Close by
Salerno, eastern door of the Divine Coast, Vietri sul Mare has had a tragic
history, full of invasions and ravages. The original settlement, named
Marcina, was destroyed in 455 B.C. by Vandal barbaric hordes or, according
to another version by violent civil riots. It was attacked again and
sacked many times by the Longobards in the following centuries, then it was
restored by descendants of the survivors of the slaughters. The new
town was significantly called Vetere (ancient), to underline the historical
continuity of the different communities.
Unfortunately, in the 17th century a French fleet headed by a prince of
Savoia attacked again and despoiled the town.
Despite
so much mourning, the inhabitants of Vietri have managed to keep the pride
of their own individuality alive, so that today, even if they are so near a
much larger city, Salerno, they still proudly claim their own identity.
Forever Vietri has been the destination of tourists from near (inhabitants
of Salerno have chosen its beach called "della Crestarella" as their own
bathing salon) and from far (the country gave hospitality to many German
artists during the years between the two world wars).
Today Vietri is
particularly famous for its artistic ceramic produetion to which the
above-mentioned forcing artists (Richard Doelker, Irene Kowaliska and
others), well-supported by famous ceramists like Guido Gambone, gave a
substantial boost.
Vietri
has various churches of remarkable architectonic interest: above all we
point out the majolica dome of the Church of S. Giovanni and its octagonal
tower; however, the real beauty of the town is represented by the common
houses; all, more or less, are enriched by splendid majolica pieces, often
made by famous artists. A walk in the town also allows you to visit
the numerous beautiful shops of the ceramic artisans.
Vietri sul Mare
