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Amalfi: History, Spectacular Scenery and Attractions
Destinations - European Destinations
Written by Passaporto
Amalfi
is the main town of the Costiera Amalfitana, the spectacular stretch of
coastline on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy. The first
view of the town is unforgettable, with its tightly packed pastel-coloured
villas and palaces clinging to the cliffside and steep alleyways and steps that
wind down from the higher part of the town into the fishing port and shingle
beach below. An independent republic from the seventh century until 1075, Amalfi
rivalled Pisa and Genoa for prosperity and maritime importance, and its golden
age is symbolised by its stunning cathedral: its Arab-Norman facade dominates
the Piazza Duomo, the unofficial town centre that is always pulsating with
people. Today it is an important tourist destination together with other towns
on the same coast, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Amalfi coast is famed for its production of Limoncello liqueur and
home-made paper used throughout Italy for wedding invitations, visiting cards
and elegant writing paper.
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The Amalfi Drive: Salerno, Vietri sul Mare, Maiori and Minori
Destinations - European Destinations
Written by Passaporto
The
Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) from Sorrento to Salerno is
one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of coastline, and the scenic corniche
road that winds precariously along it, is justly famous as one of the world's
most hair-raising and most scenic motoring experiences.
From the East, the Amalfi Drive begins at Salerno, one of
the most active ports of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city's historical and cultural
tradition dates back to Roman times, and it was the seat of the oldest
university in Europe, the Schola Medica Salernitana. In more modem times it is
best remembered for the Allied troops landing on its beaches, during the second
world war. Salerno isn't a tourist town, but it's a very sociable and lively
place with plenty of street life and an intriguing choice of eating places, and
makes a good base to explore Mediterranean culture and the fascinating
landscapes of the Amalfi Coast. While in the area, a must-see to the east of
Salerno is Paestum, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in
the county, containing see some of the best preserved Greek ruins, architecture
and monuments.
After leaving Salerno, the Amalfi drive passes through Vietri sul
Mare, a lovely seaside town famous for its handmade ceramic tiles and
pottery, before reaching the bustling resort of Maiori and the
small picturesque town of Minori.
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