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 Tradition
tells that in Atrani the famous Masaniello was born. He headed the
Neapolitan popular rebellion against Spanish domination in the 17th
century. It is also possible today to visit the house in which the
Parthenopean leader lived during his first years.
Close by Amalfi, there is Atrani that during the Sea Republic's time was
a residential quarter of the aristocracy and the nobility. So historically
Atrani shared Amalfi's destiny. At the Saviour Church (Chiesa del S.S.
Salvatore), Republic doges were crowned, while from the Church of the Bans
(Chiesa del Bando), on the slopes of Monte Aureo which over-look the built-up
area, Judgements and town government bans were pro-claimed. Situated around
the Tower of the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary Magdalene (Collegiata
S.M. Maddalena),
the town has preserved the same ancient structure: houses which are crowded
one against the other, lanes, narrow streets and small steps going down
to the central square Umberto I.
In Atrani Christmas Eve is celebrated in a very original way. At dawn all
the people go to the square to have breakfast, with coffee and "cappuccino".
but above all to exchange (and eat) traditional cakes (zeppale, rococò,
mustacciuoli and so on). |
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