I wrote this post in two languages. In English and Slovak language.
We have been planning to diversify our holiday on the Italian island of Ischia, located in the Gulf of Naples, from the very beginning. We knew we wanted to go see the myths of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Well, we decided to go on this trip on the spot.
Local carriers offered a boat trip to the Amalfi Coast, specifically to Positano and Amalfi. We could not resist this offer for a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast.
In the morning we leave the hotel and walk through the small streets to the port. We buy tickets and wait for our ship to arrive. A small, fast ship arrives at the port and we put it on it.
In a short time we see the castle of Aragonese and the town of Ischia moving away from us.
Along the way we have a short stop on the island of Capri, where other tourists board. We sit in our seats and since we can't get off the ship, we at least enjoy the view of the harbor and the skyline.
The cruise is fast and we enjoy it. That speed cannot be compared to the speed of the ferry with which we flew to the island of Ischia.
Our ship sails around two islands. The guide on the ship explains to us in English that according to some, these two islands are mentioned in Greek mythology as the islands where the Sirens lived. Sirens are creatures that lured sailors with their singing to swim to the island and wreck on it. They also lured Odyssey and Homer's epic Odyssey, but he resisted the lure and survived.
We continue sailing around other small islands. They look like only a rock sticking out of the water. The ship changes course and turns towards the shore. We are heading to a small town on the coast. It is the first destination of our trip - the city of Positano.
The ship sailed to shore and the captain informs us of the time of departure. We have plenty of time to tour the city. We don't waste time getting off the ship. The beauty of the city, as if carved into the steep slope and rocks, is breathtaking.
We learn that the ancient Romans built their villas on this coast. The core of the town was built around the Benedictine monastery founded in the 9th century. After the plundering of Pisi in 1268, Positano improved its defense, built walls and defensive towers. In 1343, the city was destroyed by a tsunami. In the 15th century, it was constantly under attack by Ottoman pirates. In the Middle Ages, Positano was part of the Amalfi Republic. It prospered as a trading port mainly in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. After the unification of Italy, its importance declined and it became a poor fishing village. Today it is a popular tourist destination. Since 1997, the Amalfi Coast, which includes Positano, has been on the UNESCO list.
We looked around and headed the path that goes uphill. We hope that it will lead us to the dominant feature of the city, to the church Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. Managed to! We stand in front of him, buy tickets and enter the show. The origin of the church is connected with the Benedictine monastery, which was established in the second half of the 10th century.
The show was good, but we still miss something. We are attracted by the view of the city from a greater height. We continue up the narrow streets. Along the way we pass a number of souvenir shops. In addition to them, we also walk around such a small garden with chilly peppers.
It was worth it. After a while we had a nice view of the city and the sea.
I also noticed a large parking lot, which is built here. If people parked in narrow streets, it would be difficult to walk through them, so I think such a parking lot near the city center is a great idea. It will serve both locals and tourists. It's time for the tour and we're boarding the ship. We say goodbye to Positan, but I believe we'll come here again sometime.
We continue around the coast. Almost the whole is littered with houses.
In front of us we already see the second destination of our journey and that is the historic city of Amalfi. The first written mention dates from the 6th century. The city quickly gained in importance and became the capital of the Republic of Amalfi. It was a major military force in the Mediterranean and the republic traded with Egypt, Syria and the Byzantine Empire. Its main rivals were the naval forces of Pisa and Genoa.
In 848, Amalfi troops assisted Pope Leo IV. In battle with the Saracens. The republic existed from the seventh century to the twelfth century. At the peak of the millennium, 70,000-80,000 people lived in Amalfi.
In 1073, the Amalfi occupied the Normans, but left the city a number of rights. In 1137, Amalfi was defeated by the naval republic of Pisa and annexed by the Normans and annexed to their territories of southern Italy. The importance of the city has declined. In 1343, Amalfi was hit by the tsunami, which destroyed the port and the lower part of the city. After this event, Amalfi was an important city only at the local level.
It is clear that the city does not lack sports activities. We pass one in the harbor.
We roam the alleys and with us a lot of tourists. History lurks here at every turn.
We come to the Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle. Its appearance is unique. Roman Catholic cathedral from the 9th century. The predominantly Arab-Norman Romanesque architectural style has been over several times fused and complemented by Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic and Baroque elements.
The remains of St. Andrew the Apostle, after whom the cathedral bears his name, were allegedly brought to Amalfi of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade by Cardinal Peter of Capua.
The trip is coming to an end and we are thinking about what we have seen and experienced today. Both Positano and Amalfi are towns built on a steep coast. This gives them a unique look and is a great attraction for tourists. I must say that I was very glad that we went on this trip. It was undoubtedly a beautiful experience to see the beauty and architecture with your own eyes.
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