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Historically, Amalfi is more important than people think. It was once a major controller of vast areas of the Mediterranean and the Cathedral in the city centre is of great architectural note. Although the city is quite small it's name has been lent to the coast around it.
The Neapolitan dialect is said to be the best known of the Italian language in the world. This comes as no surprise: music, as we know, is a universal language and it is easy to remember the accompanying lyrics. And Neapolitan songs are known throughout the world. Who has not heard or sung "O sole mio" at least once? And yet, the diffusion of the Neapolitan dialect hides another truth: Neapolitan is not a dialect, it is a true and proper language that expresses and transmits an autonomous culture, formed and consolidated over the centuries. Naples, in short, has a history apart. And it is for this that it is so well-known, beloved and visited: because there is no other city like it in the world, with its inimitable characteristics. It fascinates and conquers whoever stays therefore even for a short time. And how could it be otherwise when confronted with the beauty of its sea, the fascination of its history, the good humour of its people, and the beauty of the innumerable architectural treasures of all eras and all styles that grace the city? A fascination and ability to enchant, throughout the whole of Campania, the region of which Naples is the capital: in the splendid Neapolitan islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida, on the spectacular Amalfi coast, in the magnificent Reggia di Caserta, in the archaeological site of Paestum (in the province of Salerno) and so many other beautiful centres of Campania. The ancients called this land "felix" (happiness) with good reason. )
with thanks to the Italian State Tourist office
The Amalfi coast or Costiera Amalfitana in Italian, is a stretch of coastline on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy (Province of Salerno) extending from Positano in the west to Vietri sul Mare in the east. The towns lying on the Amalfi Coast are Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Ravello, Atrani, Amalfi, Praiano, Scala and Positano. The area is known for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, and picturesque towns. The Amalfi Coast is listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. The Amalfi coast is renowned for its diversity; every town has its own character and interesting sites.
NAPLES
British Consulate Via dei Mille 40 80121 Napoli NA streetmap British Consulate NaplesTel: (0039) 081 423 8911 Fax: (0039) 081 422 434 Fax (Commercial Section): (0039) 081 422419 Out of office hours (only in emergency): (0039) 335 7100897 General information: Info.Naples@fco.gov.uk Information on marriage in Italy: InfoMarriagesNaples@fco.gov.uk Open to the public: Monday-Friday 09:00 - 12:30; 14:00 - 16:00 Except August: 08:30 - 13:30 Michael Burgoyne MBE, Consul
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