Positano, Coastal village in Amalfi Coast, Italy
Positano is a coastal town in the Province of Salerno on the Gulf of Naples, built along steep slopes and cascading toward the sea with colorful houses. The buildings stand in tiers connected by narrow staircases and pathways that wind between terraces and gardens.
Findings from Grotta La Porta confirm human presence in this area during the Upper Paleolithic period thousands of years ago. During the Middle Ages, the town developed as a trading port and later as a center for fishing and maritime activity.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta displays a dome clad in colorful majolica tiles and holds a Byzantine icon of the Madonna, said to have arrived during a storm at sea. Along the narrow lanes, small shops sell handmade sandals and linen fabrics produced in the same manner for generations.
The SS163 Amalfitana road connects the town with other coastal villages and offers a winding drive overlooking the water. Ferries run regularly to Naples, Salerno, and the island of Capri, especially during the warmer months.
The steep terrain forces residents and visitors to move mainly on foot through long flights of stairs, as many homes can only be reached by steps. Some buildings have entrances on multiple levels, allowing entry and exit through different floors.
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