|
 From
the 9th to the 11th century, the seafaring Republic of Amalfi
rivaled the great maritime powers of Genoa and Venice. Its maritime
code, the Tavole Amalfitane, was followed in the Mediterranean for
centuries. But raids by Saracens and a flood in the 14th century
devastated the city. Amalfi's power and influence weakened, until it
rose again in modern times as the major resort on the Amalfi Drive.
From its position at the slope of the steep Lattari hills, it
overlooks the Bay of Salerno. The approach to Amalfi is dramatic,
whether you come from Positano or from Salerno. Today Amalfi depends
on tourist traffic, and the hotels and pensioni are located right in
the milling throng of vacationers. |
