What do Pisa, Venice, Genoa and Amalfi have in common? In addition to being four beautiful Italian cities, have been in the past the Maritime Republics, the first ever to see in the Mediterranean Sea a thriving place of trade with Arabs and Byzantines.
The first Maritime Republic was Amalfi, whose origin is strongly linked to Greek mythology: its name derives from the nymph Amalfi, loved by Heracles, whose body would be buried in the city that would take its name. According to history, however, Amalfi was founded by some Romans heading to Constantinople, with the initial name of Amelphes.
In 533, following the victory of the Byzantines over the Goths, the city became a Greek domain and was integrated into the Duchy of Naples.
During the sixth century, Amalfi was chosen as a bishopric, as well as an object of conquest by the Duke of Arechi di Benevento; the latter, in the seventh century, succeeded in conquering it and only after his death the Amalfi were able to proclaim their independence. And it is at this moment that the Maritime Republic of Amalfi is born.
Fonte: campania.info
Several alliances were formed with nearby cities to protect their autonomy and, between a battle and another, Amalfi managed to strengthen trade agreements with Egypt and Palestine. It reached its peak during the eleventh century, a period in which the Amalfi people specialized in the production of paper.
The history of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi ends in 1131, when it is finally conquered by the Norman king Roger II. In 1343, then, a terrible tsunami destroyed all the port facilities, urban structures and agricultural settlements. Very little, in fact, has remained of the glorious maritime city, but it is still possible to glimpse some evidence in its monuments and buildings.
What to see in Amalfi
The town of Amalfi is located overlooking the sea, which makes it extremely impressive. It has always been one of the favourite summer destinations in the world, and is also a place rich in art, history and culture. Here are the must-see destinations:
Cathedral of Sant’Andrea
Thanks to its beauty and its historical importance, the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea hosts a large number of tourists all year round. It is built in Romanesque style with three naves, with a neo-moorish facade with Gothic details; the interiors are almost entirely covered with marble and rich in Baroque frescoes.
Fonte: amalfi.it
Paper Museum
The Amalfi people of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi were expert paper producers and their work can still be admired today thanks to the Paper Museum: Inside there are tools and machinery used for the production of paper and visitors can discover the processing techniques and products obtained typical of the time.
Fonte: museodellacarta.it
Valle dei Mulini
The Mill Valley consists of an old mule track that houses agricultural ruins and abandoned mills. It has now become a relaxing place to walk among mills, lemon groves and waterfalls that originate from the river Canneto.
Fonte: fai.net
Arsenal
As a former maritime city, Amalfi enjoys an Arsenal that, today, is the highest testimony of its past as a Maritime Republic. In ancient times, the Arsenale was the shipyard where the city’s naval fleet was built; today it houses the Museum of the Compass and Maritime Art, which allows you to know the history of the former republic through numerous testimonies.
Fonte: ciaoamalfi.com
Grotta dello Smeraldo
The Emerald Grotto was discovered by chance in 1932 by a fisherman; its name derives from the color of its waters, which create chromatic effects from emerald shades. Rich in stalactites and stalagmites, it can be visited both by land via stairs and elevators, and by sea through small rafts.
Fonte: placesonline.com
Torre dello Ziro
The Tower of Ziro was created to allow the Amalfitani to see, in the past, the Saracen ships; later it was transformed into a prison, so much so that in 1500 it welcomed Joan of Aragon called “the crazy”. It’s hard to reach, but the view from the top is simply breathtaking.
Fonte: e-borghi.com
Spiaggia del Duoglio
Just one kilometre away is Spiaggia del Duoglio, reachable by a staircase of over 400 steps. Once you arrive you can choose between several bathing establishments and restaurants.
Fonte: googleusercontent.com
Beach of Marina Grande
Even the Marina Grande Beach is super equipped, although it is not very large. It offers, however, a convenient location, a very simple access and the presence of a pier from which to make interesting excursions. Ideal for families with children.
Fonte: tonianapolano.com
Santa Maria de Olearia
The monastic complex Santa Maria de Olearia was built between 950 and 1000 by Benedictine monks and still boasts an extraordinary architectural importance, since it houses several medieval monastic remains of the Romanesque period.
Fonte: italyproguide.com
What to eat in Amalfi
During every respectable holiday, it is necessary to taste the typical dishes of the place; in the case of Amalfi, its cuisine is deeply linked to the tradition of its territory and it is really impossible to resist tasting the delicacies offered by restaurants and trattorias.
Fonte: dissapore.com
Among appetizers, first courses, main courses and desserts, here’s what to eat in Amalfi:
- ndunderi: considered by UNESCO one of the oldest types of pasta in the world, consist of gnocchi made with flour, fresh ricotta and eggs and then seasoned with fresh tomato sauce;
- anchovies: the anchovies of Cetara are famous throughout the area; they are fished in spring, cleaned, washed and salted and their liquid is used to season delicious pasta dishes;
- Marinated soup: it is a winter soup, also called “pignato grasso”, based on vegetables boiled in chicken broth with onion and pezzenta, a local sausage. It should be served with a sprinkling of mature caciocavallo cheese and parmesan cheese;
- scialatielli mussels and clams: typical fresh Amalfi pasta based on water and flour, to be seasoned with any type of sauce, in particular the one based on mussels, clams and cherry tomatoes;
- Amalfi pastarelle: a delicious dessert, ie biscuits stuffed with lemon cream of the coast. They are made with flour, potato starch, hazelnuts, sugar, butter, yeast and eggs, while the cream is made from lemon peel, limoncello, milk and white chocolate;
- eggplant with chocolate: called “mulugnane c’a ciucculata” consist of a sweet made with fried eggplant, breaded and then dipped in chocolate that, before being served, are covered with almonds, amaretti and chopped dark chocolate;
- pezzogna with crazy water: a second dish based on fish, the pezzogna, cooked in a pan with cherry tomatoes, garlic and parsley, shaded with white wine and left to cook with the sauce that is created;
- squid alla praianese: another main course based on fresh squid, washed, cleaned, cut into rounds and cooked in a pan with potatoes cut into chunks. The dish is finally flavored with oil and garlic.
Obviously, among the typical local products that should be absolutely tasted, there is the Limoncello, a digestive liqueur made with lemon peel, whose alcohol content fluctuates between 20% and 32% vol.
https://www.aziendaturismopositano.it/amalfi/
Copertina: airbnb