Positano, an ancient village on the Amalfi Coast

About this activity

Positano, an ancient seaside village on the Amalfi Coast, is a must-visit place at least once in a lifetime.

It rises in a wonderful and picturesque panoramic position along one of the most beautiful coastal stretches of the Sorrento Peninsula. Around Positano we find the verdant Mount Common, Santa Maria del Castello, S. Angelo a tre Pizzi, Canocchia, Campo dei Galli and Paipo. The structure of Positano is unique, built vertically on the Lattari Mountains it is in fact called "the vertical city" or "wedding cake" because of its conformation and pastel colors.

The History of Positano

Surely the territory of Positano was inhabited as early as prehistoric times, specifically in the Upper Paleolithic period, in fact a large number of land and sea mollusks and some stone with an animal head engraved have been found at La Porta cave, Mezzogiorno cave and Erica cave. The presence of an ancient villa Romana near the current Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, and the numerous ruins of otium villas, attest that the Amalfi Coast was frequented by wealthy Romans during the summer season. The first certain records of Positano date back to the centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, when the village became part of the Republic of Amalfi, going through a very prosperous period commercially. Later, unfortunately, Positano was subjected to Angevin and Aragonese domination and the ferocious raids of the Saracens and Turks. To defend the village three watchtowers were erected by order of Viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo: Torre del Fornillo, del Trasito and della Sponda. In 1668 with the payment of 12943 ducats, Positano redeemed itself from the feudal burden, declaring itself a royal town. It reactivated seafaring trade with Calabria and Apulia and opened that with Greece and the island of Cyprus, regaining importance and prestige.

What to see in Positano

Positano, rich in historical sites, is a favorite destination for lovers of the sea, shopping, and hiking.

The Church of St. Mary of the Assumption

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a small jewel of Positano's town center, located in Piazza Flavio Gioia, just a short walk from the beach of Marina Grande and can only be reached on foot. Thanks to its striking majolica dome, composed of yellow, green and blue tiles, it is one of the most visited attractions of the place, also reproduced in enchanting paintings. The abbey, initially dedicated to St. Vitus, patron saint of Positano, was founded in the second half of the 10th century. Important Byzantine icon linked to this place is the "Black Madonna with Child," which, according to an unverified source, arrived in Positano in the 12th century through some Benedictine monks.

Structure and works of the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption

Initially the interior of the church consisted of a single nave, then renovated between 1777 and 1782, it was divided into three naves with five arches and several side chapels.

On the high altar we see the image of the Virgin, on either side of the apse is the solid walnut choir at the ends of which are two niches that hold Our Lady of Sorrows and a valuable Christ, made in 1798 by Michele Trillocco. To the right of the high altar is the chapel of St. Stephen in which is kept the 18th-century wooden statue of the Madonna and Child, and to the left is the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. We also find the altar of the Circumcision, by Fabrizio Santafede from 1599, and the reliquary bust of St. Vitus. Along the left aisle we can admire the chapels of the Crucifix, the Annunziata, St. Vitus and St. Nicholas of Bari, while along the right aisle we find the chapels of St. Anne, St. Anthony, the Immaculate Conception and St. Blaise. Above the central door is the majestic mechanical organ inaugurated in 2000. Near the church stands the bell tower, built in 1707, with a medieval Campanian-made bas-relief in the center depicting a sea monster, a fox and a fish.

The beauty of the abbey, along with the magnificent landscape of the Amalfi Coast, makes the Church of Santa Maria Assunta a favorite location for weddings.

Roman Villa in Positano

Under the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, in the heart of Positano, we find the remains of the Roman Villa. Its discovery dates back to the 1920s, when a butcher, creating a corridor where he could keep meat fresh, found a buried structure. This is a classic Roman "Maritime" Villa, a very common construction in wealthier Roman families. The owner was probably Posides Claudi Caesaris, a freedman (person freed from slavery) of Emperor Claudius, from whose name some believe the place name of Positano is derived. During the archaeological excavations, almost intact frescoes with still vivid and bright colors, reliefs, mosaic floors and elements emerged that let one easily understand the internal structure of the villa.

Of particular note is a large fresco located in the main room of the domus depicting a hippocampus and an eagle resting on an orb on the left and right of the work, respectively; in the center appear a pegasus and two stucco cupids rendered in relief, all framed by a faux architecture of lintels and coffered ceilings, bunches of grapes, garlands and a green cloth held by the two cupids, as if to open a curtain on the fresco.

The wonderful beaches of Positano

Positano's coastline is among the most beautiful in the world. A destination not to be missed is the beach of Marina Grande overlooked by much of the village. Not far from the center within walking distance is the Fornillo beach scenically closed by the Fornillo Tower and the Trasita Tower. In the same direction but accessible by sea are the wonderful little beaches of Scogli Piani, Cavone and Remmese. Other characteristic little beaches are that of Laurito, San Pietro, Arienzo, Fiumicello, La Porta, and Torre Sponda. From Positano, moreover, marine excursions can be planned to the Li Galli Islands, the Marina del Cantone, the Bay of Ieranto, the other countries in the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

Shopping in Positano

Walking through Positano you will be enraptured by the colors and beauty of its boutiques, where you can find great international brands and handcrafted products typical of the Amalfi Coast, especially ceramics and food and wine products. Since the 1960s, the centuries-old tradition of linen and hemp weaving together with that of embroidery and crochet has created an exclusive style, combining natural materials, bright colors and floral decorations. In addition to textiles, in Positano we find the original leather sandals, made freshly and custom-made by skilled artisans. Positano Fashion is now world-famous.

Hiking and trekking in Positano

Positano is also known for its hiking trails, the best known being the Path of the Gods which by Agerola reaches the beautiful village of Nocelle with its quaint little square in front of the Church of S. Croce. Other interesting excursions are those to the Mount Common or to Montepertuso where you can reach the incredible "hole in the mountain," the natural arch that gives the hamlet its name. Positano, with its extraordinary rock walls, is the most important climbing center in southern Italy.

Parties and fun in Positano

Positano, especially during the summer, offers festivals and entertainment for all tastes. Religious festivals take on the typical character of southern Italy: the religious rite is always accompanied by performances and traditions that make it a not-to-be-missed event. We recall, for example, the patronal celebration of the Assumption in Ferragosto with fireworks at sea and the feast of St. Peter's June 29. For lovers of gastronomy and social evenings, Positano offers many exclusive venues and a wide choice of restaurants where you can taste the best specialties of Campanian cuisine. There are numerous festivals of music, art, theater, and street tasting evenings.

Myths and Legends of Positano

Many are the myths about the history of Positano. It is said to have been founded by Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, for his beloved nymph Pasitea.

The legend of the Black Madonna with the child

According to one legend, the sacred image was aboard a sailing ship that arrived near Positano and was swept away by a storm. After several attempts to continue sailing, a voice was heard saying, "Posa, posa," which was interpreted as a manifestation of the Virgin's will to remain in that place, so the sailors began to sail ashore and upon reaching the shore, they delivered the icon to the people of Positano, who took it to a church located in a town square. The next day, the sacred image disappeared and was found in a field of brooms near the sea. The incident was interpreted by the local population as a miracle, and a new church was built there, where the picture of the Virgin had been found. Today the icon can be admired inside the church and is considered one of the most precious objects kept inside. According to legend from the voice heard saying "Posa, posa" the name Positano is derived.

The worship of mermaids

Positano is surrounded by three islets that form the Li Galli archipelago: the Gallo Lungo, the Rotonda and the Castelluccio, which have always been believed to be the home of mermaids who beguiled sailors with their singing. This archipelago was in fact called Le Sireneuse. In short, between shopping, wonderful landscapes and fascinating legends, Positano is a place to be discovered.