FocratesPhotography

Travel photography: Italy 2017

October 29, 2017

Introduction

If there is one important thing I have learned about summer holidays it's that they are best avoided during summertime. After various great experiences I can say now that the best possible time for a good summer vacation is in fact autumn. The simple reasons for that are mostly the mild but not burning hot temperatures (where you can actually do stuff outside during the day), the very moderate pricing and most of all: Tourists – or better, the lack thereof. Seriously, if you have the opportunity to pick a unconventional time for your holidays, go late.

With all that in mind I embarked on a trip to explore the southern regions of Italy, an endeavor I wanted to do for quite some time. Due to the close proximity to Austria I have been to Italy many times, but always in the north, so it was high time to see more of this captivating country.

Naples and the Amalfi Coast

Naples is the third largest city in Italy and a major economic center of the south. The whole city center is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Spaccanapoli (literally: "Naples splitter") is the main promenade of the old town.
A majestic view on the gulf of Naples and the still active Vesuvius.

The Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, due the very dense population around it. The last eruption happened in 1944.

The bay of Naples seen from the Parco Virgiliano.
The picturesque towns of Atrani [top and center] and Vietri Sul Mare [bottom] at the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most famous coastlines in the world, and for good reason. Spectacular mountains with high cliffs mix with charming little towns, sandy beaches and turquoise blue water.

Views from the historic Villa Rufolo in Ravello.

From the town of Bomerano the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) leads down nine kilometers to the town of Positano at the coast. The path offers a beautiful hike along a spectacular scenery.

The Sentiero degli Dei starts up high in the sunny hills of the Monte Tre Calli.
Along the narrow path there are countless amazing viewpoints of the Amalfi Coast.
Top: View on the Sorrentine Peninsula
Bottom: Vettica Maggiore
Especially this view on Positano had me come back for multiple occasions [Top: sunrise, Bottom: sunset] in the hope of getting a good image.

Matera

Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, the town of Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera". The old town consists of a series of tightly packed dwellings that were amongst the very first ever human settlements on the Italian peninsula. The town is situated next to a rocky ravine known as "La Gravina".

View on Matera and "la Gravina" shortly after sunrise.
The countless caves are a landmark of the surrounding area Parco della Murgia Materana.
View over the Sassi on different times of day.

Polignano A Mare and Ostuni

Polignano A Mare is built on a series of cliffs that fall down directly into the Adriatic Sea.
It is famous for this small enchanting bay right in the center of the town that offers access to the sea via a stony beach.
Ostuni, "the White Town" is situated on a small hill upcountry. Typical are the white walls and houses.
An alley in the old town center.
The completely preserved city walls mark the outer limits of the ancient citadel.
The cathedral of Ostuni is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Its archives hold nearly 200 parchments dating back to the 12th century.
Ostuni after sunset.

Other memorable places

The harbor of Trani. The Basilica Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino can be seen in the background.
Ancient ruins of Canne della Battaglia. Supposedly this is the place where the Carthaginian army under the command of Hannibal dealt a crushing defeat to the considerably larger Roman forces during the Second Punic War.
The Fortifications of Sant'Agata de' Goti.

I hope you enjoyed this short summary of my trip to Italy!


Thanks for reading!


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