The Emerald Grotto, located a few kilometers from Amalfi and more specifically in the waters that bathe the sea village of Conca dei Marini, is one of the richest places in mystery of the entire Amalfi Coast.
A suggestive natural formation in the inner part of the coastal landscape. A real underwater pool, well-known as Emerald Grotto. The reflections of the crystal clear waters, the massive stalagmites and stalactites, the rare marine species which inhabit the natural cavity and the many legends that animate it have made the Grotto a great place of interest for all visitors.
THE HISTORY OF THE GROTTO
The Grotto has always been a sort of legendary place because of its position inside the rock until its official discovery by a local fisherman, Luigi Buonocore, in 1932. Actually, this gem of nature has been discovered and re-discovered several times by English tourists and local people since 1800, such as the engineer Ruggiero Francese who organized various inspections to explore this place until then considered ‘unknown’.
WHERE DOES THE NAME COME FROM?
The rays of the sun, passing through a slit hidden between the rocks, create amazing plays of light; and the water moving within the space of the Grotto gives life to a thousand shades just like those of a precious emerald.
WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SO FASCINATING?
Once inside the Grotto, you’ll be carried away by a legendary atmosphere. The walls of the cavity are surrounded by impressive stalactites and stalagmites and the whole landscape is enlivened by lights and shadows. Over time, the atmospheric phenomena shaped the numerous rock formations turning them into real works of art to which bizarre names have been given: ‘the head of Garibaldi’, ‘the Venetian shawl’ or ‘the organ pipes’. Among these, a traditional nativity scene can be seen at a depth of 4 meters.
HOW TO REACH THE GROTTO?
For all the people who want to visit the Grotto, there are two ways: by land taking the coastal road SS 163 Salerno – Positano and getting to the Grotto at the end of a staircase; by sea with our daily sea connections from Amalfi.
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