History of Positano
The legend tells that Positano was founded by Poseidon,
Neptun, the god of the sea, for a nymph he loved, Pasitea.
Phoenixes and Greeks, during their journeys, landed in this
territory, maybe inhabited at that period by Piceni and Oscans.
Roman conquerors built a rich villa near Spiaggia Grande:
on that place there are now gardens and Santa Maria Assunta
church. With the fall of Roman empire, Positano entered the
Repubblica marinara of Amalfi and lived a very prosperous
period thanks to commerce with other Mediterranean towns.
Norman invasions started a period of decadence. After that,
there were other sad periods, especially under Angevins and
Aragons, with the terrible invasions by Sarancen and Turk
pirates. To defend themselves, the inhabitants built three
towers in Fornillo, Trasita and Sponda and other smaller
towers in the town.
In 1492 Positano was a feud of Giovanni Miroballo and then
of Mastrogiudice and Cossa families: this was a terrible
period made of plagues, famine and frequent sea-quakes that
made many people die.
During XVI and XVII century the fast and strong ships of
Positano traded with the Middle East bringing home spices,
silks, and precious woods. During this period many Baroque
houses were built with nice terraces on the sea. XVIII century
was a prosperous one and many other rich Baroque houses were
built.
After the Unity of Italy many inhabitants of Positano went
to look for their fortune in America. During the First World
War, many citizens died. Many Russian and German artists
and writers went to live to Positano and thanks to their
works of art made Positano famous all over the world.
After the Second World War film directors, painters, writers,
enchanted by the beauty of this place, by its magic atmosphere,
seduced by the way of life of fishermen, decided to restructure
the old houses, the monasteries, and to move there. They
built wonderful villas. It’s “moda Positano” time:
a variegated, polychrome, exotic fashion.
Stefania Maffeo
Copyright StarNetwork s.r.l.
|
