Amalfi City Guide

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Summary

THINGS TO KNOW

3 History and culture

THINGS TO SEE

4 Churches, Palaces and Monuments

THINGS TO TRY

6 Eating and Drinking 7 Shopping 8 Hotels and lodgings

THINGS TO EXPERIENCE

9 Events 10 La Dolce Vita

ITINERARIES

11 Beaches,marinas and nature reserves 12 Positano, Ravello, Vietri and other places not to be missed

suffered severe losses. At around the start restored on numerous occasions over the of the 18th century, after a period of bitter centuries and hence display a distinctive struggles between the peasant population array of architectural styles that range and rich landowners, Sorrento began to from late gothic to renaissance, while the emerge as a popular tourist resort, much refectory retains its original fourteenth loved by visitors from all over the world for century structure. its mild climate and flourishing countryside. By 1800, Sorrento’s economy was based Correale di Terranova Museum – Sorrento primarily on tourism and the wood inlay In this fascinating museum you can find industry, which gradually took over from the paintings by 18th century artists, inlaid production of silk textiles. Over the years furniture, Capodimonte majolica and Sorrento has been the favorite destination porcelain ware, lacework The palazzo which of such luminaries of European culture as houses the museum is surrounded by green Lord Byron, Keats, Goethe, Dickens, Wagner, and looks out over the Gulf of Naples. Ibsen and Nietzsche. At the start of the 20th century, agriculture was given a second Sedil Dominova – Sorrento wind, thanks to intensive cultivation of citrus A unique testimony to the ancient “sedile”, fruits, which were exported throughout the which was the building in which the city Italian peninsula and overseas. fathers gathered to make laws and decide on economic and administrative matters. A Sorrento & Amalfi: Torquato Tasso Sorrento & Amalfi: Sorrento Cathedral magnificent majolica-tiled dome covers the Amalfi arcaded loggia of the Sedil Dominova. Sorrento Amalfi was originally a Roman colony, which All the churches, museums and palazzi you The earliest evidence of human settlement gained more and more importance over the need to see, to get a full picture of the Amalfi Cathedral in the Sorrento Peninsula indicates Greek centuries, and after the fall of the empire it history and culture of the Sorrento Peninsula Amalfi’s cathedral was built in the 9th and Phoenician activity, however, this fertile became a diocese (596 AD). and the Amalfi Coast... century and partly reconstructed at a later land was soon taken over as a Roman colony, Later, the whole coastline, along with date in Arabian-Sicilian style. A number of its until the final collapse of the Empire. In the Amalfi, became property of the Duchy of Basilica di San Antonino – Sorrento original ancient features remain, such as the Middle Ages (c. 9th century AD), Sorrento Naples, until 839, when the city declared its This basilica was built around the 10th bell tower, the bronze posts on the main door managed to release herself from outside independence and became an autonomous century in honor of Saint Anthony, patron and the Chapel of the Crucifix. The Cathedral control, including Naples, and thus the Duchy republic. The Maritime Republic of Amalfi saint of navigators, and in c.1300 it became leads directly to the fascinating Chiostro di of Sorrento was born. The Duchy of Sorrento was soon to become an important maritime the home of the “Confraternita dei Battenti”, Paradiso, the Paradise Cloisters. covered the whole of the peninsula, and commercial center, trading with the whole of an heretical confraternity originating from was soon to become a prosperous economy the Italian peninsula, North Africa, the Middle Naples. It was splendidly restored in the Paper Museum - Amalfi based on ship chandlery, and the sale East and the Byzantine Empire. The Republic C17th by the Theatine Fathers. The crypt Housed inside an old paper mill, the museum and production of citrus fruits and wine. bought spices, precious stones, carpets holds the tomb of Saint Anthony, where exhibits ancient machinery for production of The Duchy later (1100) relinquished its and fabrics from the Arabs, and sold them thousands of votive offerings have been made “Bambagina” paper, which is still in working independence to become a protectorate of throughout Italy. by sailors. order. Normandy, with the advantage of receiving Soon, Amalfi’s wealth not only attracted protection against attacks from pirates and the attention of pirates, who were promptly Sorrento Cathedral Civic Museum – Amalfi the Lombards. 1544 is an important date in driven back by the city’s army, it also became Built around the 11th century, Sorrento On display in the museum is a seventeenth Italian and European culture, for it is the the target of neighboring states. In 1131, Cathedral houses some marvelous frescoes by century paper copy of the Tabula Amalpha, a year that the poet Torquato Tasso, was born after a long succession of attacks, Amalfi was Neapolitan painters. The bell tower is home precious maritime manuscript, dating back to in Sorrento, renowned author of “Jerusalem annexed to the Kingdom of Sicily, although to an ancient ceramic clock. the 11th century, containing some surprising Delivered” and other poems. In 1558 Sorrento still retaining a certain degree of autonomy information about the Maritime Republic. underwent a violent invasion by the Turks. in the management of maritime commercial Saint Francis Cloisters – Sorrento Ancient Arsenals of the Amalfi Republic The city was sacked and the population affairs. Gradually, commercial relations with The Saint Francis Cloisters have been Dating back to the 9th century, the Ancient

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Arsenals are a precious testimony to the many terraced vineyards of the region. One glorious maritime past of Amalfi. Of the 22 of the gastronomical symbols of Sorrento pointed-arch arcades that used to open out is limoncello, a delicious digestive liqueur towards the sea, only 12 remain today. made from the infusion of Sorrento lemon peel in pure alcohol. Another typical liqueur Raito Provincial Museum of Ceramics is nocino, made from Sorrento walnuts and - Vietri coffee beans. This fascinating museum is housed inside Villa Guariglia, where magnificent artifacts narrate the history of traditional ceramics craftsmanship in Vietri.

Sorrento & Amalfi: Gnocchi alla sorrentina Sorrento and Amalfi cuisine is strongly linked to the produce that grows in this fertile land. The wonderful climate is perfect for the cultivation of citrus fruits, oranges and lemons, olives and vines, which together paint a characteristic landscape. Even the sea, which washes the coast of the peninsula, is particularly generous. Fish and crustaceans are the star attractions, and are used by local chefs to prepare delicious dishes: lobster boiled on its own or cooked with tomatoes, octopus casserole, shrimp sautéed or fried lightly in breadcrumbs, spider crab soup. Let’s not forget the famous gnocchi alla sorrentina, made with tomato sauce, basil and mouth-watering fiordilatte mozzarella, which, in Sorrento, is braided. All dishes are neatly finished off with a dash of the characteristically sweet-tasting extra virgin olive oil, produced from olives grown in this area. In Sorrento restaurants and in Amalfi Coast restaurants you will fine wines ranging from rosso Sorrento to Gragnano, all of which are produced from vines cultivated in the

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and relations. And why not take them a bag of excellent walnuts, which are plentiful in these parts. As well as these gastronomical specialties, in Amalfi you can also find scented candle sculptures, handmade silver jewelry, and embroidered cameos and tablecloths. To conclude this small shopping guide, Vietri has been renowned for centuries for its wonderful ceramic artists, while Positano is the ideal place to find a whole assortment of clothes, sandals, swimwear and other accessories.

Sorrento & Amalfi: wood inlayers Sorrento & Amalfi: Sorrento Traditional crafts in the Sorrento Peninsula If you’re planning a vacation in the Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are a great source of Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, you’ll have shopping opportunities, including wooden a wide range of accommodation possibilities ornaments, ceramics and gastronomical to choose from. You can stay in one of the products. Sorrento’s main shopping street, Sorrento Hotels, Amalfi hotels or Positano where you can find most stores and fashion hotels, and use it as a base from which to take boutiques, is Via San Cesareo. daily excursions to explore the magnificent If you’re planning a trip to Sorrento, make surroundings. You can choose any category sure you go to some of the many workshops to suit your budget, from five stars to bed & of the wood inlayers. This ancient technique breakfast. Sorrento and Amalfi have a lot to originated right here in this town, and later offer in terms of tourist accommodation. spread throughout the whole region. The If, on the other hand, you’d rather be close to process is quite complex: small pieces of nature, you may decide to opt for one of the different types of wood (walnut, olive, farmhouses on the Amalfi Coast, and use the orange, holly) are arranged into exquisite opportunity to take a first-hand look at the patterns or pictures. If you are looking for a region’s extraordinary gastronomical culture. special gift, you’ll be spoilt for choice, from If your budget is low, you might like to try out furniture to tiny ornamental boxes. one of the campsites on the Amalfi Coast or When it comes to the region’s gastronomical around Sorrento. specialties, we suggest you pick up and take home some delicious limoncello, as well as a few lemons: just sprinkle a few slices with sugar and enjoy. Nocino is another of the region’s typical liqueurs, which is certain to bring a smile to the faces of your friends

© Netplan - Internet solutions for tourism © Netplan - Internet solutions for tourism THE SORRENTO & AMALFI CITY GUIDE / THINGS TO EXPERIENCE 9 10 THE SORRENTO & AMALFI CITY GUIDE / THINGS TO EXPERIENCE Events La Dolce Vita

Incontri Internazionali del Cinema di spirit of the Dolce Vita, which, in the 1960s, Sorrento – December – Sorrento drew the attention of the rest of the world to Sorrento’s International Cinema Festival first this wonderful part of Campania. began in 1963, and every year awards are presented to the best of Italian and foreign features and shorts.

Wagner Music Festival - from June to September - Ravello This extraordinary musical festival dedicated to Richard Wagner first debuted in 1953, presenting a series of symphony and chamber concerts every year, along with opera, ballet, cinema and theater: an assortment of artistic representations held together by the common denominator of the “dream”, which was one of the German composer’s favorite themes.

Festa di Sant’Andrea – November, January and June - Amalfi Sorrento & Amalfi: Historical Regatta in Amalfi Amalfi’s patron saint is celebrated on Sorrento & Amalfi: view of Ravello two separate occasions: On November 30 Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast regularly (birthday celebration) a statue of the saint Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are full of life play host to a wealth of cultural events, is taken from the Cathedral and carried in a and opportunities to have fun. There are particularly in the spring and summer procession through the streets and squares of plenty of open-air cafés, local trattorias, seasons. the city. June 27 is the commemoration of the nightclubs and concerts held in the gardens Fabulous international musical events miracle that saved the city from the pirate of villas. alternate with religious festivals, historical Barbarossa (1544). The statue is carried In Sorrento an aperitif in Piazza Tasso in the re-enactments and fêtes. to the sea, where a festival of music and heart of the city is a must, followed by a If you are planning to come here for a fireworks awaits the procession. romantic dinner of one of the local specialties particular event, we advise you to book a in one of the many Sorrento restaurants, to Sorrento hotel well in advance, or choose Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics the soothing tones of live traditional music. from among the many Amalfi hotels or – May/June - Amalfi After dinner and a glass of limoncello, take Positano hotels. Every year in springtime, Amalfi celebrates a walk around the stores in Via San Cesareo, her glorious past as a Maritime Republic with which are open late. After that, there are Sorrento Summer of Music – from July to an Historical Regatta, including perfectly numerous possibilities to continue the September - Sorrento recreated period costumes and sea vessels, evening, from elegant wine bars with lounge The “Sorrento Summer of Music” Festival representing the four ancient Maritime music, glamorous nightspots popular with takes place every year in the cloisters of the Republics: Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa and Venice. celebrities, and classical music concerts in monastery of Saint Francis in Sorrento, and its the charming Cloisters of Saint Francis. honorary President is the famous cellist Uto Nightlife and entertainment in Amalfi and Ughi. Against the attractive backdrop of the all along the coast, is popular with tourists Saint Francis cloisters, great names from the and Neapolitans alike. One of the liveliest international music scene perform alongside and most bustling places is without a doubt, emerging talent throughout the summer. Positano, with its famous open-air cafés and Plenty of classical music and chamber music, restaurants overlooking the sea. Ravello is but also jazz and other genres. the city of music, where you can still feel the

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great place for diving and for discovering the Massa Lubrense natural marine habitat of the “land of the This pretty town has one of the best views mermaids”. in the whole of the peninsula, a great many ancient farmhouses to visit, and typical Vietri sul mare Mediterranean vegetation. Massa Lubrense This town is just 3km from Salerno, the is the ideal place for a vacation: permanent provincial capital. Overlooking the Gulf of spring weather, breathtaking views and an Salerno, Vietri sul mare is a kind of terrace enchanting historical center. At the heart at the center of which rises San Liberatore of the town is Largo Vescovado, a charming mountain. Marina di Vietri, with its wide balcony overlooking the sea, where you can beaches and clear blue sea, stretches out at admire the 16th century Santa Maria delle the feet of Vietri. Don’t miss the 17th century Grazie Church. Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, with its great majolica-tiled dome. Positano Enticing and charming, with white houses The Emerald Grotto climbing up the rock face, overlooking the It is one of the natural marvels of the coast. blue sea, Positano is one of the most romantic The Emerald Grotto is not far from Amalfi in towns along the coast. Since 1800, the magic the municipality of Conca dei Marini. The of the town has fascinated writers and artists water’s distinctive emerald color is caused from all over the world, such as Goethe, Steinbeck, Picasso and Diaghilev. Even the Sorrento & Amalfi: Punta Campanella by water from the Tyrrhenian Sea, entering Sorrento & Amalfi: Villa Rufolo Gardens and partly filling the grotto, through a crevice world of cinema was seduced by its beauty: A fascinating itinerary on the trail of the linked to a 12m channel leading straight This itinerary is a kind of tour of the Sorrento Rome’s legendary Dolce Vita found its home natural beauty and maritime splendor of into the sea. A showcase of stalactites and Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, with stops in from home right here in Positano. After a the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. stalagmites of all sizes can be seen in the the most interesting historical and artistic relaxing stroll through the streets of the town Sandy beaches, crystal-clear seawater, rocky grotto. localities. center, why not take a visit to the Collegiata coastlines and charming marinas: take time It will take a few days to complete by car, or di Santa Maria Assunta, a church that dates to discover these extraordinary places that Marina Grande Beach using the numerous buses that connect the back to the 1200s, which is home to a seem timeless and ultramodern at the same Pastel-colored houses which contrast with towns and villages of this wonderful part of wonderful Byzantine icon called “Madonna time. Our advice is to choose one of the many the bright blue of the sky, and the deep blue Campania. di Positano”. Sorrento hotels, Amalfi hotels or Positano of the sea; beach lined neatly with brightly You can start in the Sorrento peninsula and hotels and use it as a base from which to colored cabins. Marina Grande is bursting make your way to Amalfi, or choose one or Furore take daily excursions around the area. For with vitality. It is the ideal place to relax and two towns as your home base and make daily This ancient town has roman origins, and enthusiasts of marine life, diving centers have fun for hours on end. excursions of discovery to the surrounding is situated inside a fjord of the same operate in all seasons, with snorkeling and areas, returning in the evenings to one of the name, overlooking the blue Tyrrhenian and scuba equipment. Bagni di Regina Giovanna (Queen Joan’s Positano hotels or Ravello hotels that you protected by the Lattari Mountains. A unique, Baths) have chosen. breathtaking view that must not be missed, if Punta Campanella Marine Reserve This part of the coast is in the cape of you are in the Amalfi area. Punta Campanella is a protected area Sorrento, a few kilometers from Sorrento Vico Equense stretching for 30km and includes several itself. According to legend, the Bagni di This ancient town is located on a rocky spur Ravello municipalities from Massa Lubrense to Vico Regina Giovanna take their name from Queen overlooking the Gulf of Naples, protected 350m above sea level, Ravello is one of the Equense. The Marine Reserve unfolds along Joan II of Anjou (15th century), who loved on its other side by lush hills, and watched most fascinating places along the Amalfi Coast the coast of the Sorrento Peninsula, taking bathing in this stretch of blue sea. Not far by the towering Mount Faito. (1400m). This with a rich history. Its wonderful view has in lush headland and rocky inlets. Places to from the baths you can see the remains of an delightful scenery makes Vico Equense one fascinated and inspired writers such as Gore visit include the Bay of Ieranto, with its tiny aristocratic Villa overlooking the sea, which of the best destinations for all those looking Vidal (who has lived here for years), actors islets and Li Galli, where mermaids tried dates back to the 1st century AD. for a relaxing retreat, full of art, history and such as Greta Garbo and composers such as to entice Ulysses with their song. This is a natural beauty. Richard Wagner, who composed his Parsifal

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here. Do not miss the magnificent Villa Rufolo, whose gardens host the Wagnerian Sorrento & Amalfi web sites concerts every summer, Villa Cimbrone, with its wonderful view overlooking the whole Hotels & Lodging Eating & Drinking of the coastline, and the Saint Panthaleon 1 One Stars Hotels - 2 Two Stars Hotels... Restaurants - Seafood... Cathedral, with its 13th century bell tower.

Vietri sul mare Entertainment Fairs & Events This town is just 3km from Salerno, the Live Music... Cultural Events... provincial capital. Overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, Vietri sul mare is a kind of terrace Institutions Internet at the center of which rises San Liberatore mountain. Marina di Vietri, with its wide Tourism - Associations... Tourist Portals... beaches and clear blue sea, stretches out at the feet of Vietri. Don’t miss the 17th century Itineraries Shops & Company Stores Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, with its Natural Beauties - Tourist Guides... Food Firms & Farm Products... great majolica-tiled dome.

Praiano Sports & Fun Transportation At the time of the Maritime Republic of Water Sports... Parkings & Travel by Car - Renting Services... Amalfi Praiano was the summer residence of the Doges. Situated between Positano and Amalfi, this town is still charming today. It is between 80 and 180m above sea level and has a wonderful view and enviable climate. In the Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan higher part of town, visit the Church of Saint Luke the Evangelist, patron saint of the town. • Aggiungi il tuo sito • Pubbliredazionale The lower part gently leads down into Marina • Inserzioni pubblicitarie • Offerte Speciali di Praia, a pretty seaside resort, protected by a medieval Sea Tower. • Quick Info • Live help • Prime posizioni • Siti web - Netplan

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