Have you been to the south of Italy, or more precisely to Campania? Since the spring of 2022 there is a green pearl called A’ Cràpa Mangia. A country estate in Castellabate in Cilento National Park with spectacular views over the sea and the Amalfi Coast opposite. At the end of December I visited it and am thrilled to present in this blog one of the most exciting areas of Italy.
Campania and Cilento
Campania is one of the most beautiful regions in southern Italy and is synonymous with miles of gorgeous beaches, delicious food and a rich history. If you love nature, culture and good food, this is the place for you. The south in particular is known for its unspoiled nature, including the Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, one of Italy’s largest natural parks with breathtaking landscapes, forests and crystal clear rivers. Here you can spend hours hiking, biking and observing wildlife.
The history is also fascinating. There’s so much to discover that you need to carefully consider what you would like to see. We divided the days among nature and culture and every now and then enjoyed the view of the sea in the bright sunshine at 20 degrees and allowed the many impressions to sink in.
Our cultural tips for Campania:
Elea-Velia
One of the most famous sights is the ancient Greek theater in Elea-Velia. The port city was once an important place for philosophy and science. Among others, the philosopher Parmenides taught here. Due to silting up, the town is now about a kilometer from the sea and is part of the modern coastal town of Ascea.
Paestum
Another highlight is the ancient city of Paestum. It houses three impressive temples dating back to the 6th century BC, which are among the best preserved Greek temples on the Italian mainland. The temples are an important part of the region’s history and a must-see for anyone who wants to explore the history and culture of Cilento.
Herculaneum
We chose not to visit Pompeii on this vacation and instead chose to visit Herculaneum. Herculaneum is better preserved than Pompeii, not as touristy and significantly smaller. The city was part of the Roman Empire and is known for its history, art and architecture.
The remains of the city lay undiscovered underground for several centuries until the first parts of the ancient city were discovered in 171O during excavation work in the area of Resina. The Bourbon King Charles III of Naples had systematic excavations carried out from 1738. Around 1942, a large part of the site that can be visited today was uncovered. In recent decades, research has been carried out mainly in the area of the ancient beach section. Since then, many interesting finds have been made, including dwellings, temples, theaters and baths, which paint a fascinating picture of life in the ancient city.
We were fascinated by the preserved murals and mosaics, which offer unique insights into the art of ancient Rome. The walls of the dwellings were often decorated with colorful paintings depicting landscapes, mythological scenes and other subjects.
Our tip: Take a local guide, then you can really immerse yourself in history
Naples – A city full of passion
The capital of Campania is known worldwide for its sights, delicious cuisine and colorful culture. The city on the Gulf of Naples has a turbulent past that dates back to ancient times.
This time we took a look at the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find many small churches, baroque palazzi, ancient residences and the largest church in Naples, the Cathedral of San Gennaro. It is famous for the annual masses for the so-called Miracle of the Blood.
What is it all about? Every year on the feast day of the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro, the faithful gather in the cathedral hoping that the blood of the saint will liquefy in the vial. It means good luck for the city, if it stays out, it is considered a bad omen.
For my taste it was too crowded in the city center – despite winter – and I look forward next time to explore the quieter parts of the city such as Chiaia, Mergellina and of course the beautiful seafront.
Culinary Tip for Naples
A special highlight of the city is the culinary. Pizza, pasta or fresh seafood are just some of the delicacies you can enjoy here. Neapolitan cuisine is known for its simple but delicious preparation.
We ate at Locanda Veccio Gesu, run by three young Italians. Neapolitan cuisine at its best and not a bit touristy – highly recommended.
Whether enjoying Neapolitan cuisine, marveling at the artwork, or exploring Mount Vesuvius, Naples is most definitely an incomparable destination.
The Amalfi Coast
Amalfi – A picturesque coastal town in southern Italy
Of course, a visit to the famous Amalfi Coast could not be missed. The coastal road is scenic, but it is very narrow and if you are afraid of narrow roads, it is better to go by bus. Our destination is Amalfi, but the towns in between are also gorgeous and all lavishly decorated for Christmas.
Amalfi sits on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
One of the most famous landmarks of Amalfi is the Amalfi Cathedral, built in the ninth century. You can reach it through the small alleys. The heart of the town is the Piazza del Popolo. We ordered a cappuccino in a small bar there and got carried away by the hustle and bustle.
Our tip: Be sure to try the Limoncello, which is made there from the Amalfi lemons.
Ravello
In the mountains but as always with that incomparable wide sea view is Ravello. What is there to see?
Villa Rufolo: An impressive 13th century villa with a breathtaking garden and a spectacular view of the sea.
Monastery of Sant’Antonio: A 12th century monastery that now serves as a museum and is an important venue for art and cultural events.
Piazza del Vescovado: The main square of Ravello with an 11th century church, a palace and a magnificent view of the sea.
Church of San Giovanni del Toro: A 12th century church with valuable mosaics and imposing architecture.
Belvedere Punta Paradiso: A viewpoint with a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast and the sea.
Ravello also hosts the annual Ravello Festival and Wagner Festival, where visitors can enjoy musical and theatrical performances in historic buildings.
For Positano, Capri and Ischia our time was simply not enough, but as they say, postponed is not canceled 🙂
The Amalfi Coast is definitely one of the most beautiful coasts of Italy, I personally like the coast south better, it is
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