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 Positano seems
to be standing, leaning against the jagged mountain rock face, with
many multicoloured houses that seem to be built in a single cluster,
all on top of each other. The town is very unique and incredibly
attractive, capable of attracting attention to many visitors. It
is the kingdom of many flights of little steps, of narrow passageways
enlivened and coloured by wonderful shops, lively bars and cafes,
and restaurants that specialise in seafood. However Positano preserves
many artistic and archaeological treasures, for example, the ruins
of a Roman villa, or the three defence towers that were built by
the Viceroy of Spain - Peter from Toledo in the 16th century. The
cathedral of St. Maria Assunta dates back to more recent times, as
its original structure was almost completely rebuilt in 1700. The
impressive inside wall painting in the dome dictates the church,
which is divided by pillars, into three separate aisles. The beaches
of Positano are formed from volcanic sand and small stones, which
lend to the background. The main beach of Positano is large and located
at the foot of the town, rocky mountains separate the main beach
from smaller seashores: Fornillo beach, situated just to the left
and La Porta and Arienzo beaches just to the right of the main beach.
There is a large cave of La Porta, where the remains of Palaeolithic
Era (utensils and hunting weapons) have once been found. Positano
was discovered by the Germans and, primarily by the English and Americans,
during the first years of the 20th century. At that time, the town
was quite uninhabited. However, it significantly developed in our
century, also from an economic point of view.
Many small semi-handicraft firms in clothing originated, and from
there, Positano fashion (a typical and unique style) became famous.
John Steinbeck wrote a famous
report of Positano in May 1953 and the town now remains to be one of the major
national tourist resort. Many old tales are remembered; in particular, one
captivating tale of the transportation of Virgin Mary’s picture across the stormy sea.
Opposite the beach of Positano, shocked mariners clearly heard a voice repeating
telling “put down, put down”. The boat docked and as soon as they
put the picture down on the beach, the storm began to disappear. There are many
versions of how Positano adopted its original name. However, the name “Positano” probably
derived from Roman freedmen, the Posdii. Positano was really a Roman colony
and a well-known holiday resort. Until 1000, St. Vito was in possession of
Positano.
From the dominance, it was later liberated, by its people. Positano was economically
wealthy in the 17th century and only at the end of 1700 was Positano again
a royal town. |
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