Italy's Amalfi Coast is an idyllic Mediterranean haven on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The coastal area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a popular vacation destination for aristocratic Brits who flocked to this heaven on Earth in the 1920s and 30s. The Amalfi Coast towns are pretty but generally touristy, congested, overpriced, and a long hike above tiny beaches. The real Amalfi thrill is the scenic drive.
First mentioned in the 6th century, Amalfi soon afterwards acquired importance as a maritime power, trading grain from its neighbours, salt from Sardinia and slaves from the interior, and even timber, in exchange for the gold dinars minted in Egypt and Syria, in order to buy the Byzantine silks that it resold in the West.
Amalfi occupied a high position in medieval architecture. Its cathedral of Sant'Andrea (Saint Andrew, 11th century), the campanile, the convent of the Cappuccini, founded by the Amalfitan Cardinal Pietro Capuano, richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy at the time of the Normans, with its tendency to blend the Byzantine style with the forms and sharp lines of the northern architecture.
If you think the Amalfi Coast is a hot tourist destination now, you should have seen it in the Roman times, when it was a playground for the aristocratic classes from the Capital City. You can get a glimpse of Roman taste in architecture and decorations at the Antiquarium Villa Marittima in Minori. The museum displays the artifacts found at the site, including items used in daily life, frescoes, mosaic fragments, and coins. The foundational structure of the baths are exposed for viewing.
Torre a Mare, one of the most suggestive medieval towers along the Amalfi Coast, is situated on a lovely promontory, overlooking the emerald-green sea. The villages along this coastline are quite diverse and your stay should be well thought out before you book.
Warm temperatures, picturesque medieval buildings and the lure of Italian food and culture dazzle visitors to this day. Enjoy a warm evening overlooking the water while you sip the local specialty: Limoncello liqueur.
When you’re planning your Amalfi Coast holiday, you need to consider which location will work best for you. The Amalfi Coast towns are hilly and can be challenging for the not so fit, so it is important to take this into consideration before you make your choice.
September 9, 2013
Photo source: wikipedia.org
I. C.
editor artline.ro
