The archaeological sites of the Amalfi Coast
Are you an archaeology enthusiast? Frequented since antiquity, the Amalfi Coast is home to several archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into its rich and fascinating history. Here we present the most important ones.
The Roman villa in Positano
Beneath the Upper Crypt of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (a few steps from the beach of Marina Grande), wall structures and the collapsed roofs of a Roman maritime villa built in the 1st century BC, damaged by the earthquake of 62 AD and finally covered by the ashes and pumice of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD have been discovered. The aristocratic dwelling, included in the MAR Positano – Museo Archeologico Romano tour, according to some experts belonged to the freedman Posides Claudi Caesari (from whom the name Positano may even derive). Of great historical and artistic interest is the fascinating cycle of frescoes, with vivid colours and details still clearly visible, that can be admired in the triclinium. Excavations have also brought to light stucco reliefs, the mosaic floor, ancient columns and a large number of everyday objects.
The Roman villa of Minori
The Roman villa of Minori is one of the best-preserved examples of a maritime villa in the Tyrrhenian area. It was built at the beginning of the 1st century A.D. and remained in existence, but with different functions, until the 7th century A.D., having undergone several restorations and alterations. It was discovered by chance in 1932 and today only the service and reception rooms, decorated with stucco and frescoes, part of the vast garden (viridarium), surrounded by an arched portico, and a large pool are visible of the residential structure. On the terrace, corresponding to the upper floor, one can visit the annexed antiquarium, which preserves the remains of a small thermal bath, as well as finds from the excavation and from other villas in the area, including a collection of amphorae datable between the 6th century BC and 6th century AD.
The Roman Baths of Vietri sul Mare
Along the banks of the Bonea stream, in Bagnara di Marina di Vietri, a number of thermal baths dating back to Roman times have been found, probably dating back to the first century BC: a circular one with niches and two access compartments, another with a rectangular floor plan accessible through an archway, and a third whose floor was suspended on pillars under which hot air circulated. The thermal rooms are located at 142 Via Giuseppe Pellegrino, where the restaurant pizzeria Antica Bagnara is currently located. The site can be visited free of charge.
The rustic villa in Polvica di Tramonti
In correspondence with the pass connecting the Vesuvian area with the coast, the remains of a rustic villa have been brought to light, in which people dedicated themselves to the cultivation and production of oil and wine. It was erected at the end of the 1st century B.C. and remained in existence, despite reconstructions and adjustments due to hydrogeological instability, until the 6th century A.D. During excavation work, wall structures, cocciopesto floors, plaster, a cistern and numerous fragments of pottery were found. The site can only be visited for study purposes.
The Roman aqueduct of Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino
In Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino, whose territory partially falls within the Monti Lattari Regional Park between the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese and the hinterland of the Amalfi Coast, one can admire a stretch of Roman aqueduct several hundred metres long, about 2 metres high and 70 centimetres wide, with an inner lining of opus reticulatum. Still fed by several springs, it supplies water to the Helvius fountain (datable to between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD) located in Piazza Giovanni Battista Ferraioli. The aqueduct alternates a route in which amazement at the construction technique is combined with wonder at the natural landscape.
Main photo © MAR Positano – Roman Archaeological Museum | Photo gallery (1) Roman villa in Positano © MAR Positano – Roman Archaeological Museum – (2) Roman villa in Minori © Ministry of Culture – (3) Roman baths in Vietri sul Mare © Pro Loco Vietri sul Mare
