Conca dei Marini
Conca dei Marini – Welcome to the sailors' town!
Dear readers, today we take you on a discovery journey of a gem of the Amalfi Coast: Conca dei Marini. With only 677 inhabitants, it is the smallest municipality in Campania but, along with the entire Amalfi Coast, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Let's discover together the peculiarities of this seaside village.
Physical geography
Territory
Conca dei Marini is located in the province of Salerno and is situated in a basin overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Although it is part of a low seismicity zone, its dangerous location led to the creation of the PCM Ordinance. 3274 of 20/03/2003, which classified Italy's seismic zones: zone 3.
Climate
The nearest meteorological station is in Amalfi. The climate of Conca dei Marini is typical of the Mediterranean, with low average temperatures of 10.7 °C in January and maximum peaks of 26.8 °C in August. Average precipitation, exceeding 1,700mm, is distributed over 96 days during the year, with a maximum in autumn-winter and a minimum in summer.
Toponymy
The name of the town derives from its geographical shape, i.e. its basin shape. Moreover, the suffix "dei Marini" highlights its proximity to the sea and the role of its inhabitants who were once very skilled sailors in navigation techniques. Conca dei Marini is also known for the migration of "Marini" (prescribed individuals) who migrate from Bra every summer to land in this town. A curious species!
History
The origins of Conca dei Marini are uncertain, it is believed to have been founded by the Etruscan Civilization with the name "Cossa". In 272 BC (481 ab Urbe condita) it was conquered by the Romans, who transformed it into a colony. Later, it became a support base for the nearby Maritime Republics of Amalfi, engaging in commercial relations with other peoples of the Mediterranean and enhancing its seafaring skills. Subsequently, it was enfeoffed under the dominion of Angioins and Hohenstaufen, a period during which Conca vigorously resumed marine traffic. Over the years, the city experienced various dominations. Under the dominion of Trastámara, Casa d'Asburgo, and Bourbon, commercial exchanges expanded, allowing several Conca's captains to enrich themselves and rise socially.
Conca dei Marini is a municipality that, despite its small size, has the sea in its DNA. Its inhabitants, who over the years have become expert sailors, have made fishing their vocation and the coast their life. The inhabitants are also known for their cordiality, so we recommend you to go and say hello to them!
