The Amalfi Coast, also known as one of the most fascinating places in the World, gathers among its colorful natural landscape and breathtaking spots: history, legends, traditions, secrets and mysteries. After all, it’s not only its beauty that steals many visitors’ heart, but also the interesting facts and stories that animate these places, turning a trip or a simple excursion into a real adventure!
Are you curious about discovering historical places, mysteries or ancient legends?
The foundation of Amalfi: between love and legend
Most people know the town of Amalfi for its artistic beauty, but very few know the origins of its name. According to some legends, the birth of Amalfi is related to the love story between Hercules, Zeus’ son, and a beautiful nymph named Amalfi.
Sadly, their love had a tragic ending when the nymph died. Hercules, decided to bury his beloved in a land worthy of her beauty, finding the perfect place in a tiny seaside village. He adorned the place with scented lemon trees, also known as Amalfi lemons, and baptized the village with his beloved’s name: Amalfi.
The ancient Ziro Tower: a look at the past
In the past centuries, the Ziro Tower, one of the many towers situated along the Amalfi Coast, was built to sight enemy ships that tried to approach the shore to plunder the nearby villages. The legend goes that the tower is inhabited by ghosts, like the one of Joan of Aragon and her children, who were confined in the tower. Today, the Tower, located between Amalfi and Atrani, is a panoramic observation point that boasts a breathtaking view and will take you back in time.
The Emerald Grotto: a nativity scene in the seafloor
The Emerald Grotto is definitely one of the most mysterious places of the entire Amalfi Coast.
In its seafloor, the grotto hides a nativity scene at about 60 meters deep, which can be seen trough a fascinating play of lights and waters. The crib was made in 1964 in memory of people who died at sea. Every year, during the Christmas period, an underwater procession is held to celebrate it.
Furore: a mysterious bay
Furore, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is so tiny that seems to have no history. In fact, in its unique setting, it hides beauty and so much more. An ancient legend tells that the devil visited the small village, but the inhabitants didn’t like its presence and they were truly unwelcoming. The devil left the village, stamping his feet and provoking the deep inlet that makes the landscape so unique.
Positano: the legend of the Mermaids and Li Galli Islands
One of the most popular legends of the Amalfi Coast is the one about the archipelago Li Galli, located near Praiano and Positano. As the legend says, these small islands were inhabited by the famous mermaids of the Odyssey, mythological figures who enchanted with their voice and their beauty all the sailors who collided with their ships against the rocks. The islands, also called the ‘Sirenuse’, take their name from this legend and nowadays are still one of the most fascinating places of the Amalfi Coast.
How to discover many other wonderful places and secret legends? Going #alongthecoast
Our battellieri can’t wait to live new adventures together!
