 Praiano is
a picturesque
town situated between Positano and Conca
dei Marini. Praiano
is less famous than other towns on Amalfi
Coast, but it
has always been loved by tourists, since the times of the
Sea Republics. In that period the doges of Amalfi choose
Praiano as their summer residence.
The structure of the town is the typical
one of the Divine Coast: on this beautiful coast men had
to conquer their space on the mountains that often fall
directly into the sea. The town of Praiano is at the
feet of Tre Pizzi Mountain (1120 over the sea level) and goes
up to Marina di Praia, the charming beach situated at the
end of Praia Valley and surrounded by tall rocks. This
natural port has always been used, since the times of the
ancient Plagianum (original name of Praiano) and it is
protected by a Middle Ages tower that belonged to the system
of towers built to defend Amalfi Coast from Saracen pirates.
One of the most typical features of Amalfi Coast and of
Praiano is the presence of staircases. The
most charming places of this territory can be reached only
by staircases.
This is why these places are still uncontaminated and preserve
their most typical features.
Capo Sottile separates Praiano from its
hamlet called Vettica Maggiore: in Vettica Maggiore there
is the beach called “della Gavitella”; thanks
to its special position this beach received the light of
the sun from sunrise to sunset, unlike the other beaches
of Amalfi Coast. This beach also offers a special view
on Positano and on Capri; there is a sighting tower built
during Spanish period, and a natural creek situated in
a cave called “Fontana dell'Altare”, that is “altar’s
fountain”.
In Praiano there are many interesting shrines
that show the deep faith of the inhabitants.
To perfectly enjoy the beauty of Praiano,
you should live a boat trip because the most enchanting
beaches and spot can be reached only by sea: the
small beaches hidden by rocks, for examples, or the caves,
such as Africana and Suppraiano.
Among the most interesting events in
Praiano, there are the concerts called “I
suoni degli dei” taking place in the square opposite the
church of Santa Maria a Castro (situated on the famous
Path of the Gods); there are also night
concerts, performed
under the moon, in a charming and picturesque atmosphere.
An interesting festival, “Festival
della tradizione”,
is dedicated to traditions, with dances, songs, and folk
stories.
As regards to other towns of Amalfi Coast,
Praiano is about 30 km from Vietri
sul Mare and 25 Km from
the small town of Cetara. Maiori is 15 km far from Praiano
and Minori is 14 km. Praiano is just 10 km from Atrani and
9 km from Amalfi and its wonderful Cathedral. Ravello and
Furore are about 16 and 15 km from Praiano, respectively.
testi: Ettore Panella
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