The surroundings
Pompei
Ercolano
According to legend, the ancient city of Herculaneum was founded by Hercules, but historically its birth is attributed to the Oscans. Herculaneum is characterized by its Archaeological Excavations since, like Pompeii, it was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which submerged it under a thick layer of lava and mud. Beautiful and prosperous, the city was a favorite destination for the ancient Romans, who had enriched it with streets, gardens, and splendid residences adorned with frescoes and mosaics. Compared to Pompeii, a better preservation of the buildings can be noted here; in fact, after thousands of years, we can still admire the opulence and beauty of the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, the House of the Skeleton, and others, as well as the gymnasium and the ever-present thermal baths.
Napoli
Either you struggle to appreciate it because of the chaos that characterizes it, or you simply can no longer do without it, captivated by the beauty of a city always poised between the sacred and the profane, where art and culture are in constant ferment. Museums abound in the city, but you shouldn’t miss a visit to the National Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum. Earlier, however, we referred to a mysterious city, and that is thanks to Underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea). To truly understand ‘which side you are on,’ a visit to Naples is a must, also to deeply discover a city made of great mysteries and a culture influenced by the most diverse colonizers: Spanish, French, and Arab. In short, a well-rounded city, capable of fascinating visitors of all tastes, thanks to its unique traits and the charm it has always carried with it.
Sorrento
The history of Sorrento, between legend and reality, is rich in anecdotes and interesting historical and cultural insights. Sorrento is known worldwide for its dreamlike panoramas, perched high above the sea, offering views of rare beauty over the Gulf of Naples and the island of Capri. Moreover, it is impossible not to be enchanted by these unique places, where you can breathe fresh air, the food is delicious, and the sea always serves as a backdrop, creating postcard-perfect scenery. Strolling through the narrow alleys of Sorrento, you can admire the Sedile Dominova, the seat of the Sorrento aristocracy, the Cathedral, the ancient walls of Sorrento, and the Correale di Terranova Museum, where you can find various paintings by numerous Neapolitan artists of the Posillipo School, as well as porcelain, furniture, and artifacts from different historical periods. A visit to the Wood Inlay Museum (Museo della Tarsia Lignea) is also very interesting; in fact, besides its natural beauty, Sorrento is famous for its tradition of ‘intarsio’—the art of woodworking to create true one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Amalfi
Under a portico, a plaque reads: ‘When the people of Amalfi die and go to Heaven, it will be a day like any other for them.’ Amalfi is a precious jewel that gives its name to the entire Coast on the Gulf of Salerno. The historic center is characterized by staircases and narrow alleys leading to the lively and colorful Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Andrew; with its infinite Arab-Sicilian style staircase, it cannot help but enchant us. To best enjoy not only an unreal sense of peace but also the wonderful panorama, a well-deserved stop at one of the many local restaurants is a must, where you can enjoy a delicious fish and seafood dinner while the scent of lemons pervades the air.
Positano
Nestled into the rock face, Positano is immersed in rich Mediterranean vegetation scented with broom and rosemary, which sprout along the coast framing a crystalline green sea. Positano offers visitors an unforgettable landscape, a vision between myth and dream. The streets within wind through narrow, intricate alleys that overlook breathtaking views. The terraced gardens, lemon pergolas, and multi-colored splashes of bougainvillea are also deeply evocative.
The white houses, clinging to the rock, feature vibrant terraces with pots of geraniums and daisies that descend all the way to the beach. Traveling along the coast, hidden and seemingly unexplored coves open up, tucked away in the greenery. A walk in the mountains offers the chance to admire the watchtowers—tangible signs of ancient Saracen incursions—and to step into myth by hiking the ‘Path of the Gods’ (Sentiero degli Dei).
Salerno
Salerno is a delightful city overlooking the gulf of the same name, located between the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast. The name of Salerno has been made famous throughout the world by the renowned Salerno Medical School, a center of excellence for medicine during the Middle Ages, where women not only studied but also taught the medical arts.
The city is dominated by the Arechi Castle, a practically impregnable fortress from which you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and the Gulf of Salerno. There are many places to visit. Unmissable are the Cathedral dedicated to the patron saint Saint Matthew, the Provincial Museum, the Diocesan Museum, and the Museum of the Salerno Medical School; the sixteenth-century Church of the Annunziata with its beautiful Baroque bell tower by Sanfelice; Piazza Flavio Gioia, known as ‘la rotonda’ for its characteristic shape, which features the eighteenth-century Porta Nuova leading into the ancient city; and the sumptuous and admirable Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.