Northern Europe, the Swedes were among the first to fall in love with that resort of Amalfi coast, it was the time of the first bikini and the time of the now famous "Lion of the Sun."
That splendid coastal town started to be visited by famous people,adventurers and Playboys searching love stories and summer adventures,the tourism developed very fast,reaching fame and glamour and thanks all that currently Positano is one of the most developed and organised tourist resorts in Europe and in the world.
In the famous period linked to the 60s, Positano also discovered and experienced a movement so called Existentialism,with the Australian cabaret dancer Vali Meyer and the Austrian-born architect Rudolph Rappold as protagonists who were granted by the town of Positano in an abandoned farmhouse in the upper part of Vallone Porto,where they took refuge in a life to the primordial state.
That splendid coastal town started to be visited by famous people,adventurers and Playboys searching love stories and summer adventures,the tourism developed very fast,reaching fame and glamour and thanks all that currently Positano is one of the most developed and organised tourist resorts in Europe and in the world.
In the famous period linked to the 60s, Positano also discovered and experienced a movement so called Existentialism,with the Australian cabaret dancer Vali Meyer and the Austrian-born architect Rudolph Rappold as protagonists who were granted by the town of Positano in an abandoned farmhouse in the upper part of Vallone Porto,where they took refuge in a life to the primordial state.
After some years with the development of the tourism industry the town saw the birth of art a new interesting phenomenon: the famous Positano fashion.Those were the years in which many tailors and designers to adapt to the growing demand for beachwear and along with it even clothing for men,among the first of which was the famous Rino who has dressed many characters.
Currently Rino Boutique managed by his son Francesco Casola, then other famous designers as Maria Lampo became famous for the speed of delivery,with someone who could order a custom-made pants and to see it packed after just one hour.
Rachel Talamo was another relevant figure, a skilled and imaginative local seamstress began to start buying fabrics at her own expense and packaged applications with little dresses,which were literally steals and arousing interest and constant requests of the companies for which she worked,including for many events and one the famous Positano Fashion could be seen on national TV.
Moda Positano lost some of its splendour but it continues today and it still can only be found on site,high quality garments,among current artists in the field of pure,good-willed, creative heirs of Rachel Talamo,there is Giacomo Cinque,true genius of women's clothing with his company Jakarth and Laura De Martino, with her company Idea Woman whose models do not disfigure their way to class with their beauty and high fashion.
Currently Rino Boutique managed by his son Francesco Casola, then other famous designers as Maria Lampo became famous for the speed of delivery,with someone who could order a custom-made pants and to see it packed after just one hour.
Rachel Talamo was another relevant figure, a skilled and imaginative local seamstress began to start buying fabrics at her own expense and packaged applications with little dresses,which were literally steals and arousing interest and constant requests of the companies for which she worked,including for many events and one the famous Positano Fashion could be seen on national TV.
Moda Positano lost some of its splendour but it continues today and it still can only be found on site,high quality garments,among current artists in the field of pure,good-willed, creative heirs of Rachel Talamo,there is Giacomo Cinque,true genius of women's clothing with his company Jakarth and Laura De Martino, with her company Idea Woman whose models do not disfigure their way to class with their beauty and high fashion.
It is a pleasure to walk through the streets of the resort,completely pedestrian,entering in its charming alleys,discovering its hidden corners,looking for a little bit of shade in an enchanting courtyard in a sunny day and then continuing to explore that marvellous paradise born to delight every visitor.
A highlight of the town is also the perfect architectonic coherence,in the lower part,near Marina Grande where nothing was erected for mistake or altering the magic image and aspect of the town,that is another important detail why that place never lost its unique and fascinating charm.
A highlight of the town is also the perfect architectonic coherence,in the lower part,near Marina Grande where nothing was erected for mistake or altering the magic image and aspect of the town,that is another important detail why that place never lost its unique and fascinating charm.
The centre and heart of that magnificent place is the famous Marina Grande,the former beach where sailors and fishermen used to haul their boats and vessels.The Torre Transita is one of the famous Saracen Towers which is located halfway along the path leading from Marina Grande to the other beach of Fornillo, according to widespread opinion,it is so named because of the area in which it arose and it followed the same fate of another tower the Torre della Sponda heavily restored in the year 1950 after a long period of deterioration.
At the end of Marina Grande there is the charming pier used for ferries arrivals and departures.At Marina Grande starts Via Positanesi d'America a beautiful cliff side pedestrian promenade,where you can admire three ancient defencive towers and the Spiaggia di Fornillo,the previously mentioned beach from where you can enjoy beautiful and unforgettable sunsets.
The nearest Torre di Fornillo,a Tower part of the former defencive system erected in the 16th century, and like the others it was partially demobilised in different periods such as in the year 1758 but also in the years 1817 and 1930, however it was restored.
The Torri Saracene the Saracen towers of Positano are a great highlight of the town.The Middle Ages era saw the construction of towers as checkpoints to see the Saracens vessels,authors of numerous incursions and raids against the local population.
All the towers were built in a strategical position,one was located outside the town, at Punta Campanella, where begins the Amalfi Coast.From there,due an excellent view of the entire gulf and once seen the invaders attacks they threw the first signal,consisting in a cannon shot and after that the tam tam moved to other two towers located along the local coastline.In that way all the inhabitants were informed and alerted and they could take refuge on the steep hills on which were developed the neighbourhoods of Nocelle and Montepertuso.
All the towers were built in a strategical position,one was located outside the town, at Punta Campanella, where begins the Amalfi Coast.From there,due an excellent view of the entire gulf and once seen the invaders attacks they threw the first signal,consisting in a cannon shot and after that the tam tam moved to other two towers located along the local coastline.In that way all the inhabitants were informed and alerted and they could take refuge on the steep hills on which were developed the neighbourhoods of Nocelle and Montepertuso.
The Saracens,skilled sailors and soldiers were underprivileged to go on those heights,they did not know the territory and they were feared sometimes for possible counterattacks by the local population in an unknown place for them.The 4th tower or better the remains of a last tower of the Angevin period is the island Li Galli,because of its important position was unusual.That tower in fact was an element of an independent fortress that maintained long before and it became an attraction for celebrities who hosted from 1925 onwards.
Along the ramp leading to the beach of Fornillo,worth a visit the Chiesa di Santa Margherita,a Church dedicated to St. Margareth) erected by local Porcelli family between the 16th and 17th century and it was restored in the second half of the 18th century by the inhabitants with the help of Nicola Romito who is remembered in the inscription placed on a plaque outside in latin language in the main facade where you can read: Templum hoc divae of Margaret Virginis et Martyris huius Regiae Terrae Positani former family Porcelli diu dirutum former divotione civium Universitatis casalis Furni inferioris cohoperante Nicolae Romito quondam Petri eorum sumptibus to fundamentis" which translated means :The temple of that goddess dedicated to St. Margaret, virgin and martyr of the Royal Family Land Positani Porcelli family,for long time dismantled thanks to the Furni University with the collaboration of Pietro Nicola Romito who has reopened the doors covering the costs with the money of to the foundations.
That Church was erected on a square plan and it consists of a nave with two side altars and a barrel vault with lunettes.At the entrance there is the choir with the organ currently discarded on the left side of the sacristy.The altar is made in marble and above it, in a niche was placed the statue of Saint Margaret while the other two altars of the side chapels are also made in marble too.
Very close to Marina Grande there is the most important local building the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta a Religious building dedicated to St.Mary of the Assumption which
worth a visit.
It is one of the most beautiful Churches in Italy and according to a legend,it was founded after the arrival in in the town of a 13th century Byzantine icon depicting the Virgin Mary,the famous Madonna di Positano conserved even today in that Sacred Temple.
Dominated by a splendid majolica dome of green and yellow tiles built in 1920 it is one of the most famous local attractions ad in the Italian peninsula,absolutely unique in its style.Among the commendatory Abbots who would carry the Abbey of Positano worth to remember the Cardinal Vincenzo Maria Orsini, later well known as Pope Benedict XIII. The construction consists in three magnificent nave,it is a hymn to the most fine art containing a relevant collection of artistic works and a highlight is definitely its imposing altar.
On 14th and 15th August between the Church and the sea is celebrated the feast dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, which commemorates the historic landing of the Saracens and the miraculous intervention of the Virgin.That event concludes with the representation of the fire in the town and the abduction of women by invaders.
A legend says that many years ago, around the 12th century,a ship of monks carrying a picture of a Virgin of Byzantine style,sailing in the Tyrrhenian Sea close to the former small village.The sea was calm but the ship could not land for a total absence of wind,when the sailors heard a voice saying Posa, Posa (put down ,put down.).They stop in that place and they saw the picture of the Virgin.
The event took that name when the image of the Virgin appeared and it was carried to the Church of St. Vito, Patron Saint of Positano,they left it there,but in the morning it mysteriously disappeared and it was found near the coast on a myrtle tree.It was thought that event,all was considered as a sort of miracle because nobody moved it,so it was in that point began the construction of the new Church concretely dedicated to the Virgin of Assumption who is celebrated with all the honours on 15th August each year.
It is one of the most beautiful Churches in Italy and according to a legend,it was founded after the arrival in in the town of a 13th century Byzantine icon depicting the Virgin Mary,the famous Madonna di Positano conserved even today in that Sacred Temple.
Dominated by a splendid majolica dome of green and yellow tiles built in 1920 it is one of the most famous local attractions ad in the Italian peninsula,absolutely unique in its style.Among the commendatory Abbots who would carry the Abbey of Positano worth to remember the Cardinal Vincenzo Maria Orsini, later well known as Pope Benedict XIII. The construction consists in three magnificent nave,it is a hymn to the most fine art containing a relevant collection of artistic works and a highlight is definitely its imposing altar.
On 14th and 15th August between the Church and the sea is celebrated the feast dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, which commemorates the historic landing of the Saracens and the miraculous intervention of the Virgin.That event concludes with the representation of the fire in the town and the abduction of women by invaders.
A legend says that many years ago, around the 12th century,a ship of monks carrying a picture of a Virgin of Byzantine style,sailing in the Tyrrhenian Sea close to the former small village.The sea was calm but the ship could not land for a total absence of wind,when the sailors heard a voice saying Posa, Posa (put down ,put down.).They stop in that place and they saw the picture of the Virgin.
The event took that name when the image of the Virgin appeared and it was carried to the Church of St. Vito, Patron Saint of Positano,they left it there,but in the morning it mysteriously disappeared and it was found near the coast on a myrtle tree.It was thought that event,all was considered as a sort of miracle because nobody moved it,so it was in that point began the construction of the new Church concretely dedicated to the Virgin of Assumption who is celebrated with all the honours on 15th August each year.
In Viale Pasitea a road near the square Piazza Flavio Gioia,you can see a Neo-Gothic small Church with a splendid bell tower,the Chiesa di Santa Caterina a Religious Temple dedicated to St.Catherine.It was originally erected by maritime merchants who traded with Alexandria in Egypt, where the Saint was much revered.The building was dilapidated but restored by the local family Porcelli keeping the original architectonic style.Inside you can admire a 18th century marble altar which is the only surviving element of the old former Chapel.
In the same avenue there is the Chiesa di San Matteo a Church dedicated to St.Matthew.Built on a rectangular plan and showing a barrel vault with lunettes,the walls
are decorated with stucco relief and pilasters and that Religious construction is also famous because until the last century it preserved in its interior an ancient marble slab,perhaps a finding of a Roman villa currently displayed in the Museo Nazionale di Napoli.
That slab depicts a man with a basket of fruit surrounded by players of bagpipes.The exterior of the Church is rich of decorative elements,except for an arch above the tympanum in which is placed a bell.The Church was restored in the year 1797 and its position is simply beautiful,the building looks out on the narrow and steep stairway in the street Via Monte.
That slab depicts a man with a basket of fruit surrounded by players of bagpipes.The exterior of the Church is rich of decorative elements,except for an arch above the tympanum in which is placed a bell.The Church was restored in the year 1797 and its position is simply beautiful,the building looks out on the narrow and steep stairway in the street Via Monte.
In the square Piazza Flavio Gioia there is another Church the Chiesa Nuova (new Church).The original name was Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie because it was previously dedicated to Our Lady of Grace.
That construction was largely restored in the 18th century although the building was erected in the 11th century.It is one of the best Baroque example of the entire Amalfi Coast thanks to its elliptical roof and marvellous dome.The architect who made that masterpiece is unknown,probably someone who worked in Naples,or much more in the Italian Capital.The inspiration in the architectonic shapes and style is very similar to the Naples and Rome Borromini works as the Rome Pantheon.
That construction was largely restored in the 18th century although the building was erected in the 11th century.It is one of the best Baroque example of the entire Amalfi Coast thanks to its elliptical roof and marvellous dome.The architect who made that masterpiece is unknown,probably someone who worked in Naples,or much more in the Italian Capital.The inspiration in the architectonic shapes and style is very similar to the Naples and Rome Borromini works as the Rome Pantheon.
The main entrance is located along the major axis of the Church and the adoption of elliptical has mediated the issue between the plant and the central longitudinal hallway with esoteric symbolism of the Christian the way of Salvation in the nave and the Paradise in the dome.
All the Chapels are radially arranged around the perimeter forming a sort of ring,they are all covered with vaulted arches and decorated with marble altars and respectively dedicated to St.Joseph,St,Peter,St.Michael and the Virgin Mary of the Annunciation.
All the Chapels are radially arranged around the perimeter forming a sort of ring,they are all covered with vaulted arches and decorated with marble altars and respectively dedicated to St.Joseph,St,Peter,St.Michael and the Virgin Mary of the Annunciation.
In the same square going down towards the Scale di San Giovanni ( stairs of Via S. John) is situated the Chiesa di San Giovanni (St.John Church) in the past called Chiesa di San Giovanni Pastiniello Trabucco.
The name derived from pastinato a sort of diminutive form of contract farming oldest and most widely used for the clearing of the lands.The exterior is highlighted by decorative elements of relevant interest, except for the contour of the prospectus pilasters cornices and the tympanum of the entrance.
The building was developed on a rectangular plan of limited size,it presents barrel vaults and windows,the decorative stucco is different from all other local Churches,the valuable altar and a Roman funerary urn walled into the sacristy are among its main highlights next to the splendid floor partially tiled in terracotta of Campania,a technique adopted by local masters who decorated it with a compass rose in memory of the restoration carried out in the second half of the 18th century,maritime employers and seafarers.
The name derived from pastinato a sort of diminutive form of contract farming oldest and most widely used for the clearing of the lands.The exterior is highlighted by decorative elements of relevant interest, except for the contour of the prospectus pilasters cornices and the tympanum of the entrance.
The building was developed on a rectangular plan of limited size,it presents barrel vaults and windows,the decorative stucco is different from all other local Churches,the valuable altar and a Roman funerary urn walled into the sacristy are among its main highlights next to the splendid floor partially tiled in terracotta of Campania,a technique adopted by local masters who decorated it with a compass rose in memory of the restoration carried out in the second half of the 18th century,maritime employers and seafarers.
In the small and picturesque Piazzetta dei Mulini (Mills Square) a captivating square,you can admire the Chiesa del Rosario (the Church of the Rosary)..The architectonic shape of that building consists in a single a
rectangular nave with a barrel vault with lunettes above the windows
while the semicircular apse is surmounted by a drum and a dome,on which
there is a lantern.
The current building is the remnant of an old Monastery which stretched around and below the present street level.It was originally rich in artistic works but they were destroyed,lost for deterioration or dispersed.
The Church stripped of most of its treasures was transformed in a court and later returned to the cult.It became the seat of the congregation of SS. Rosary.Originally the Church in the year 1614 was donated to the Benedictine Monks who founded a monastery,which was suppressed in the year 1652 by Pope Clement X.
At the entrance there are some tombstones and on the left side you can see a splendid and relevant Roman sarcophagus with a notable representation of the myth of Bacchus which are the only remaining traces of its former glory.
The current building is the remnant of an old Monastery which stretched around and below the present street level.It was originally rich in artistic works but they were destroyed,lost for deterioration or dispersed.
The Church stripped of most of its treasures was transformed in a court and later returned to the cult.It became the seat of the congregation of SS. Rosary.Originally the Church in the year 1614 was donated to the Benedictine Monks who founded a monastery,which was suppressed in the year 1652 by Pope Clement X.
At the entrance there are some tombstones and on the left side you can see a splendid and relevant Roman sarcophagus with a notable representation of the myth of Bacchus which are the only remaining traces of its former glory.
Among the beautiful villas and palaces which deserve to be seen worth a mention Palazzo Murat which is located along the road leading to the sea.That building is one of the most beautiful summer residences of the Amalfi Coast.
Erected in traditional Neapolitan Baroque style totally different than other houses and buildings existing in the resort.Today it is a charming Hotel,a special and unique accommodation to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable stay,while others of relevant interest are Villa Sersale located in the street Via Cristoforo Colombo and still Villa Orseola formerly Villa Margherita apart the splendid Roman Villa Stella.
Erected in traditional Neapolitan Baroque style totally different than other houses and buildings existing in the resort.Today it is a charming Hotel,a special and unique accommodation to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable stay,while others of relevant interest are Villa Sersale located in the street Via Cristoforo Colombo and still Villa Orseola formerly Villa Margherita apart the splendid Roman Villa Stella.
In the district of Liparlati is situated the Chiesa di San Giacomo.It is a Church dedicated to St.James and one of the oldest of the town.Erected in the 12th century in honour of Santiago de Compostela,it was the first religious construction to be restored in the 18th century.
The building has a single nave with a vaulted ceiling with lunettes and four portholes developed in order to illuminate the interior with two altars.The entrance is accessible by the choir vestry,the main marble altar has above in a frame a picture of St. James while in the second stoned altar on the right side you will notice a painting,representing the Last Supper.
In a niche in front of the second altar you can see statues of of various ethnic groups converted to Christianity and at the centre of the floor there are the symbols representing pilgrims travelling to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela honouring the Saint.
The building has a single nave with a vaulted ceiling with lunettes and four portholes developed in order to illuminate the interior with two altars.The entrance is accessible by the choir vestry,the main marble altar has above in a frame a picture of St. James while in the second stoned altar on the right side you will notice a painting,representing the Last Supper.
In a niche in front of the second altar you can see statues of of various ethnic groups converted to Christianity and at the centre of the floor there are the symbols representing pilgrims travelling to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela honouring the Saint.
Montepertuso and Nocelle are two small charming villages part of the Municipality,situated high up,they were originally connected only via a long staircase at the centre of Positano.Both are colourful and picturesque and once they were very peaceful places.For many people almost unknown,in the last decades with the advent of tourism became very lively and in the last decades every tourist wants to visit them for their beauty inside a natural frame which is as a land of Gods.Montepertuso is also known for the washed mountain which according to a legend,was a place washing the Virgin Mary with the index finger.Crossing the lemon terraces from there you can walk until the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, a small Church which lies on a plateau overlooking the town, preceded by a square where stands the religious building dedicated to Our Lady of Grace.
Its simple and sober exterior aspect with semicircular apse and side chapels, brings back memories of similar examples of religious architecture of the Renaissance,the pseudo-Baroque interior consists in three naves,subdivided by three arches with transept and apse at the sides of which are depicted the Saints and Evangelists Peter and Paul.
Above the entrance is situated the choir with the organ while the roof of the nave is barrel vaulted with lunettes.At the top of the apse there is a circular opening which when is illuminated by sunlight transmitting solar lights from outside to the whole interior environment gives the Church a special charm.On the right side next to the main body of the Religious building rises the bell tower with its distinctive octagonal irregular spire an almost perfect architectonic element in total harmony with the rest of the complex.
Above the entrance is situated the choir with the organ while the roof of the nave is barrel vaulted with lunettes.At the top of the apse there is a circular opening which when is illuminated by sunlight transmitting solar lights from outside to the whole interior environment gives the Church a special charm.On the right side next to the main body of the Religious building rises the bell tower with its distinctive octagonal irregular spire an almost perfect architectonic element in total harmony with the rest of the complex.
Nocelle,however is a popular destination for the famous Sentiero degli Dei (the Path of the Gods) apart that magnificent attraction has another highlight which is the Chiesa della Santa Croce the Church dedicated to the Holy Cross.That attractive Religious building has a single nave with flattened barrel vault and an apse with a charming altar kept in a small niche with a image of the 17th century, representing the deposition of Christ or the Pieta.That small construction was erected in the year 1834 by architect Giuseppe Casola to replace the oldest one at the centre of the village.
The Cappella di San Pietro (the Chapel of St,Peter) is just outside the town,in a very pleasant area which combined with that attractive Religious building form a romantic corner in which everyone wants to celebrate his wedding.
On its front intertwine red lines and above the entrance,the most famous of the Apostles seem to entrust the keys to paradise for the marriage.Inside,the space is stretched towards the picture window which opens onto the Mediterranean Sea,the scenery,its position and all the natural environment surrounding that small and charming construction is something to stay hours and hours in contemplation of such divine image.
The small but beautiful beaches of Positano,Fornillo, La Porta, Arienzo and Ciumicello are not big but they are so captivating and charming inviting everyone for their scenic appearance making them places to spend dream holidays in the divine Queen of the Analfi Coast.
In summer to find place is not very easy due their limited size and the high occupation,furthermore you can reach Gallo,Gallo dei Briganti and Rotunda, three islets already well known in antiquity.According to Greek myths and legends,the archipelago of Li Galli is the place where lived the famous sirens sung by Homer in the Odyssey.
They have been often visited by the famous Russian ballet artist Rudolf Nureyev and the dancer is a declared Positano lover.Those islets reflect in all their essence and beauty the atmosphere of a classic and epic place,a sort of hidden paradise or Eden in an unforgettable Mediterranean set,unique in their kind as a little dreamland in a spectacular gulf.
In summer to find place is not very easy due their limited size and the high occupation,furthermore you can reach Gallo,Gallo dei Briganti and Rotunda, three islets already well known in antiquity.According to Greek myths and legends,the archipelago of Li Galli is the place where lived the famous sirens sung by Homer in the Odyssey.
They have been often visited by the famous Russian ballet artist Rudolf Nureyev and the dancer is a declared Positano lover.Those islets reflect in all their essence and beauty the atmosphere of a classic and epic place,a sort of hidden paradise or Eden in an unforgettable Mediterranean set,unique in their kind as a little dreamland in a spectacular gulf.
As prestigious tourist destination,the resort offers a wide variety of restaurants offering a typical and healthy Mediterranean gastronomy.The traditional Lemon Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and topped with melted butter is a highlight of the great local cuisine.
Among other culinary specialities most important worth mention the delicious Spaghetti vongole (mussels Spaghetti) and Spaghetti frutti di mare (Seafood Spaghetti),clams,prawns,squid are always fresh and of high quality.Delicious are the Acciughe Fritte (fried anchovies),seasoned with mint,vinegar and garlic, excellent are also plates as the great Pescespada grilled swordfish and very tastefully are also octopus in sauce and Calamari Fritti (fried squid).
Among other culinary specialities most important worth mention the delicious Spaghetti vongole (mussels Spaghetti) and Spaghetti frutti di mare (Seafood Spaghetti),clams,prawns,squid are always fresh and of high quality.Delicious are the Acciughe Fritte (fried anchovies),seasoned with mint,vinegar and garlic, excellent are also plates as the great Pescespada grilled swordfish and very tastefully are also octopus in sauce and Calamari Fritti (fried squid).
The local territory also produces a great Extra virgin olive oil,thanks to its aromatic and genuine flavour is used in the traditional Caprese with the delicious Mozzarella di bufala and fresh tomatoes and the town is also known about its ancient tradition about confectionery thanks to its lemon delights and fruits,the Babarese,is a kind of " Baba" a sort of Bignè 'filled with cream and strawberries,the original puff pastry without ricotta.
Fine liquors are prepared according to the traditional recipes, made with fragrant local citrus or strawberries,wild myrtle, figs and nuts and do not miss a shot the famous Limoncello of the Amalfi Coast.
Fine liquors are prepared according to the traditional recipes, made with fragrant local citrus or strawberries,wild myrtle, figs and nuts and do not miss a shot the famous Limoncello of the Amalfi Coast.
The Positano Dolce Vita is very famous worldwide.The Caffè Positano is a very trendy a lively bar with a splendid terrace over the marina and live music while La Buca di Bacco offers the visitors everything,it is restaurant,bar,club and it also provides a lounge bar with live music and shows.
Other places pretty recommended are Convivium which is a very elegant club with excellent jazz music and Le Terrazze a trendy piano bar,an excellent choice to enjoy a lovely night,listening romantic music in a romantic resort.
Other places pretty recommended are Convivium which is a very elegant club with excellent jazz music and Le Terrazze a trendy piano bar,an excellent choice to enjoy a lovely night,listening romantic music in a romantic resort.
Naples Airport Capodichino is situated approximately 55,0 kilometres from Sorrento.From Naples taking the Highway A3 Naples-Salerno with exit at Castellammare di Stabia and continuing along the SS 126 road towards Sorrento-Positano.
From Naples harbour, you can also take a hydrofoil ferry,the trip endures approximately 40 minutes to Sorrento or the Circumvesuviana train and in about one hour you will be in the town of the Sorrentina peninsula.From there you can take the boat or the bus to Positano.The SITA buses leaves from the Sorrento train station,so if you take the boat from Naples,you would also take a city bus from the marina up to the train station and then connecting to that ravishing resort.
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From Naples harbour, you can also take a hydrofoil ferry,the trip endures approximately 40 minutes to Sorrento or the Circumvesuviana train and in about one hour you will be in the town of the Sorrentina peninsula.From there you can take the boat or the bus to Positano.The SITA buses leaves from the Sorrento train station,so if you take the boat from Naples,you would also take a city bus from the marina up to the train station and then connecting to that ravishing resort.
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Positano is a must when you visit Amalfi Coast in Italy,if you miss that magnificent seaside resort,it is like losing in Rome the Coliseum or in Pisa the famous tower,you can not leave that paradise called Costa Amalfitana without a visit to one of its most shining jewels which also offers the great chance to spend dream holidays thanks its charming and comfortable accommodations.
Simply the pleasure to walk in the streets of that small sublime coastal town and admiring the splendid and amazing views of a land kissed by mother nature is something special,that divine Queen of the Amalfi Coast is something of unforgettable for everyone.Positano is inimitable and there are not many places in the world as that fantastic town located in a magnificent corner of the Campania coastline.
Simply the pleasure to walk in the streets of that small sublime coastal town and admiring the splendid and amazing views of a land kissed by mother nature is something special,that divine Queen of the Amalfi Coast is something of unforgettable for everyone.Positano is inimitable and there are not many places in the world as that fantastic town located in a magnificent corner of the Campania coastline.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Positano
Hotel Palazzo Murat
Hotel Punta Regina
Hotel Le Sirenuse
Hotel Eden Roc
Hotel Poseidon
Hotel Miramare
Hotel Buca di Bacco
Hotel Marincanto
Hotel Savoia
