Positano Italy – Things to do in Positano – Positano beach. As already written in the post “Amalfi Coast Towns” Positano is one of the best village town in Amalfi Coast. Many people are enchanted by its beauty.
Positano Italy
As you can see below Positano is devoloped on different levels and starting from the top going down to the pedestrian center you have to follow a road on the coast. On this road you can find many restaurants with a wide view of the coast and of the see. It’s unique!
Positano Beach
In the pedestrian area you’ll see many shops where you can find many clothes in a perfect Positan’s style.
At the end of your way you find something very precious in this area: the beach! This makes Positano the town to choose for those that love beaches.
As a result maybe Positano is the best town to stay in especially in the summertime but not in the low season. Positano is the town most affected by the touristic seasons!
Things to do in Positano
In Positano there are many things to do and visit. The very first thing you should do in Positano Italy is to get lost in the town and find out all the characteristic corners and shops. You can’t also miss the amazing sunset! You’ll get in love with it.
Then Positano is well connected to the others Amalfi Coast Towns. Here you can find the main points of interest.
The Positano beaches
The Path of the Gods Positano or il Sentiero degli Dei: you can take the bus in Positano (https://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/orari – 5070 AMALFI – POSITANO – SORRENTO (via Meta – via Massa Lubrense – via Nastro Verde)) and in a few minutes you arrive to the following bus stop: Via Arienzo, 53, 84017 Arienzo SA
1 – Positano beach: Marina Grande and Fornillo Beach
One of the best things to do in Positano is to relax on the Positano beach and enjoy the view. Positano beach is very nice and it’s also big compared to others beaches in the Amalfi Coast. When you walk from the highest part of Positano to the lower part through the city center you finally arrive to the Positano beach: Marina Grande.
You can see Postiano beach in many post cards and many beautiful pictures around the web. The truth is that Positano beach is really beautiful and unique for its scenario.
There is also another beach you can easily reach on foot: Fornillo Beach.
Positano Italy Positano beach – One of the best things to do in Positano is to relax on the beach and enjoy the view.
2 – The Path of the Gods Positano
One of the best things to do in Positano is the Path of the Gods Positano. You can easily arrive to the Path of the Gods Positano by bus.
Positano Italy – unforgettable Things to do in Positano – The Path of the Gods Positano
The Path of the Gods Positano is a hiking path very panoramic.
3 – Enjoy the food
In Positano there are a lot of very good restaurants.
Another of the things to do in Positano is to take the boat and visit one of the other Amalfi Coast towns. From Positano Italy you can visit the following Towns by boat (https://www.travelmar.it/)
Amalfi (about 30 min from Positano Italy)
Minori (about 1.10 from Positano Italy) In Minori you can visit:
The Ruins of Roman Villa and Antiquarium
The Path of the Lemons
in Minori you can taste Salvatore De Riso’s specialties. Salvatore De Riso is the most famous pastry chef in the Amalfi Coast.
Maiori (about 1.20 from Positano Italy)
Salerno (about 1.20 h from Positano Italy)
Cetara (about 1.30 h or 2 h from Positano Italy) This town has a beach and the town is very characteristic. Cetara is known for the best tuna of the amalfi coast and for the anchovy sauce.
You can for example go to Amalfi by boat and then come back by bus stopping in the places you want to visit.
Visit Amalfi + Ravello. You can go from Amalfi to Ravello by bus. In Ravello there are 2 beautiful villas to visit:
Villa Rufolo
Villa Cimbrone
5 – Visit Capri
Positano is very good point to take a boat and to go to visit that marvellous and unique island that Capri is. You can go for a daily tour or stay at least one night to have more time to enjoy this place.
6 – MAR, the roman archeological museum
Right in the center of our Positano, the Roman Villa is a witness of past wonders and as they fly for a new image of Positano, which is affirmed, above all, as a city of art and culture.
7 – Enjoy the near beaches: other beaches to visit
If you are in Positano Italy for a few days you can also visit other very nice beaches in the area:
Arienzo beach. Next to Positano Italy. In Arienzo beach there is also a restaurant. You can reach the beach and restaurant by bus but also by boat thanks to the boat service of the restaurant. The only problem is that the restaurnant just accepts reservation for both the beach service and restaurant.
Marina di Praia (Praino) – about 30 minutes from Positano.
Spiaggia del Duoglio: very clean water. You can arrive here by bus or you can go by boat from Amalfi.
Bagni Regina Giovanna – about 30 minutes by car
From Amalfi you can take the boat to get to Santa Croce Beach. This is a small beach reachable only by boat
Minori and Maiori
Marina del Cantone
8 – Things to do in Positano: Visit the Emerald Grotto
The beautiful Grotta dello Smeraldo is not far from Positano Italy and you can choose it as a tour from Positano.
best things to do in Positano: visit the Emerald Grotto
Things to do in Positano in 3 days
Here you can find a few examples of Amalfi Coast itinerary for 3 days in Positano. These are only examples you can adapt to what you prefer.
Things to do in Positano in 3 days – Option 1 not includes the The Path of the Gods Positano
This option includes the following things to do in Positano Italy:
Beaches
Positano Beach
Fornillo beach
Spiaggia del Duoglio
da Adolfo in Laurito
Marina di Praia
Restaurants
da Adolfo in Laurito
La Sponda Positano
Da Tommaso allo Scoglio
Terrazza Brunella
Place to visit:
Positano
Amalfi
Ravello
Villa Rufolo
Villa Cimbrone
The Emerald Grotto
Day 1 in Positano Italy
Day 1 morning: Positano Beach
After your arrival the best thing to do in Positano is to relax on the Positano Beach for a couple of hours. After that we can come back to our hotel for a shower and get ready for our wonderfull afternoon.
If instead you arrived in Positano a day before and you had time to see the Positano beach you can go directly to Amalfi. This is a better option because we are going to visit the Amalfi Villas and we’ll need time to do it well.
Day 1 afternoon: Amalfi + Ravello
For this day I recommend to buy the ticket that include the bus transportation + 1 boat ticket.
In fact the following ticket is very useful. You can use it for all the day and you can also take one time a Travelmar boat.
Where are we going to go this afternoon? In the famous Amalfi and Ravello.
In order to get from Positano to Amalfi faster we chose to take the boat. This is also a more enjoyable way to travel and a good opportunity to see the amalfitan coast from the sea.
Unforgettable things to do in Positano: from Positano to Amalfi by boat
We can for example take the boat of the 12:00 pm so you are in Amalfi at 12:30 pm.
After our arrival to Amalfi we can see the city center. Amalfi isn’t very big so you don’t need a lot of time to visit it.
We can now take the bus and go to Ravello.
How can I get to Villa Rufolo from Amalfi? You can take the bus in Amalfi (Piazza Flavio Gioia, 1). The bus line is the number 5110 to get to Ravello.
After visiting Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone go back to Amalfi in order to take the bus back to Positano. (You can find the bus times to the following page: bus time). Last bus Amalfi Positano at 7:00 pm.
We are now ready for our delicious dinner in Positano.
Day 1 evening
Dinner in Positano and explore the city.
Day 2 in Positano Italy
Day 2 morning: Fornillo beach
Today we want to see another Positano beach: the Fornillo beach.
Day 2 afternoon: da Adolfo in Laurito
At lunch time we go to spend the rest of the day da Adolfo in Laurito. Here there is the beach and the restaurant. The restaurant offers a boat service from Positano to the restaurant and from the restaurant to Positano Italy.
This is a good thing to do in Positano Italy because we can enjoy the beach, the food and relax.
The restaurant offers to all the customers a boat service in your way of return to Positano. Anyway you can choose to came back by bus.
Day 3 in Positano Italy
Day 3 morning: Praiano + Emerald Grotto
At 9 am we go to take the bus for Amalfi in Positano (Sponda). We want to spend the day along the Amalfi Coast in the best areas between Positano and Amalfi.
We take the bus at 9.20 am in Positano and we arrive in Praiano at 9:35 am. We can enjoy the beautiful Marina di Praia.
At 11.35 am we take the bus and we go to the Emerald Grotto. We arrive at 11:45 am
At 12:45 pm we take the bus and we stop the Duoglio Beach or Spiaggia del Duoglio. We can have a light lunch here.
Options
In other 27 minutes by bus we arrive in Minori and we can take the excellent opportunity to taste Salvatore De Riso’s specialties. Salvatore De Riso is the most famous pastry chef in the Amalfi Coast. In this option we came back by boat (https://booking.travelmar.it/it/booking/ Minori 5:30 pm – Amalfi 5:40 pm / Amalfi 6:00 pm – Positano 6:25 pm)
In this itinerary you can spend more time in Marina di Praia. We can enjoy the beautiful area and have lunch in one of the restaurants on the beach. In this option after Marina di Praia:
At 2.15 pm we take the bus and we go to the Emerald Grotto. We arrive at 2:25 pm
At 3:25 pm we take the bus and we stop the Duoglio Beach or Spiaggia del Duoglio.
Day 3 evening
Dinner in one of the best restaurants in Positano
Things to do in Positano in 3 days – Option 2 not includes The Fornillo Beach
This option includes the following things to do in Positano Italy:
Beaches
Positano Beach
Spiaggia del Duoglio
da Adolfo in Laurito
Marina di Praia
Restaurants
da Adolfo in Laurito
Arienzo Beach club
La Sponda Positano
Da Tommaso allo Scoglio
Terrazza Brunella
Place to visit:
Positano
The Path of the Gods Positano or il Sentiero degli Dei
Amalfi
Ravello
Villa Rufolo
Villa Cimbrone
Day 1 in Positano Italy
Day 1 morning: Spiaggia del Duoglio Amalfi
Today we dedicate the day to know better the Amalfi Coast and we use the evening to explore Positano.
That’s why this morning we go to take the bus for Amalfi in Positano (Sponda). We want to spend the day in the Amalfi area.
Where are we going to go this morning? In Spiaggia del Duoglio
Where are we going to go in the afternoon? We going in the famous Amalfi and Ravello.
At 9 am we go to take the bus for Amalfi in Positano (Sponda). We take the bus at 9.20 am in Positano.
We take the bus for Amalfi and we go to the Spiaggia del Duoglio. Spiaggia del Duoglio is a very nice beach with very clear water. We can have a light lunch here. (Don’t go to this beach too late because there is sun until about 4′ o clock).
In the late morning we can go to Amalfi. In order to get to Amalfi from the spiaggia del Duoglio you can take the bus. For example you can take the bus at 11:45 am
This boat service connects the Spiaggia del Duoglio and the Santa Croce Beach with Amalfi. In this way you don’t have to climb the 400 steps that connects the road to the beach!
Day 1 afternoon: Amalfi and Ravello
After our arrival to Amalfi we can see the city center. Amalfi isn’t very big so you don’t need a lot of time to visit it. Anyway it’s very nice and characteristic.
After visiting Amalfi we can now take the bus and go to Ravello.
In Ravello there are 2 beautiful villas to visit:
Villa Rufolo
Villa Cimbrone
How can I get to Villa Rufolo from Amalfi? You can take the bus in Amalfi (Piazza Flavio Gioia, 1). The bus line is the number 5110 to get to Ravello.
After visiting Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone go back to Amalfi in order to take the bus back to Positano. (You can find the bus times to the following page: bus time). Last bus Amalfi Positano at 7:00 pm.
We are now ready for our delicious dinner in Positano.
Day 1 evening
Dinner in one of the best restaurants in Positano
Day 2 in Positano Italy
Day 2 morning: Marina Grande Beach beach Positano
Today we want to relax on the main beach in Positano: Marina Grande Beach
Day 2 afternoon: da Adolfo in Laurito
At lunch time we go to spend the rest of the day da Adolfo in Laurito. Here there is the beach and the restaurant. The restaurant offers a boat service from Positano to the restaurant and from the restaurant to Positano Italy.
This is a good thing to do in Positano Italy because we can enjoy the beach, the food and relax.
The restaurant offers to all the customers a boat service in your way of return to Positano. Anyway you can choose to came back by bus.
Day 3 in Positano Italy
Day 3 morning: Marina di Praia Praiano + Emerald Grotto
One of the best thing to do in Positano is to relax on one of the most characteristic beaches of the Amalfi Coast.
At 9 am we go to take the bus for Amalfi in Positano (Sponda). We want to spend the day along the Amalfi Coast in the best areas between Positano and Marina di Praia.
We take the bus at 9.20 am in Positano and we arrive in Praiano at 9:35 am. We can enjoy the beautiful Marina di Praia.
In Marina di Praia there are also a few restaurant. So you cab have lunch here if you like.
Day 3 morning: Praiano + Emerald Grotto
At 13.35 am we take the bus and we go to the Emerald Grotto. We arrive at 13:45 am
After visiting the Emerald Grotto we can visit The Path of the Gods Positano or il Sentiero degli Dei. You can take the bus for Positano and stop to Via Arienzo, 53, 84017 Arienzo SA.
Day 3 evening
Dinner in Positano and explore the city.
Things to do in Positano in 3 days – Option 3 not includes the Duoglio Beach Amalfi
This option includes the following things to do in Positano Italy:
Beaches
Positano Beach
Fornillo beach
da Adolfo in Laurito
Marina di Praia
Restaurants
da Adolfo in Laurito
La Sponda Positano
Da Tommaso allo Scoglio
Terrazza Brunella
Place to visit:
Positano
Amalfi
Ravello
Villa Rufolo
Villa Cimbrone
The Emerald Grotto
The Path of the Gods Positano or il Sentiero degli Dei
Day 1 in Positano Italy
Day 1 morning: Positano Beach
After your arrival the best thing to do in Positano is to relax on the Positano Beach for a couple of hours. After that we can come back to our hotel for a shower and get ready for our wonderfull afternoon.
If instead you arrived in Positano a day before and you had time to see the Positano beach you can go directly to Amalfi. This is a better option because we are going to visit the Amalfi Villas and we’ll need time to do it well.
Day 1 afternoon: Amalfi + Ravello
For this day I recommend to buy the ticket that include the bus transportation + 1 boat ticket.
In fact the following ticket is very useful. You can use it for all the day and you can also take one time a Travelmar boat.
Where are we going to go this afternoon? In the famous Amalfi and Ravello.
In order to get from Positano to Amalfi faster we chose to take the boat. This is also a more enjoyable way to travel and a good opportunity to see the amalfitan coast from the sea.
Unforgettable things to do in Positano: from Positano to Amalfi by boat
We can for example take the boat of the 12:00 pm so you are in Amalfi at 12:30 pm.
After our arrival to Amalfi we can see the city center. Amalfi isn’t very big so you don’t need a lot of time to visit it.
We can now take the bus and go to Ravello.
How can I get to Villa Rufolo from Amalfi? You can take the bus in Amalfi (Piazza Flavio Gioia, 1). The bus line is the number 5110 to get to Ravello.
After visiting Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone go back to Amalfi in order to take the bus back to Positano. (You can find the bus times to the following page: bus time). Last bus Amalfi Positano at 7:00 pm.
We are now ready for our delicious dinner in Positano Italy.
Day 1 evening
Dinner in Positano and explore the city.
Day 2 in Positano Italy
Day 2 morning: Fornillo beach
Today we want to see another Positano beach: the Fornillo beach.
Day 2 afternoon: da Adolfo in Laurito
At lunch time we go to spend the rest of the day da Adolfo in Laurito. Here there is the beach and the restaurant. The restaurant offers a boat service from Positano to the restaurant and from the restaurant to Positano Italy.
This is a good thing to do in Positano Italy because we can enjoy the beach, the food and relax.
The restaurant offers to all the customers a boat service in your way of return to Positano. Anyway you can choose to came back by bus.
Day 3 in Positano Italy
Day 3 morning: Marina di Praia Praiano + Emerald Grotto
One of the best thing to do in Positano is to relax on one of the most characteristic beaches of the Amalfi Coast.
At 9 am we go to take the bus for Amalfi in Positano (Sponda). We want to spend the day along the Amalfi Coast in the best areas between Positano and Marina di Praia.
We take the bus at 9.20 am in Positano and we arrive in Praiano at 9:35 am. We can enjoy the beautiful Marina di Praia.
In Marina di Praia there are also a few restaurant. So you cab have lunch here if you like.
Day 3 morning: Praiano + Emerald Grotto
At 13.35 am we take the bus and we go to the Emerald Grotto. We arrive at 13:45 am
After visiting the Emerald Grotto we can visit The Path of the Gods Positano or il Sentiero degli Dei. You can take the bus for Positano and stop to Via Arienzo, 53, 84017 Arienzo SA.
The Path of the Gods Positano
Day 3 evening
Dinner in Positano and explore the Positano Italy.
Things to do in Positano Italy in 4 or 5 days
If you have 5 or 6 days you can visit Capri. This is a very special island…
Positano Italy: Dangerous and Forbidden beaches in this area
Positano Italy is unique and there are many things to do in Positano. Also the nearby area is really worthy to be visited.
Anyway there are areas you should avoid. There are especially beaches you should avoid because there are not safe for the landslide hazard. There are many nice places to visit in Positano and many things to do in Amalfi Coast so we don’t need to go in this places.
We should pay attention in order to spend a beautiful but also safe vacation in the Amalfi Coast. A few of the very famous Amalfi Coast beaches are located in the forbidden area. This is true for beaches such as Furore beach and Cavallo Morto.
In the picture below you can see the red zone you should avoid.
Forbidden beaches:
Furore: very famous beach but there is the landslide hazard and that’s why it’s dangerous.
Maiori: Cavallo Morto o Bellavaia
Fiordo di Furore in google.com is closed permanently
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast? That’s a good question! Especially because each city of the Amalfi Coast has its own characteristics. All the Amalfi Coast is beautiful but there are a few factors we should consider before making our choise.
The first factor we can consider is the season. The touristic season finishes at the first weekend of November. The result is that after this weekend many hotels and restaurants are closed. Instead most of the shops are opened till the end of the year. The result is that the worst period of the year to go to the Amalfi Coast is between January and March, before the beginning of the new season.
Some Amalfi Coast Towns are more influenced by the tourist season than others. That’s why our choice of where to stay in Amalfi Coast is different in summer and winter.
Let’s now consider our best choice where to stay in Amalfi Coast in summer.
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast in Summer
The best choice in summer is Positano. It has a very beutiful beach and than you can do many things here. It’s full of hotels restaurant and shops. You can easily get to Capri by boat in about half a hour. From Positano you can easily visit the other Amalfi Coast Towns.
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast in Summer: Positano
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast in Winter
The best choice in winter is Sorrento. This one of the biggest Amalfi Coast Towns and is the one less affected by the tourist seasons. Also in winter you have more chance to find the restaurants, hotel and other attractions opened.
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast in Winter: Sorrento
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car
Where to stay in Amalfi Coast without a car? The Amalfi Coast Towns are well connected by public transportations. In this way it isn’t a big problem to get from one city to another by car. Anyway the trasportation times are longer by bus than by car. So it’s much better to stay in one of the city in the middle of the Amalfi Coast. In this way you can it will not take to long visit the Amalfi Coast towns to the left and to the right.
In the Amalfi Coast there are very beautiful hotels far from the city centers. If you don’t have the car is better to stay in an Amalfi Coast town, in the center. In this way you can go to the restaurants, shops on foot and easily find everything you need.
Mountains or sea?
In the Amalfi Coast there are towns located on the see but other on the mountains. Despite the view from the mountains is beautiful it is not confortable chose towns like Ravello that are not directly on the sea.
Every time you would wanted to go somewhere, you have to come down from the mountain to get to the Amalfi Coast main road to than get to your destination.
Much better to stay in Positano where you have everything you need and if you want to go to Ravello or on the mountain for a path you can go… otherwise you can relax on the beach 😉 …
What is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast? – The Amalfi Coast is beautiful and I’m sure you want that your trip to Amalfi Coast is very special. That maybe the reason yhy you’re asking the following question: What is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast? In this post we’ll give you the answer.
What is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast?
What is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast? If you can choose when to visit the Amalfi Coast you should go from May to June. This is the time when spring explodes in a profusion of smells and colors and in especially in June the sun is warm enough to enjoy the sea.
What is the best month to visit the Amalfi Coast?
May is the best month for a trip to the Amalfi Coast: perfect temperatures, bright colors and it isn’t too crowded.
Sorrento is very closed to Pompeii. You can arrive in Pompeii in only half an hour by train. Spring is a very good time also to visit Pompeii. In Spring it’s warm but not too hot and you can spend all the day in the ruins without particular problems.
Is August a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
It can be but before deciding you should understand how is the Amalfi Coast in Summer. In July and August in fact the Amalfi Coast is very crowded and the weather is very hot. These aren’t the best month for the Amalfi Coast especially if you want to include places such as Herculaneum or Pompeii to your trip. Pompeii needs a full day and it’s very exhausting when it’s too hot.
Anyway there are also good advantages. It’s a very good time to swim. Than public transportation times are extended. In this way you have more time to visit places.
You can see the following example. If you go by boat to Amalfi for a day trip from Positano you have to come back at 6 pm in June but after July you can come back later at 9:30 pm. In fact in the website that ride will be available in summer.
What is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast? Summer Advantages
Also for Capri there are more ferry boat times available. You can arrive to Capri early and take the best advantage of the full day.
Is October a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
Yes it is! The weather is warm and it isn’t too crowded. In October there are still sunny days. There are still boat services available such as the one from Amalfi to the Emerald Grotto or Grotta dello Smeraldo.
You can see a few pictures I took at the end of October.
What is the best time to visit Amalfi Coast?
In october you can dress with only a light jacket and sometime is warm and a T-shirt is enough.
October is also a good month to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Can you swim in Amalfi in October?
You normally can’t swim … but the last few years October was warmer than normal…
The Amalfi Coast in winter
The winter isn’t the best time to visit Amalfi Coast. As we’ve already explained in the post “Amalfi Coast Towns” the touristic season finishes at the first weekend of November. The result is that after this weekend many hotels and restaurants are closed.
If you visit the Amalfi Coast in winter it’s better you stay in Sorrento. It’s one of the biggest Amalfi Coast towns and it’s the town less affected by the touristic seasons. In this way you can have all the services you need and If you want visit the other town during the day.
Sardinia Italy – Sardinia is a paradise. It’s really a beatiful place for its culture, food but in a special way for its sea. In Sardinia there are many of the best Italian beaches. Sand, clear water and a lot of fishes are the characteristics of most of the best beaches in Sardinia Italy.
Video Sardinia Italy
Here you can watch a few videos in order to see the beautiful beaches and places you can find in Sardinia Italy. Watch the following video and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel if you aren’t already subscrided! Subscribe here!
Best beaches in Sardinia
The best beaches in Sardinia are:
North
Stintino La Pelosa
Cala Corsara Isola di Spargi (Maddalena)
Cala Thaiti Isola di Caprera
Rena Bianca Beach Santa Teresa di Gallura
Santa Maria Beach Isola di Santa Maria (Maddalena)
Est
Cala Mariolu (Orosei)
Cala Luna (Orosei)
La Cinta San Teodoro
South
Punta Molentis
Tuerredda Beach
Chia
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West
Is Arutas Beach Cabras (OR)
Sardegna map
YouTube Channel
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For many peoples the main reason to visit the Archaeological Site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is the Epidaurus Theater.
The Epidaurus Theater is in fact the best preserved monument in the Sanctuary of Asklepios.
Let’s see a few information about the Epidaurus Theater!
How old is the Epidaurus Theater?
The Epidaurus Theater was erected at the end of the 4th century B.C.
Who built the theater of Epidaurus?
According to the ancient traveler Pausanias (2nd century A.D.), it was the work of the architect Polykleitos, who built also the Tholos in the same Sanctuary.
Video
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How many people could the original Theatre of Epidaurus seat?
The auditorium of the Theatre the koilon or cavea, consists of two unequal parts, which are divided by a horizontal walkway, known as the diazoma. The lower part is divided by 13 radiating staircases into 12 wedge-shaped segments, the kerkides or cunei, with 34 rows of seats each. At the upper part of the cavea 23 radiating passages divide it into 22 wedge-shaped segments with 20 rows of seats.
To each segment of the lower part correspond two segments of the upper part. The seats of the lowest row were provided with backrests and used as “prohedriae” (front seats of honour); similarly shaped were the seats of the upper part’s first row. Uphill pathways outside the Theatre led on both sides to the horizontal passage which divided the upper from the lower part of the cavea.
It is estimated that the Epidaurus Theater could accommodate 12,000 spectators.
What is remarkable about the theater at Epidaurus?
Epidaurus Theater is a characteristic example of the tripartite structure of Hellenic theatres (orchestra – cavea – stage building). Its original form remained intact in Roman times, during which most Greek theatres underwent major changes. The floor of the circular orchestra (diameter 20 m) is beaten earth. It is outlined in stone,while at its centre a circular base of an altar, the thymele, is preserved. The orchestra is surrounded by a walkway in lower level, which served additionally as a drain for rainwater.
The scene (stage building) in front of the orchestra and the cavea served the needs of the actors and had a parallel use as storage room of theatrical equipment.
The scene building was composed of
a rectangular oblong hall with two smaller square rooms on each side,
a proscenium (stage), on whose facade were fixed panels representing the setting of each play,
two ramps, one on each side, which provided access to the roof of the proscenium for the actors, and
an upper storey of the scene building, of which no evidence has been preserved.
Scholars estimate that the total height of the stage building was 7.60 m. Spectators entered the Epidaurus Theater through two impressive gate situated on both sides of the stage building, between it an the lower part of the retaining wall of the cavea. The seats of the cavea were made out of local grey at reddish hard limestone while for the stage building a yellow soft limestone was used.
The cavea was constructed at the end of the 4th century B.C. while the stage building was modified during the 2nd century B.C. A characteristic feature of the Theatre was (and still is) its excellent acoustics. It had largely to do with its design. The creation of the circular shape of the cavea was based on three centres. The eight central cunei corresponded to a circumference which had as centre the centre of the orchestra.
The two lateral cunei were designed with different centres, which lay further away from the centre of the orchestra providing thus a larger radius and consequently a larger circle. This”opening” on the edges of the cavea,beside its contribution to acoustics, allowed a better view to those sitting in the lateral cunei.
What was the Theatre of Epidaurus used for?
The Theatre of the Sanctuary was closely connected to the cult of Asklepios.
During the festivals held in honour of the god athletic games, but also musical and dramatic contests took place. The latter were surely housed in the Theatre, where most probably also deep-rooted ceremonies closer connected with the cult took place.
Why is the Theatre at Epidaurus still famous?
Today theatrical plays are again performed in the Epidaurus Theater during the summer (Epidauros festival). The Theatre was excavated in 1881 by P. Kavvadias, who then carried out partial restorations. Restoration works by An. Orlandos took place in the monument in the years 1954-1963.
He proceeded then to a reconstruction of the proscenium, which was later removed.The Committee for the Conservation of the Epidauros Monuments restored the western parodos gate, the last upper western cuneus (1988-1999) and the ancient drains (1992-2007). A third program includes restoration works in the cavea and the stage building.
Ancient Corinth is a very good day trip from Athens. From Athens it takes about 1 hour and 15 minuted by car. Ancient Corinth is worthy of a visit for several reasons.
Firstly it’s very interesting in trying to understand the life in the this rich city. It was a very multicultural city because of the Corinth Canal. It’s true it wasn’t navigable till the end of the 1800 so ships had to be transported to the other side and they prefered this option rather than navigate all around the Peloponnese Region. You can see how the Corinth Canal is now, watching the video below:
Ancient Corinth is also linked with the Apostle Paul who lived and preached in the city for several time.
In order to enjoy more the visit we examine a few information about the Ancient Corinth.
What are the characteristics of the Ancient Corinth? What was life like there? You’ll discover it while reading this post.
Outside the walls of Ancient Corinth
Ancient Corinth covered a range of 900 km2 because there wasn’t only the main city but also many smaller settlements.
Already from the 8th c. B.C., it was a rich and a powerful city-state especially due to two ports:
At Lechaion in the Corinthian Gulf
At Kenchreai from the side of the Saronic Gulf
Ancient Corinth and its reign
East
The eastern region of Corinthia was relatively underpopulated. The most important settlement of the region must have been Solygeia, close to the modern village Galataki.
North
The most northern settlement of Corinthia was Krommyon, close to the modern village Ayoio Theodoroi. According to myth, this is where Theseus killed the dangerous sow, Phaia.
Corinthian Identity
Corinth consisted of dozens of settlements, small and large. But what did their residents have in common?
These people drew their common descent from the Dorians. And of course, they shared a common language and alphabet.
Ancient Corinth was built at the foot of the Acrocorinth, a majestic hill, dominating the landscape.
The home’s life in Ancient Corinth
In ancient Greece private buildings were usually humble structures unlike many public magnificent constructions.
Households were run by women. They were responsible for raising their children and supervising the slaves, who were given the heaviest duties in the house.
Men were usually absent. mainly occupied with political and professional engagements.
Visiting the Ancient Corinth you easily understand how the women’s habits were very similar to ours. In the museum you can see face care sets, such as profumes and cosmetics, hair accessories and eyebrow tweezers.
Gods Venerating And Heroes
The Corinthians worshiped Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Demeter, Kore, Hera and Poseidon. Hero cult was a distinctive aspect of ancient Greek religious life.
Heroes, men who had showed remarkable activity during their lifetime, were honored after their death with rituals performed at their tombs or at an open-air sanctuary. Heroes’ sanctuaries were built along side roads or over older graves.
A temple dedicated to Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is the archaeological site biggest monument. The temple was built in the 6th c. B.C., when Corinth was at its zenith, on the site of an earlier temple. It was constructed from the local poros limestone.
The temple is in Doric order and originally had six columns at each end and fifteen along each side. Notable characteristics of its archaic date include the great length of the temple relative to its width, the large monolithic columns, and the squat, widely flaring capitals. Although most of this mid-6th century B.C. building has been destroyed, the bedrock preserves cut-tings made to receive the foundation blocks and thus allows a reconstruction of the temple’s plan.
The main part of the temple (sekos) was split into two non-communicating rooms. The roof was decorated with colorful architectural elements.
The interior of the temple consists of a porch at either end and a long central part (the cella) divided into two rooms by a cross wall. The traditional reconstruction of the plan makes this cross wall a solid wall and provides access to the western room of the cella through the western door.
The seven standing columns of the Archaic temple are one of the most prominent landmarks of Corinth.
The Acrocorinth: The sanctuary of Demeter and Kore
Demeter and her daughter, Kore or Persephone, were worshiped in a large sanctuary on the northern slope of the Acrocorinth.
In the 4th c. B.C., a small theater was carved into the rock. Three small temples were also built in the Roman Period.
Odeum & theater of Ancient Corinth
The theater was a place in which dramatic and musical events were staged. In the roman period staged fighting was added.
The theater has several phases. The original structure was built late in the 5th c. B.C. and had permanent seats but only a wooden stage building.
This was supplemented with a new orchestra and stage structure in the Hellenistic period.
In later antiquity theatrical tastes changed and the orchestra was converted into a gladiatorial arena.
Ancient Corinth and Cristianity
Ancient Corinth is also important because is linked with apostle Paul’s or Apostle of the Nations. Paul lived and preached in Corinth. When you visit the ancient Corinth you can also see the famous Bema.
This was likely the tribunal were Paul was brought for judgment before the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus. He was accused of illegal proselitism and they brought him in the tribunal or bèma.
Because of its position the bema was used to speak to the crowd. Not only the Ancient Corinth has a bema. In the ancient greek cities it was in fact common to meet in front to a Bema.
Video
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Montmartre Paris – In the Northern part of Paris there’s the famous neighborhood of Montmartre, also known as the the painter’s neighborhood. Montmartre enjoys considerable fame thanks to the illustrious artists who lived here such as Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso.
You should dedicate half a day to Montmartre Paris in order to enjoy the atmoshere and because it’s not very close to the Eiffel Tower. How far is Montmartre from the Eiffel Tower? It takes less than a hour to get to Montmatre but at least 40 minutes by train.
It’s really worthy to visit Montmartre Paris. So what should you see in the Montmartre Paris area? In this post you’ll find 3 things you should’t miss!
What to see in Montmartre Paris
1 – The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur
The particularity of this neighborhood is that it is on a hill. On top of this hill there’s the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. What makes this Basilica so famous besides its position it is the stone with which it’s made. It has in fact a very light color limestone.
It is easily the first thing you see in the Montmartre area because once out of the subway one of the first things you see is a flight of stairs. You can get to the top of the hill by walking on this flight of stairs. On the top there is the Basilica.
When you arrive near the Basilica you can admire and appreciate all the details of this monument. It has the peculiarity of not retaining the smog. For this reason the rain can clean the Basilica so the Basilica is shinier after a rain.
The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur is also famous because it appears 2 times in the movie “The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie”.
From the square under the Basilica you can admire Paris from above. This is a wonderful balcony on the city, a nice surprise for the tourists visiting the Basilica.
Everything gets even better if you enjoy the view tasting one of the excellent Macarons bought in one of the shops of the area.
2 – The square of the artists
Next to the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, there’s the famous square of the artists. This is the square where you can find painters and other artists who expose and sell their works. If you want you can also ask them to make you a portrait. Thanks to them the square is more colorful and characteristic.
Very enjoyable is also walking through the central streets of Montmartre. You’ll noticed many characteristic restaurants and shops that contribuite to create the unique atmosphere of Montmartre.
3 – Visit the Montmartre Neighborhood
After visiting the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the square of the artists you can visit something more of the neighborhood. You can visit it on foot but it’s much better if you take the touristic train.
You can get it in the Basilica square. The ticket costs only a few euros and it’ll bring you in all around Montmartre Paris. You’ll pass near the most famous areas of Montmartre. For example it’ll pass in front of the cimitery where are placed the tombs of some famous people who lived in Montmartre.
You should take the touristc train if you want to see Montmartre Paris better without walking too much. You can also see the famous Moulin Rouge safely. You shouldn’t go in the street of the Moulin Rouge on foot because the area it doesn’t seem so safe.
Greece Mycenae. Treasury of Atreus: the Legendary Tomb of Agamemnon. The Tholos or ‘Beehive’ tomb dubbed the ‘Treasury of Atreus’ or the Tomb of Agamemnon is one of the most splendid monuments of Mycenaen architecture.
Let’s see something about it so you can appreciate more your visit.
Description
This tomb is incredibly large and what makes it amazing is how it was made. It has been preserved down to our days, in fact it is just as it was originally made. Some details could go unnoticed but with a more detailed examination we understand the purpose.
This applies for example to the empty triangle above the entrance door. This triangle was used in case of earthquakes to keep the structure intact.
Another extraordinary detail that strikes our imagination is the stone block always placed above the entrance. This is in fact a single huge and very heavy block placed at a considerable height. One wonders how they got it. Maybe with rollers? In any case, it must not have been easy.
We understand the size of the Treasury of Atreus by comparing the size of the door with a person placed at the entrance. In this comparison, the person is tiny. Just think that when you go outside on top of the monument it seems to go up a hill. This becomes an observation point for the surrounding landscape.
Treasury of Atreus
The Treasury of Atreus was built between 1350 and 1250 BC, it consists of a domos or passage, stomion or entrance, tholos or vaulted chamber and a smaller side chamber.
Distinctive features of its construction are the use of megalithic elements in the entrance such as jambs and lintel and its carefully coated masonry.
The monumental facade was decorated with a variety of materials. Parts of the sculpted decorations are today in the British Museum in London and in the National Archeological Museum in Athens.
The tomb was found robbed, like all the tholos tombs, and there is no information on either the grave goods or the burials it once housed. It was never buried by earth and remained always visible, attracting the attention of ancient and later travellers.
Video
Watch the following video! Then see what I described above about the Treasury of Atreus
Mycenae
The Treasury of Atreus is located very close to the archaeological site of the ruins of Mycenae. The visit to the Treasury of Atreus does not take long. Therefore it is easy to visit on the same day both the Treasury of Atreus and the ruins of ancient Mycenae with its attached museum.
In addition, the ticket you buy at the Treasury of Atreus is also valid for Mycenae. So don’t make the mistake of buying the same ticket twice!
Why is the leaning tower of Pisa leaning? – Pisa is a nice city but what makes it unique in the world is its leaning tower. Pisa in fact is very famous for its square and especially for its leaning tower. Everybody visiting Pisa wants to take the picture in front of this special tower and pretend to sustain it with his hand.
The Leaning tower of Pisa is really unique! Do you want to know more about this tower? Why is the leaning tower of Pisa leaning? Is it a problem? What keeps the leaning tower of Pisa from falling?
The leaning tower of Pisa
The leaning tower is composed of a cylindrical stone body surrounded by open galleries with arcades and pillars resting on a bottom shaft, with the bell on top.
Was the leaning tower of Pisa a mistake?
When the leaning tower of Pisa was built, in 1173 nobody made any mistake. Why is the leaning tower of Pisa leaning? However after a while the tower had caught the attention of several artists for its inclination.
Why is the leaning tower of Pisa leaning?
It was discovered that the ground beneath the tower was essentially made of sand and shortly after the inauguration it started to tilt.
This caused an inclination of the tower which is currently inclined by 3.9 degrees.
What keeps the leaning tower of Pisa from falling?
The leaning tower of Pisa has not fallen till now thanks to the big work of specialized workers who acted specificallly to prevent its falling.
The current building is the result of time-consuming reconstruction work, mostly to reduce the risk that the tower might collapse as a consequence of its remarkable inclination.
I remember that in the corse of past years the tower was closed to the public for many years. For example it was closed the January 7th 1990 and it opened again 12 years later. Other times I’ve visited the tower while the workers were working upon it.
Why is the Pisa tower so famous?
Apart from its extremely famous inclination that really seems to defy the laws of statics, the Tower of the Cathedral is a very unusual building and one of a kind.
This is true for the high historical and artistic value of its forms and because of its peculiar location, within that vast and equally unique area that is the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Where is it?
The building is located in Piazza dei Miracoli but far from the Cathedral, between the apsidal area and the south-eastern section of the transept of the Cathedral.
This is an unusual location although this is not the only case as it can be found in other complexes in town and in other Italian buildings. However usually a tower was erected near the facade or along one side of the church.
Inside the Leaning Tower
This stone area accommodates a winding staircase with 293 steps leading up to the open galleries, to the bell on top and to the lower mezzanine floors. The inner shaft is closed by a vault with a central hole to let light in.
The lower floor, the six open galleries and the bell divide the tower into eight segments that are called orders.
The lower floor is enriched by a round of blind arcades placed on half columns. Under the arcade there is a diamond-shaped compass inlaid with polychrome marble with a raised rosette in the middle.
The solid wall is interrupted by the openings of some narrow single-lancet windows. Westwards it’s also interrupeted by the only entrance door: a rectangular area framed by a lintel.
Above the lintel there is a crescent-shaped arch with an inlaid archivolt. It rests on two capitals as a continuation of the jambs forming a shrine containing the bust of a 14th-century Virgin with Child.
On the sides of the door there are some friezes decorated with animals and monstrous figures. There are also the unusual figures of some ships frame the commemorative epigraph of the foundation of the building.
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