Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Positano

Name : Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Positano

Location :
Aalfi beach, Positano, Italy

Legend :

The Byzantine icon is surrounded by many popular traditions in Positano, including the miraculous arrival of the icon in town. In the 12^th-century, the icon was aboard a cargo ship that was stuck off the coast of Positano when the winds died. According to the legend, the sailors heard a voice calling, “Posa, posa!” (“Put me down, put me down!”) When the captain of the ship understood that the icon wanted to go to Positano, the winds picked up again immediately. The sailors brought the icon to shore and the people of Positano chose the Virgin Mary as their new patron saint. Inside the church to the right of the altar is a painting depicting the blessing of the icon, which you can also see through the arch to the left.

Another legend tells of the panel being stolen by pirates. When they tried to leave Positano's shores, a terrible sea arose preventing their passage.  From sea, they could hear the cry of "posa, posa," translating to "put it here."  The fearful pirates set the panel back on shore and the storm ceased, allowing them to flee the area.  The villagers built a church on the spot where the panel was returned and the town grew around it taking on the name Positano.

Description :

It is nearly impossible to descend to Positano's beach without landing first in front of the Santa Maria Assunta church.  The famously green tile domed church is the town's most famous icon and eagerly sought after by painters and photographers, as well as couples from all over the world seeking the perfect wedding photo backdrop.

The church's roots date back to the 10th century when it began as a Benedictine Abbey dedicated to San Vito.  It was later rededicated to the Virgin Mary in the 12th century when a Byzantine panel of the Virgin arrived and is seen placed above the church's altar.

The Positano landscape is mostly recognisable by this great shiny dome of the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta e Cripta Medievale, it looks picturesque and is the historic landmark in the heart of the Positano. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta e Cripta Medievale probably dates back to the 10th century, the church is a typical example of the architecture found in this beautiful area, its interior is classical, white and gold, with a 13th century 'Black Madonna' icon above its altar with crypts below. During restoration works of the square and the crypt, a Roman villa was discovered; still under excavation, it is closed to the public. From the beach you can go up some stairs to the church and the views from the church are great. If you are coming from the main road by Sita bus then you have to walk down the hill for about 10-15 minutes.

Given its lovely setting right in the center of Positano, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most popular locations for destination weddings on the Amalfi Coast. Couples travel from all over the world to marry in this beautiful church and have their wedding photos taken with Positano as a backdrop.

No visit to Amalfi can be considered complete without having enjoyed a stroll through the town's labyrinth of little lanes and alleyways or a trip to the Paper Museum, in Via delle Cartiere 24, in the historic Cartiera Milano.
The production of hand-crafted paper, known as bambagina, is one of the oldest of Amalfi's traditions and today remains part of the town's culture and identity.

Festivals :

During the festival for the Assumption of the Virgin on August 15th, the town of Positano celebrates their patron saint with processions recreating the arrival of the icon in town, special events in the church, celebrations for the Ferragosto holiday on the beach and a firework display after dark.

Websites :

http://www.charmingitaly.com/article/positano-santa-maria-assunta

https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g194863-d524955-r209711237-Chiesa_di_Santa_Maria_Assunta_e_Cripta_Medievale-Positano_Amalfi_Coast_Campania.html

Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella, Capri Italy

Name :  Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella

Location :

Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella ("Hermitage of the Holy Mother of Cetrella") is a church in Anacapri on the island of Capri, Italy. It is located on Mount Solaro's Cetrella region.

Legend :

1. " Cetrella ": We do not know exactly what this name comes from but two versions are credited. The first, probably the most well-founded, claims to come from a Caprese plant: cedronella. The second assumes that there was a Pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Cetera in the place where the church rises today. 

2. An image of St. Maria is conserved within the church. The icon was of particular importance to the sailors of Anacapri who used to climb up to the tiny church in pilgrimage to ask for the Madonna's protection before embarking on their, often perilous, voyages in search of coral.

Description :

The hermitage is located on a steep hill to the south. The whole complex lies in a small rocky cove. The hermitage of Cetrella is comprised of a small church, bell tower and sacristy with a low dome, which was added in the seventeenth century. The path to Cetrella is a track through the woods, so walkers will need to wear comfortable shoes and to carry a supply of water.

The hermitage develops on two floors: on the ground floor is the church with the refectory, the kitchen with some small rooms that were used as cellars. On the first floor, along a corridor leading to a terrace with wisteria pergola, we have 4 small rooms that were the brothers' cells. From one of these cells you access a second terrace. From these there is a particularly impressive view of the island's caprese: M. Grande, Monte Tiberio, M. Piccola with the Faraglioni. Moreover, the Sorrento Coast and, on clear days, also the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Having days with a special visibility you can come to see the Inner Mountains of Salernitan and all the coast to the south to the Punta Licosa Lighthouse.

The easiest way to get to Monte Solaro is by chairlift. The journey to the summit of Capri's mountain takes just 12 minutes. Take the chairlift from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri. The chairs on the chairlift are made for a single passenger. There is a safety bar, but it is easily lifted, so we do not recommend riding with very young or very active children on your lap.

  The church is made up of two aisles, both with an altar. The first, adjacent to the entrance, is the main one and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This altar is marble and was made from the hermit. At the top there is a niche in which is housed the statue of the Virgin sitting with the Child in her arms. The work dates back to the '600 Neapolitan and is made up of mixed materials including paper, cork and plaster. Behind this altar lies the seventeenth-century burial sacristy with a picturesque window opening on the farways.

The second altar is in masonry surmounted by a representative painting of San Domenico, a testimony to this that here the Dominican Friars lived between 1600 and 1700. In this regard, it is not possible to clarify whether there have been before the Dominican brothers or those Franciscans.

According to the great archaeologist Maiuri, the church dates back to the first half of 1300. Later in 1500, thanks to a legacy, it was restored and expanded with what is today the refectory, the kitchen and the cells.

In 1983, the artist Domenico Gentile, known anacaprian ceramic, gave a gift to the majolica church overlooking the entrance of the church, depicting the vow of the Blessed Virgin with the Hymn's background.

Festivals & Celebrations :

The church is consecrated and during the year there are celebrations. There is a retreat for the children of first communion; There are the meetings of the various parish groups; A day of prayer with all the island groups in July; August 10th is celebrated the Mass SS for tourists. In September, then, the virgin's birthplace is celebrated: the eight of this month with celebrations in the morning and in the afternoon, and for all Sundays of the month there is an SS Mass in the early morning. This is a meeting that many faithful are always attending to fill the church and outer space. In mid-October, the SS Fishermen's Mass is celebrated on the island.

During the year, the church also offers hospitality to groups of Boy Scout, accompanied by a spiritual assistant. Of course this can be done by agreement with the Parish of Anacapri and the guardian of the Hermitage.

Punta Cannone View Point :

The Punta Cannone viewing point can be reached from Capri's Piazzetta. From Anacapri, rather than wait for the buses at the crowded Piazza Vittoria stop, it is a good idea to walk to the previous stop, near the cemetery, or even take a taxi.

Once in the Piazzetta, climb up the steps leading to the old Cathedral of Santo Stefano and, from the Piazzetta Cerio (home to one of the island's most fascinating museums) head to the right and the Via Madre Serafina. This ancient vaulted alleyway which runs beneath the houses, passes by the Convent of Santa Teresa and the historic Taverna O'Guarracino.

The cloisters of the Convent of Santa Teresa, dating back to the late 17th century and accessed by an old flight of steps, are open to the general public, although maximum quiet is requested. At the center of the cloisters there is a well, which provided a vital source of drinking water., and a small citrus grove, a reminder of the islanders' passion for growing fruit. Above the portone the remains of an ancient fresco can still be seen.

One of the wells where rainwater is collected. This, cleaned every year, is primarily used to collect water for cooking and drinking. Water is drawn through a manual pump. On the left you can see the sideboard. On the right is the door to the garden

Having visited the cloisters, continue along Via Castello, all the way to the Punta Cannone viewing point, which, in the 19th century, was armed with canon and used as a sentry post by the occupying British troops. From here, a splendid view over Marina Piccola, the Faraglioni and Via Krupp can be seen.

One of the most beautiful shows that can be seen from the Hermitage, given its location, is to see the sun rising up that illuminates the Faraglioni and the island.


How to get there :

From Capri: starting from the "Due Golfi" (so called because from here the two roads leading to the two 'gulfs' of the island: Marina Grande and Marina Piccola), there is a path that climbs to the wall of the Mount leads almost under the Hermit. A spectacular walk, but also not to do it yourself and if you are inexperienced. From this trail you can enjoy the panorama of Capri and Marina Piccola in particular, so also of the view on the Faraglioni.

From Anacapri: Via San Michele starts a dirt road that soon turns into a mountain trail , and in about twenty minutes leads to the Hermitage.

From Anacapri: from P.zza Vittoria takes the chairlift (15 minutes to a maximum of 8-9 meters from the ground) leading to Monte Solaro (the highest point of the island at almost 600 meters above sea level). Here, following the signs in a further 15 minutes on foot, crossing a pleasant pine and chestnut grove, you reach the hermitage.
 
On both routes departing from Anacapri you have a great view over Anacaprian old town.

Websites :

http://www.cetrella.it/

Erice – Venus Castle

Name : Erice – Venus Castle

Location :

Perched just above 750 metres above sea level on Mountain Erice in Sicily(Italy). Erice is a charming town in the province of Trapani, the low western coast towards Marsala, the dramatic Punta del Saraceno and Capo san Vito to the north-east.

How to get there :

Erice is easily accessible by different modes of transport-simple as well as exciting ones. You can reach Erice from the two major cities of Trapani and Palermo. You can reach Trapani and Palermo by air as the airports in both the cities are connected to all the major European cities. Palermo is a port so you can reach Palermo by ship as well.

From Trapani there are regular buses to Erice. If you decide to drive down by car it take about it takes about an hour’s journey from Palermo and about thirty five minutes from Trapani.



However the most exciting and thrilling way to reach Erice is by Funivia or cable car. You can travel via the station in the Casa Santa valley. The cable car links Trapani to Erice through a picturesque and exciting ride of 3099m. Each individual motorized cable car can take eight passengers. A return trip can also be organized.

Legend :

Eryx (meaning Mountain) or Erice, as it is more commonly referred to, was a religious centre where the Phoenicians worshipped Astarte, the Greeks worshipped Aphrodite and the Romans worshipped Venus. Today Christians still practice their faith and revere the Virgin Mary in the main church Chiesa Matrice which is dedicated to her.

On the summit of the mountain, there proudly stood an ancient temple of Venus or Aphrodite, founded by Aeneas. According to legend this is how Venus derived her surname name as many Latin writers refer to her as Venus Erycina.

Another legend, mainly attributed to the Greek historian Diodorus speaks of the town being named after Eryx the son of Aphrodite and Butes. Legend says that he invited Hercules to this ancient town in Sicily but was finally vanquished by him. Whatever the legend Erice is a historical town.

Erice was called Gebel Hamed by the Arabs and the Arabian influence is still a part of Erice especially its food. Erice was also invaded by the Normans who called it Monte San Guiliano. They built their famous Norman Castle on top of the ancient Temple of Venus, where Venus Ericina was idolize. In 1934 the town reclaimed its ancient name of Erice.

According to legend, the temple was established by Aeneas. It was well known throughout the Mediterranean area in the ancient age, and an important cult was celebrated in it. In his book On the Nature of Animals, Aelian writes that animals chosen for sacrifice would voluntarily walk up to the altar to be killed.

Castello de Venere or Venus Castle :

As evident from its name the Castello de Venere or Venus Castle is built around the ancient Venus temple in Erice. The decaying twelfth century Norman walls with their weather beaten graying stone exist amidst the ancient ruins of the temple of Venus. This Norman Castle bears the Coat of Arms of Charles V of Spain.

Although the castle is in ruins it offers a glimpse of its rich past and breathtaking views. There are ruins of a Roman bath and well. Legend says that these were the private bath of Venus the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty. Alternatively as you roam through the ruins of the castle you can see rusting iron shackles hinting of deep dark dungeons and whispering hidden secrets which can make you shudder when there is an eerie silence and fog envelopes the ruins. The castle was used as a prison during World War II.



When the cool breeze blows through the walls a mystical atmosphere is created and one can almost imagine the flames of the fire in the Venus temple rising high and guiding sailors navigating the Mediterranean Sea. It is indeed a place of contrasts. There is a tower called the Balio Tower. The castle is situated on the jagged edge of the mountain peak and it almost looks as if the castle is coming out of the rocks. Castello de Venere or Venus Castle gives you such beautiful views that make you think it is worth the climb. Watching the sunset and the sky turn to a myriad of colours is a beautiful site in many parts of the world and Erice offers really stunning sunsets worthy of being captured for posterity through paintings or photographs.

Places to visit :

Triangular in shape and filled with cobbled and curving streets and arched passageways Erice is a tourist’s delight as you feel as if you have taken a step back in history. There are various attractions in the city of Erice. They include
Pepoli Castle, Balio Gardens, Cordici Civic Museum, EMFCSC or the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture, Churches of Chiesa Matrice, Saint John, SanMartino and Saint Ursula.



Also Erice is a beautiful city to visit for a holiday and offers culture, food, places to visit and to enjoy delicious Italian/Sicilian food.

Festivals :

Erice hosts an international Week of Medieval and Renaissance Music every summer. This famous event attracts lots of tourists, music lovers, talented performers and music afficionados from all over the world. There is a special procession taken out every Easter.

Websites :

http://www.ultimateitaly.com/italy-cities/erice-guide.html

Valle dei Templi

Name : Valle dei Templi ( Valley of Temples )

Location : It is an archaeological site in Agrigento (ancient Greek Akragas), Sicily, southern Italy

Description : It is one of the most outstanding example of Greater Greece art and architecture, and is one of the main attraction of Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy. The area was included in the UNESCO Heritage Site list in 1997. Much of the excavation and restoration of the temples was due to the efforts of archaeologist Domenico Antonio Lo Faso Pietrasanta (1783-1863), who was the Duke of Serradifalco from 1809 through 1812.

The term "valley" is a misnomer, the site being located on a ridge outside the town of Agrigento.

Overview :

The Valley includes remains of seven temples, all in Doric style. The identification of the names, apart that of the Olympeion, are a mere tradition established in the Renaissance times. The temples are:

1. Temple of Juno, built in the 5th century BC and burnt in 406 BC by the Carthaginians. The Temple of Hera Lacinia (Juno) is situated at the top of the hill and is traditionally dedicated to the protector of matrimony and childbirth. Built around the V century BC, it was set ablaze by the Carthaginians in 406 BC (evidence of burning is still visible on the walls of the cella). The temple was initially constructed with 34 columns of which 30 still remain standing. To the east is the altar of the temple, while, at the back of the building (beside the steps), there is a cistern.


2. Temple of Concordia, whose names stems from a Latin inscription found nearby, and which was also built in the 5th century BC. Turned into a church in the 6th century AD, it is now one of the best preserved in the Valley.

3. Temple of Heracles, who was one of the most venerated deities in the ancient Akragas. It is the most ancient in the Valley: destroyed by an earthquake, it consists today of only eight columns.

4. Temple of Zeus Olympic, built in 480 BC to celebrate the city-state's victory over Carthage. It is characterized by the use of large size atlases.

5 Temple of Castor and Pollux. Despite its remains include only four columns, it is now the symbol of modern Agrigento.

6 Temple of Vulcan, also dating from the 5th century BC. It is thought to have been one of the most imposing constructions in the valley; it is now however one of the most damaged by the years and natural phenomena.

7 Temple of Asclepius, located far from the ancient town's walls. It was the goal of pilgrimage of people seeking foor healing from illness.

The Valley is also home to the so called Tomb of Theron, a large tuff monument of pyramidal shape; scholars suppose it was built to celebrate the Roman victims in the Second Punic War.

Website : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_dei_Templi