Venerdì 15 Settembre 2017

 Sorrento and surroundings

The name "Sorrento" is derived from the Latin Surrentum, well documented in classical times (also from Greek sources), could be a derivative of the Greek form Συρρεντόν Syrrentón, from the verb συρρέο syrréo, "confluisco", referring to the waters that descend from narrow valleys nearby "water confluence". A popular etymology wants to derive from the Sirenis denomination perhaps formerly given to the area, linked to the alleged identification of Sorrento with the presence of the sirens, legendary creatures that the Homeric tradition has handed us to beings from the body of fish and bust of women, who enraged the sailors with their songs and consequently wrecked them against the cliffs. The foundation is traditionally and legendarily attributed to the Greeks, but Sorrento had the Italian inhabitants as the first inhabitants of the Etruscans, and then, from 420 BC, the influence of the Osci was important. In Roman times, Sorrento is remembered for having participated in the uprising of Italics (90 BC); a colony was then deduced from Silla, to which later an appropriation of veterans of Ottaviano followed. It was then the town hall of the Menenia tribe. It was a bishopric of at least 420. During the crisis of Byzantine rule in Italy, the town acquired autonomy as a Duchy, first under the supremacy of the Dukes of Naples, then with their arcs and dads, always struggling with Amalfi, Salerno and Saracens. The story of Sorrento is confused with that of the other bell towns; took part in anti-Muslim leagues; he battled the Longobards of Benevento; he knew familiar struggles among the local nobles. Obliged in the sec. IX by Guaimario to accept as his own Duke his brother, Guido, the Duchy of Sorrento resumed his autonomy after the death of the latter and then lost it definitively in 1137, absorbed in the new reign of the Normans. Sorrento followed the fate of the kingdom, not without rebellion and conflict, especially at the beginning of the Aragonese era. In 1558 it was taken and plundered by the Turks; In the winter of 1648, the city supported the siege of Giovanni Grillo, general of the Duke of Guisa. In the main square, Piazza Tasso, there are two statues: one is in the center of it and depicts the patron saint of the City, Antonino from Campaign, born around the middle of the sixth century; the other, placed on the south side of the square, depicts the great Sorento's sixteenth-century poet Torquato Tasso, author of the famous Jerusalem epic poem released. The old town still shows the orthogonal path of Roman roads with horns and decumans, while the mountain is surrounded by the 16th century walls. There is the Duomo, rebuilt in the 15th century with a neo-gothic façade, and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, with a remarkable 14th-century cloister, with arched arcade arches that interweave on octagonal pillars. In Correale di Terranova museum are exhibited collections of Greek and Roman finds and porcelain from Capodimonte, with a section devoted to painting of the XVII-XIX century; From the park there is also a magnificent view of the Gulf. At the Cape of Cape, 3 km west, there are Roman remains considered to be the villa of Pollio Felice (1st century AD). Another villa is the "Villa of Agrippa Postumo", literally located under the present Hotel Bellevue Syrene. The villa was built by the unfortunate grandson of Augustus.

Positano and surroundings

He could not start again, wrote the German painter Paul Klee on his diary and was not the only artist to stop leaving Positano after crossing it on his way. It is difficult to imagine a place more like an enchanted canvas. From the large beach, the whitewashed lime houses climb on a steep slope offering the typical appearance of Neapolitan crib. The long staircases from the sea lead ever higher to the two fractions of Nocelle and Montepertuso located in places difficult to access just to defend the helpless population from Saracen raids. When the sighting towers signaled the arrival of the fearsome raiders, the Positans abandoned the unmistakable houses near the sea and began the painful journey towards the salvation panorama of Positano just along those paths today so much appreciated by the tourists who live the strong emotions given by the suspended landscapes between the sea and the skyPositano has a typical architecture of the Amalfi Coast where military requirements have set staircases, porticoes, underpasses and narrow and easily defendable lanes today become the venue for small shops where the best of Positano's fashion is offered, typical products of local gastronomy in where lemon occupy a place of honor and where skilled artisans produce flip flops and custom socks.At the side of Positano are visible the three islets that make up the sirenuse (better known as the Galli), on the remains of an ancient Roman villa was realized a glamorous residence of the great baller Russian Rudolf Nureyev. The name of the country is attributed to miraculous fact handed down from generation to generation. A boat had been loaded with an effigy of Our Lady. Arriving in front of Positano the ship could no longer move as long as the sailors exhorted by Our Lady with the cry of "Posa, posa" did not leave on the beach the picture of the Madonna coming from the sea. The miraculous event is celebrated by the common coastline with the unmistakable fireworks on the day of the Assumption, while on the plates appear the hot calves and the squirrels of the Assumption, a fried tinned zucchini with flour and egg and then fried. Positano is certainly one of the most celebrated places of the Amalfi Coast, but also the other municipalities are worth a visit, to know them better here is their Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Furore, Agerola, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, Vietri sul Mare. From Positano it is possible to embark on the island of Capri while the island of Ischia is easier to reach from the port of Naples by taking a hydrofoil. From Positano the peninsula of Sorrento is 14 Km and Pompeii with its famous excavations is located 35 km. The National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano is a destination of interest for its famous tourist destinations. Paestum with its spectacular temples is 84 km, Agropoli 104 Km, Palinuro promontory with its beautiful caves is 171 Km, Marina di Camerota 162 Km. They are worth a visit, though far from Positano, the beautiful tourist resorts of the Gulf of Policastro, Sapri and Maratea. 

Amalfi and its surroundings

The blue of the sea, the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the terraces cultivated with citrus fruit, blend with architectural features to create one of the most beautiful routes in Italy: the Amalfi Coast. The winding road creaks in deep valleys, spans the spurs rock climbing over the sea, descending towards the beach and then going back, in a succession of breathtaking views and views. A unique landscape in the world designed by bays, coves, narrow streets and small villages perched on the mountain. Atrani A picturesque plot of alleys and stairs, overlooking a spectacular sea, is the scenery that enchants by coming to Amalfi, the town that gives its name to the entire coast. Dominated by the majestic Duomo dedicated to Sant'Andrea, it offers interesting testimonies of its glorious past of Marinara Republic. A few kilometers away, Furore is a true contemporary art gallery with its characteristic murals that fresco houses, public buildings and piazzas . So many paths to explore to enter the heart of this earth, with the intense colors and scents of agave, figs, lentils and rosemary. But Furore is known especially for his Fjord, an unexpected, spectacular and evocative vision of the force of nature. Positano, an authentic corner of paradise, a country-crib that, from the big beach, develops vertically in a tangled overlapping of streets, alleys and shops that display the colorful clothes of Positano Fashion known all over the world. In the center of Positano stands the great majolica dome of the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses some precious works, including some polychrome marble altars. In front of it, the "Sirenuse", four islets set in the blue expanse of the sea. Another pearl of the coast is Ravello, an elegant and refined village surrounded by greenery and characterized by noble villas. Famous in the world for its Festival set in the gardens of Villa Rufolo, where a striking scenery combines with the emotion of great music to give an extraordinary intensity experience. Heart of Ravello is Piazza Vescovado framed by the architecture of Palazzo Rufolo and the Cathedral with the magnificent portal, the first made with innovative molding technique, and the high bell tower of 35 meters. The medieval village of Atrani is characterized by alleyways, arches , courtyards, squares and "staircase" features. In a dominant and spectacular location, there is the monumental complex of Santa Maria Maddalena with its baroque façade, a lively majolica dome and an elegant square tower tower, a symbol of the country. Minori is a beautiful seaside resort that combines the charm of the landscape and the sea with a cultural offer centered on the archaeological complex of Villa Romana where you can admire the constructive genius of the ancient Romans and the Museo dell'Antiquarium that exhibits various finds of the time. Praiano is an ancient and tranquil fishing village that offers visitors a landscape of great naturalistic charm and the richness of a handicraft tied to the traditional silk and yarn processing. Past trades handed down over the centuries like that linked to artistic ceramic workmanship of Vietri Sul Mare, decorated by the beautiful colors of the local productions. Do not miss a visit to Scala, Maiori, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Corsara, Tramonti and Santo Egidio del Monte Albino, jewels of precious historical testimonies and natural beauties.