Amalfi Coast
“The sea coast from Reggio to Gaeta is considered the most charming part of Italy; there, very close to Salerno, there is a high strip that dominates the sea, which the inhabitants call the Amalfi Coast; it is dotted with small towns with gardens and streams, and there are many rich people who trade as successfully as anyone else ”
Giovanni Boccaccio” Decameron “
The great Boccaccio admired the magical beauty of the Amalfi Coast in the 14th century; Roman patricians built magnificent villas here much earlier, but this amazing seaside corner of Italy has been known since ancient times. And, surprisingly, even today it continues to be famous for its enchanting nature, wonderful climate, clear azure sea, unique historical and architectural monuments, rich cultural heritage and cordial hospitality of local residents. Filled with sun and life, the capital of Campania is colorful Naples. Romantic Sorrento. The heart of the coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the amazing Amalfi. Charming Positano with incomprehensible rocky landscapes. Immersed in greenery, Maiori is the scene of the famous films of Roberto Rossellini. Or fantastic Ravello, stretched between the sky and the sea,
Geographical location
Campania is a large region spread over an area of 13,595 km² along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The regional capital is Naples. Campania is divided into five provinces: Naples, Salerno, Caserta, Avellino and Benevento.
Climate
The climate of the Amalfi Coast is mild, with an average daily temperature of around 28°C, with warm mild winters, dry, hot and clear summers, and pleasant cool autumns.
Sorrento
Sorrento has long attracted visitors with its fabulous beauty, unique location and warm sunny climate. According to myths, it was here that Odysseus deceived the sweet-voiced sirens. Patricians of the Roman Empire and noble aristocrats, industrial magnates and politicians, as well as famous writers, musicians, artists and actors loved to relax in Sorrento in different centuries. Although, why “loved”? Today Sorrento is no less popular and prestigious resort. The enchanting resort town spreads out on steep volcanic cliffs that terrace down to the sparkling aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Naples. Lush greenery of parks, magnificent villas, citrus and olive groves filled with southern aromas, cozy narrow streets with ancient churches. All this is Sorrento.
The history of the city goes back to time immemorial – it is known that this place was inhabited in the Stone Age. Sorrento was the first Phoenician colony, which later became a port frequented by the Greeks. The Greeks called it “Sireon”, which means “land of the Sirens”, which were described by Homers in the Odyssey. In the 7th century, Sorrento achieved autonomy, becoming a duchy dependent on Naples. Sorrento lost its independence many times and was ruled by the Goths, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans, Aragonese, Turks. And only in 1860, as part of Naples, it was annexed to the united Italy.
Sorrento has many historical sights. The main and most famous square in the city center is Piazza Tasso, named after the great Italian poet of the 16th century, Torquato Tasso, a native of Sorrento. A monument to the poet was erected on the square, another monument was erected in honor of the patron saint of the city, St. Antonin. Not far from the square is the Basilica of St. Antonio, built in 1000. The interior of the basilica is decorated with paintings of the 15th century, fragments of ancient majolica, ancient statues. In the crypt of the basilica are the remains of St. Antonio. Another old church is the magnificent white stone church of St. Francis, built in the 18th century in the Baroque style. The famous Italian festivals “Sorrento Musical Summer” are held in the courtyard of the church.. Next to the church is the marvelous monastic garden of Villa Comunale, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the city. The Duomo Cathedral is a traditional 11th century neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral. In this cathedral, a font has been preserved, in 1544, with which Torquato Tasso was baptized. The museums of Sorrento are also of considerable interest. The Correale di Terranova Museum presents unique collections of furniture and porcelain. masterpieces of painting of the Neapolitan school of the XVIII-XIX centuries, as well as historical artifacts. The Wooden Intarsia Museum is another unique museum located in an 18th century palace. The museum houses frescoes, fragments of ceilings, all kinds of handmade wallpaper, as well as a collection of carved furniture and artifacts from the 19th century. Among the picturesque places of Sorrento – Sant Agata sui Due Golfi (Sant Agata sui Due Golfi), a charming village in the heart of the peninsula, on the hill. Here, from the former monastery of Deserto, where the Carmelite monks lived, there is a stunning view of the Gulf of Naples and Salerno, and Vesuvius. Here is the church of Santa Maria del Grazie, built in the 17th century and decorated with a wonderful altar of Florentine work of the 16th century. A must-see is the ancient and historic port of Marina Grande, where the special spirit of Sorrento has been preserved. According to the legend, in 1558, it was through the gates of the port, from the sea, that the Turks broke into the city. Today, the picturesque harbor is home to many shops and restaurants. By the way – numerous restaurants in Sorrento are distinguished by excellent cuisine, especially dishes from the freshest seafood. The melodic song “Come back to Sorrento”, written by Curtis back in 1902, was performed by many famous singers not by chance.
