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| AMALFI COAST LOCAL HISTORY |
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Roman aristocracy built villas on the valley at the coast during the 1st Century AD and it was here, that centres of humanity were created. Thanks to the sailors, the Amalfi Coast was well known and its name appeared in an official letter from the Pope in 596 when trade was mentioned. It was also the only place that the Arabs could trade exports
Some research has found a wall structure on the seaside of Amalfi which is now underwater and was part of the old docking system in Amalfi from the 12th Century. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the freed slaves built the first village around here and slowly these villages grew until today, where the Amalfi Coast has a mixture of history and natural beauty to attract the visitor. |
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Amalfi - The panorama of Amalfi is wonderful, with white houses clinging on the rocks, which is in contrast to St. Andrew Church, which dominates the centre of the village.This church, built in the 12th Century, is reached by climbing 57 steps and the historical religious past of the Amalfi church can be discovered. The streets of Amalfi hide squares, on which rests old smith's shops, the Valiendola quarters, a 13th century monastry and a museum, where one can view the rudimental machines and instruments from the past 4 centuries.
La Grotto dello Smeraldo - It is placed in one of the best bays of the Coast and the cave is called "emerald" because the sunlight comes in through a tunnel under the water ( the tunnel connects the cave to the open sea) and makes the water emerald in colour. Four metres below the water, you can see a special ceramic Christmas crib given to the locals. You can reach the cave by boat, which leave regularly from Amalfi harbour.
Santa Monica de Olearia - This monastic complex was built during 950 and 1000 AD and holds Middle-Age monastic remains. It has three different chapels with different architecture with the oldest of these, holding many religious frescoes.
The isles li Galli - The isles feature in the Odyssey poem, where Ulysse met the Syrens and where Nureyev lived for many years. During the Amalfi Republic, the Dukes were exiled to the castle, especially built for them. The stretch of sea is dangerous here, with many wrecks from the Roman Empire are still being discovered. |
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Don Alfonso 1890 - 11 Piazza Sant 'Agata sui due Golfi. Noted for its beautiful azure diningroom, picturesque Mediterranean garden and the ancient Roman tunnels, that house the wine cellar. The freshest local ingredients are used in traditional cooking, although there are some surprises with garlic and tomatoes used sparingly and eggplant and chocolate served together.
Bruno (il Caino) - Riviera di Chiaia 162. - This traditional Italian restaurant is a one-star Michelin restaurant and its traditional dishes start from about 60 000 lire.
Casa Basca - Via Rocco Galdieri 6 . All credit cards are accepted at this one-star Michelin traditional Italian restaurant, with dishes around 70 000 lire. |
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Natural Reserve of the Ferriere - Situated in the north of the Amalfi Coast and created in 1972, the reserve has an area of 455 hectares, including the Canneto river. It is protected by the cold winter wind and has a high level of humidity, which is important for some rare plants, like the pre-glacial giant fern. The area is also home to a forest of beeches, ilexes, pines and limes as well as the bodgerm fox, salamander and birds, such as the red woodpecker and kestrel.
Punta Campanella - One of the many marine reserves in Italy, this covers about 1128 hectares and not only protects many sea creatures and fish, but many other forms of marine life as well. It is run and looked after by a local organisation, which also organises educationals, to showcase the importance of the preservation of this and other reserves. |
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| Useful Holiday links - Amalfi Coast |
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