Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast: a slice of Italian paradise
The Amalfi Coast is a delightful stretch of coastline located in the province of Salerno, in Campania. This famous region of Italy overlooks the beautiful Gulf of Salerno and is known worldwide for its extraordinary and fascinating nature. The Costiera Amalfitana, as it is known due to the territorial nucleus that characterizes it, is worth visiting to explore its picturesque landscapes.
The history of the Amalfi Coast
The Costiera Amalfitana has a very significant historical heritage. In the past, this place was part of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the presence of numerous patrician villas in the area, including the largest one situated in Minori. During the Gothic War, the inhabitants of the Coast sided with the Byzantines, who granted them greater autonomy from the Empire at the end of the conflict. Later, the town of Amalfi, after being conquered by the Principality of Salerno in 839, returned under the control of the Byzantine Empire, acquiring administrative autonomy. This administrative autonomy was the premise for the birth of the Duchy of Amalfi, which in the 10th century evolved into a duchy.
The Amalfitan duchy reached its maximum expansion between the end of the 10th and the beginning of the 11th century, when Duke Mansone I of Amalfi was in power. Later on, the Amalfi Coast fell into misery due to the incursions of the Maritime Republic of Pisa and the Norman conquest of 1136. From 1811 to 1860, the town of Amalfi was the capital of the eponymous administrative subdivision of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and was then formally annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Tourism in the Amalfi Coast
The beauty of nature and its picturesque scenery have made the Amalfi Coast one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, especially since the post-World War II era in Italy. This historic coastal spot, nicknamed the "Divine Coast," has hosted many celebrities over the years, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Gianni Agnelli, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, Paul Newman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Rudolf Nureyev, and many others.
In addition to the wonders of nature and history, the Amalfi Coast is also known for its typical products. Limoncello, a liqueur made from Amalfi Coast lemons, and Concerto, a liqueur made from a mixture of spices including Glycyrrhiza Glabra, fennel, cloves, nutmeg, leontopodium and mentuccia, are among the most appreciated typical products. Among other coastal specialties, one can find Engraulis Encrasicolus and Colatura di Alici di Cetara, produced respectively in the town of Cetara and in Vietri sul Mare. The area is also well-known for the handmade ceramics of Vietri sul Mare.
Discovering the beauty of the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a must-visit for tourists in Italy looking for breathtaking landscapes, history, and culture. The natural beauty of the area, combined with its rich history and delicious coastal cuisine, makes this area an absolute must-see. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is the perfect place. You can stroll through its picturesque towns, enjoy the local cuisine, and swim in its beautiful crystal-clear waters.
Come discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and be enchanted by its nature and history!
