Sorrento
Founded as a Greek colony, it suffered Etruscan, Syracusan and Samnite domination over the years. It then followed the fate of the Roman Empire until its fall. In the early Middle Ages it was a republic, later it was a Byzantine, Gothic and Longobard colony. Sorrento was mainly known for its shipyards and maritime activities.
All’inizio del diciannovesimo secolo l’industria del legno e dell’intarsio sostituì quella manifatturiera della seta. All’inizio del ventesimo secolo anche l’agricoltura diventò parte dell’economia sorrentina.
Sorrento sits on a block of volcanic rock (tuff) and is surrounded by deep valleys that for centuries formed the boundary of the ancient city. Sorrento began a period of profound change as early as 1840 when construction work began on state road 145.
Later in 1866, with the continuation of these works up to the city centre, a major change to the plan of the old city began, namely a major urbanisation process. In Piazza Tasso, the heart of the city, are the statue of St Antonino (patron saint of Sorrento), the monument to the poet Torquato Tasso and the Church of the Carmine. The Correale Museum is a generous gift to the city from Count Correale; its archaeological section houses Greek, Roman and Byzantine statues.
In the 16th century, Sorrentine master carpenters did inlay work for churches and stately homes, the commercialisation of these products only began at the beginning of the century. Subsequently, many workshops for the construction of these precious objects sprang up in the city.
Today, marquetry is one of the biggest earners for the local craft.
Massa Lubrense
Its location, near the tip of the Sorrento peninsula, gives it characteristics common to both sides. A health resort with ancient Roman origins, it offers splendid views from its terraces. Visit the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the nearby fishing village of Marina della Lobra, where excursions to the Protected Marine Area of “Punta Campanella” begin.
The town is also the starting point for many hikes to Termini and “Punta Campanella”, just opposite Capri.
The Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area, recognized in 1997 by the Ministry of the Environment, covers an area of more than 1,500 hectares and involves the coast between the beautiful waters of the gulfs of Naples and Salerno. The Punta Campanella Marine Park protects about 40 kilometers of coastline, whose waters have a remarkable and wonderful biodiversity that make it one of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the Mediterranean.
The waters of the mythical “Land of the Sirens,” conceal seabed
landscapes that offer nature lovers unforgettable experiences. A still unspoiled territory, perfect for numerous activities, from trekking to diving and that will lead you to the discovery of many magnificent specimens of flora and fauna.
Positano
Situated in a magnificent gorge is a picturesque, fishing village built on the rocky ridge, the architecture reveals clear traces of the Arab style, the vegetation and flowers reach right down to the sea creating a fabulous effect. The mild climate makes the sea swimmable almost all year round.
Positano was founded by the inhabitants of Paestum (Magna Graecia) from whom it may have inherited its name. The development of the village began during the period of the Maritime Republics, when it was often attacked from the sea: the three watchtowers around the town bear witness to Saracen raids.
Today, Positano owes its fortune to tourism, thanks to which numerous activities and comfortable infrastructures have been developed. Visit the enchanting rocky coastline of Positano and the Amalfi Coast aboard our yachts.
Amalfi
A city of Roman origin, Amalfi was the first maritime republic in Italy, minted its own currency (the Tari) and was the birthplace of Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the compass. The Republic gave navigators the famous navigation code known as the “Tabulae Amalfitanae”. The ancient harbour has been slowly eroded by weathering until it disappears.
In the main square is the cathedral, built in the sixth century and dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle, whose relics are kept in the crypt. Adjacent to Amalfi Cathedral is the Cloister of Paradise. The Emerald Grotto, located in the bay of Conca dei Marini, so called because of the refractive effects that light produces inside it.
Unfortunately, only the cathedral, cloister, arsenal and Capuchin monastery remain of the city’s former magnificence, as the rest of the city was razed to the ground by the tidal waves of 1013 and 1343.
Ravello
On the edge of the Lattari mountains, about 350 metres above sea level, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, stands Ravello, a splendid town on the Amalfi Coast. Ravello was founded in the 6th century AD by a group of Romans who took refuge in the area. Amalfi’s domination of the city was never willingly accepted.
There are two sumptuous villas: “Villa Rufolo” (with its Saracen-style towers, its arabesque cloister and its tower dominating the garden) and “Villa Cimbrone” (a gem of art and a wonderful view of the Gulf of Salerno). Another art treasure is the cathedral, which was started in 1086 and later renovated in the Baroque style (17th century). The Arab influence is visible in the architecture and in various artistic expressions due to the period when cultural and economic exchanges with the Near East were flourishing.
Maiori
Maiori, a small town on the Amalfi Coast, was discovered by an Etruscan captain called Lucumone Reghinna, who later gave his name to the river and the town (Reghinna Major and Reghinna Minori), later only keeping the last name. The first inhabitants were the Picenes, who were banished by the Romans in the third century BC.
Once peace was restored, the Picenes obtained citizenship and built a bridge in a place still called Ponteprimario. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Maiori was not involved in the barbarian invasions and, like the other towns on the coast, became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. In 839 Maiori was destroyed by the Longobard Sicario, Duke of Benevento. In 842, the fortifications along the coast were rebuilt. Dominated by the Normans until the fall participating in the First Crusade. In 1137, the Pisans destroyed most of the fortifications. In 1342 it passed to the Aragonese.
All the communities on the Amalfi Coast remained under the kingdom until the beginning of the republic on 8 September 1943. On 25 October 1954, Maiori was destroyed by a flood and after reconstruction became more flourishing and alive than before.
Paestum
One of Italy’s major archaeological sites, here are some of the best-preserved ruins from the Greek era, such as the temple of Poseidon (Neptune) and the basilica dating from the sixth century BC. Paestum was founded by Greek colonists around 600 BC under the name “Poseidonia” in honour of the god of the sea, Poseidon.
Today, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The centrepiece of Paestum are its majestic temples, which bear witness to the city’s glorious past. The three main temples, known as the Temple of Neptune, the Temple of Ceres and the Temple of Apollo, date back to the Doric period and are in an excellent state of preservation. Their imposing columns and impressive architecture capture the imagination of visitors and offer an unforgettable spectacle.
In addition to the temples, the National Archaeological Museum in Paestum houses a vast collection of artefacts that tell the story and culture of ancient Poseidonia. Inside the museum, visitors can admire vases, sculptures, frescoes and other ancient objects that provide a better understanding of the daily life of the inhabitants of Paestum during the Greek era.
Salerno
The city lies about fifty kilometres southeast of Naples on the northern edge of the Gulf of Salerno and introduces the Amalfi Coast. The historical centre that bears clear signs of its medieval origins is dominated by the Arechi Castle. Salerno was founded by the Etruscans around the fifth century BC.
In 194 B.C. it became a Roman colony and in the Middle Ages it reached its peak. Not to be missed in the city are the cathedral of San Matteo (built in 1080 and renovated in 1768), the Longobard castle, the archaeological site of Fratte (with ruins dating back to the sixth century BC) and the Provincial Museum.
In addition to the temples, the National Archaeological Museum in Paestum houses a vast collection of artefacts that tell the story and culture of ancient Poseidonia. Inside the museum, visitors can admire vases, sculptures, frescoes and other ancient objects that provide a better understanding of the daily life of the inhabitants of Paestum during the Greek era.
Naples
Naples is unofficially called the capital of southern Italy. It is Italy’s third largest city and the most densely populated with around two million inhabitants. According to legend, Naples was founded by the siren Partenope, hence the name Parthenopean city; in reality, it was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC who were succeeded by the Romans in 320 BC.
With its palaces, churches and ancient monuments, the National Museum (one of the most important archaeological museums in the world), the neoclassical San Carlo Theatre, the sumptuous Royal Palace, the imposing medieval castle “Maschio Angioino“, Castel Nuovo and the fabulous Baroque church. The restaurants in Santa Lucia and the pizzerias in the old town offer delicious seasonal dishes of classic Neapolitan cuisine. The charming Via Chiaia and Via dei Mille lead towards Piazza dei Martiri, the whole area is perfect for elite shopping.
Vesuvius
Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes on Earth, one of the most studied and also one of the most dangerous, since the vast territory on its slopes has seen the construction of houses up to 700 metres high. This volcano, among the most famous and dangerous in the world, is about 1,200 metres high and dominates the panorama of the Gulf of Naples.
It is active and its most famous eruption was the one in AD 79 that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. Nowadays, the summit of the volcano, where an eerie and evocative atmosphere dominates, is easily accessible; there are many itineraries through the Vesuvius National Park.
Herculaneum
When the eruption of Vesuvius occurred in 79 A.D., Herculaneum was submerged by a torrent of lava and mud that rapidly solidified and brought furnishings and fittings down to us. A large part of the ancient city of Herculaneum is still underground and excavations continue today, bringing to light new treasures.
Pompeii
The first settlements in the area probably date back to the 8th century BC. In the 6th century BC, the Greeks colonised Campania and Pompeii did not escape the conquests. At the end of the fifth century BC, the Italic population of the Samnites conquered the city, influencing and enlarging it. It was not until eighty-nine B.C. during the civil wars that Pompeii joined the Italian populations in rebellions against Rome.
In eighty B.C., it became a Roman colony and assumed its appearance and language. In 62 A.D. Pompeii was destroyed by a disastrous earthquake but was soon rebuilt. In 79 A.D. the final disaster: a huge column of ash, lapilli and other material erupted from Vesuvius and submerged Pompeii; many inhabitants suffocated under the collapsed roofs or under the ash. Today, it is fascinating to visit the perfectly preserved ruins of the city.
Capri
There are several rock formations, including the famous Blue Grotto, and several cliffs along the coast. Marina Grande is the landing place where hydrofoils and boats arrive. Capri, known all over the world, is one of the chicest islands thanks to its fashionable shops, luxury hotels and restaurants, and perfume factories.
Places of cultural interest on the island include the Charterhouse and several small museums. In the main square, Piazza Umberto, there is a pretty little church and several outdoor bars. The Augustus Park has a magnificent view of the marina piccola. Anacapri is located on the eastern plateau of the island and is a less sophisticated place, the activities are so rural that until a hundred years ago it could only be reached on foot. On the outskirts of Anacapri we find Villa San Michele built by Alex Munte using the remains of some Roman ruins. Nightlife on the island of Capri is fervent.
Ischia
Rising from the waters 130,000 years ago, Ischia is known, given its lush vegetation, as the Green Island. It is also the only location in the area with sandy beaches. Ischia is a volcanic island dominated by Mount Epomeo, which in turn is an extinct volcano. The thermal parks have more or less ten different types of baths, natural saunas and whirlpools.
The most famous and largest is the beach of Sant’Angelo, a must-see destination on the southern coast of the island; a small fishing village behind which is a beautiful black sandy beach. The island can be visited entirely by car and it is possible to combine a boat cruise with an interesting tour of the island by road.
Procida
Procida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples, located between Cape Miseno and Ischia. The island is clearly of volcanic origin and its maximum height reaches 91 metres. To fully admire its beauty and enjoy the peace of the island, one must wander through its narrow streets and alleyways inside the lively towns with their polychrome houses and immerse oneself in the Mediterranean maquis that infuses its scents all around.
The earliest records of the island date back to the 8th century B.C. with an initial colonisation by the Chalkidese, who were succeeded by the Greeks (traces of their passage are still evident today given the finds). The Romans did not take much interest in the island as the volcanic origin of the island did not allow for their architectural splendour.
In the early Middle Ages, the island was frequently beaten by Saracen pirates, so the settlements moved to the promontory of Terra Murata. In the late Middle Ages it had its own lords who were succeeded by the Bourbons. Not to be missed on the island of Procida are the Chiaiolella marina and the seaside village of Corricella, where the fishermen’s houses clinging to the high, steep coastline to form a colourful, characteristic cluster.