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Laid at the southern feet of the Mounts Lattari, which protect it from the Northwinds, Positano enjoys - thanks to its favourable position - all the advantages of a mild, dry climate. It is surrounded by green mounts, which form a sort of crown: Mount Comune, Mt. S. Maria del Castello, Mt. S. Angelo a Tre Pizzi (1444 metres high), Mt. Conocchia, Mt. Campo dei Galli and Mt. Paipo; towards south and east the gaze sweeps over the sea up to Punta Licosa and Capri. Three miles away from the coast a little arcipelago rises from the sea - "Li Galli" or "Sirenuse" - composed by three islands: "Gallo Lungo", "Rotonda", "Castelluccio", which was always supposed to be the abode of the bewitching Syrians.
Free PositanoThe origins of Positano, like those of many other towns, are lost in the mists of time, so that it is difficult to distinguish between history and legend. As it often happen in the past, myths supplied for the lack of data: one of these myths tells us that Positano was founded by Poseidon - the Latin Neptune, the god of the sea - for the sake of the nymph Pasitea, whom he loved. It is certain that Phoenicians and Greeks, travelling westwards, landed in Positano, which at that time, was inhabited by Oschi and Piceni. The Romans built near the 'great' beach a rich patrician villa, which has now been buried by gardens and by the church devoted to Our Lady of the Assumption. With the fall of the Roman Empire Positano became a part of the Republic of Amalfi, the first maritime republic, and went through flourishing period, owing to the commerce with the other countries of the Mediterranean area.
Unfortunately this period was followed by gloomy ones, particularly during the Angevin and Aragonese domination, when our village was more than once exposed to the offence of the Saracen pirates, first, and, then of the Turkmen. A legend referring to that period says that the Saracen pirates, during an incursion, sacked the main Church and brought away, among other things, the Byzantine picture of Black Virgin, which was kept in the church and is now to be found in the apse over the high altar; they had just left the shore, when a voice was heard, that said: "Posa, posa". The pirates became aware of having committed a sacrilege, repented came back ashore and restored all the ill-gotten goods. To defend themselves from the very frequent raids of the pirates the inhabitants of Positano built three guard-towers, which can still be seen today in the quarters called "Fornillo", "La Trasita", "La Sponda" and some others in the inner part of the village. In the same period the mountain villages of Montepertuso and Nocelle enlarged to harbour the inhabitants of Positano and Laurito, who feared the pirates.
In 1700 there was a thriving period as it is shown by many villas in the late Baroque style, built on the East coast. The Unification of Italy forced many inhabitants of Positano, as it happened for so many other people of South Italy, to migrate to America, where fortune smiled on some of them. After the First World War - during which Positano also paid its great tribute of blood - this village, which was already the refuge of some Italian artists, like Vincenzo Caprile, harboured many Russian, German artists and men of letters, who chose it for its peace and quiet. Among others we can remember: Semenov, Zagoruiko, Essad Bey, Clavel, Escher, Massine, Kovaliska, Ghillausen, etc., who with their works maid this flat of land known all over the world.
The tourism booming took place after the Second World War; but despite of an intense expansion our village preserve its characteristic vertical structure and its bright architecture with suggestive, panoramique corners. Thanks to the innate sense of hospitality of its inhabitants Positano became one of the most famous tourist places all over the world. Our village is also internationally known for its clothing production: many little, but elegant boutiques, which are almost everywhere on both sides of streets and lanes, can satisfy all the requests of a cosmopolitan clientele. Its favourable position put it in the centre of a land rich of history and natural beauties. During the summer a series of patronal feasts - among which we can remember that on the 2nd of July in Montepertuso and that on the 15th of August in Positano - and cultural events - like the International Award for the Art of Dancing to the memory of the great dancer-choreographer Leonide Massine - gladden the evenings, making the stay in this charming place, also called the "Gem of the divine coast", more pleasant and suggestive.
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A Week in... The Amalfi Coast, Capri & Rome
Celebrities have long flocked to places like Rome, Capri and the Amalfi Coast for the scenery, the history, the culture and the warm welcomes that await them wherever they go. Explore the storied history and cultural treasures of the Vati...
The small seaside city of Positano on the Amalfi Coast is centrally located for day trips to Capri Island, Sorrento, Naples or Ravello, but it is intriguing enough to be a standalone destination on anyone's Italy itinerary.
Positano's striking scenery is its greatest asset. Pastel-colored shops, restaurants and hotels cling to cliffs that rise steeply from the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Steep cobblestoned steps connect the labyrinth of dining and shopping options above with the beachfront and marina below. Visitors to Positano can be as relaxed or as busy as they want to be.
Italian charm and sophistication abound in art galleries and boutiques. The main sight in town is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates from 1200 and houses a stunning Byzantine Black Madonna and Child painting.
The number of year-round residents is relatively small in Positano, and although this number may triple or quadruple in the height of the tourist season, the locals remain friendly, open and very helpful. After all, tourism is what provides for them.
Staying for a little longer than a couple of days, which is what most itineraries generally prescribe, will provide a window into a different side of Positano. The town has its own unique rhythms, particularly in the shoulder-season months of March, April, September and October. Positano is very quiet in the winter.
Sights—The gardens of Palazzo Murat; the beautiful domed church of Santa Maria Assunta; the hilltop villages of Montepertuso and Nocelle.
Memorable Meals—Grilled calamari and house-cured olives at La Pergola; stuffed branzino on the breathtaking terrace of Lo Guarracino, overlooking the Spiaggia Il Fornillo; a day spent feasting on zuppe de cozze and cold white wine with peaches at the laid back beach spot Da Adolfo in nearby Laurito.
Late Night—Cocktails and music at Music on the Rocks. Enjoying the view from the piano bar at Lo Guarracino. Hopping on the shuttle for a night at Africana Famous Club in Praiano.
Walks—The beautiful seaside path along Via Positanesi d'America; going for a passeggiatta (stroll) along Via dei Mulini and Spiaggia Grande before dinner.
Especially for Kids—Beaches at Spiaggia Grande and Il Fornillo.
The town is built into Monti Lattari, set in graduated tiers up the mountainside. The bright hues of the block buildings, in shades of rose, ocher, yellow and purple, are said to have originally served to help returning fishermen spot their homes.
Positano is the first major town coming from Sorrento on the famous Amalfi Coast drive. Travelers see furtive glimpses of it while approaching along the Sorrentine Peninsula on one of the world's most scenic roads. Alternatively, a seaside approach (worthwhile if you are able to do it) is possible April-October, when ferries from Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri make Positano one of their destinations on the Amalfi Coast.
Positano is one of the oldest places on the Amalfi Coast, with settlements dating from the Upper Paleolithic Age. It started as a mill, where Roman Emperor Tiberius sent his three-oar boat for bread, because he was afraid of being poisoned on nearby Capri Island. In the 1200s, Pisa sacked the entire Positano area, and after a long period of rebuilding, the city of Positano erected an elaborate defense system of watchtowers. The town competed for top position of the Mediterranean Sea Trade with the coastal town of Amalfi, a little farther south along the coast.
Under Neapolitan fiefdom until the end of the 17th century, Positano produced silk and canvas goods. It gained its supremacy in the 18th century under the Bourbons, during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In the 19th century, it experienced a period of decline, with more than three-quarters of its population emigrating to the U.S. because of relatively poor prospects of making their livelihood on fishing and agriculture. In the 20th century, particularly after World War II, Positano gained immense popularity as a seaside retreat for Italian and foreign artists.
Today, in spite of its immense and sometimes overwrought popularity, Positano retains its breathtaking beauty and its position as the jewel of the Amalfi coast.
Under The Tuscan Sun (2003) with Diane Lane and Only You (1994) with Marisa Tomei are among several films with scenes shot in Positano.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones wrote the song Midnight Rambler in a cafe while on vacation in Positano.
John Steinbeck created interest in Positano as a tourist destination after his essay about the town was published in Harper's Bazaar in May 1953. He wrote "Positano bites deep," describing the town as "a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you are gone."
Legend has it that the small islands of Li Galli, just off the shores of Positano, and referred to as the Sirenuse, were inhabited by mythical Sirens, dangerous and beautiful creatures who tried to lure passing sailors with their song, causing them to wreck their ships.
The ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev was so enchanted by the beauty of Li Galli islands that he purchased them, where he spent the last years of his life.
Many well-known people, including actress Elizabeth Taylor, conductors Arturo Toscanini and Leonard Bernstein, artists M.C. Escher, Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, and writer John Steinbeck fell in love with the beauty of Positano and spent time there. Today you might spot regular visitors Denzel Washington, Larry Ellison or Steve Job's family on one of the super yachts that stop in the bay of Positano.
Pompeii/Herculaneum. The ruins of these two ancient Roman cities that sit in the shadow of Vesuvius are archeological marvels. http://www.pompeiisites.org.
Naples. This bustling, vibrant city on the bay of Naples is a must see for art lovers and pizza aficionados.
Paestum. Once part of the powerful Magna Graecia, the temples found in sleepy Paestum are some of the best preserved archeological relics in the world.
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