Pre-reading Questions:

Reading Passage

a coast stretch that links Positano to Vietri sul Mare, lying at the gates of Salerno.

Surrounded by steep rugged mountain cliffs 700 meters high, that drop dramatically into the deep blue Mediterranean. These mesmerizing views can never be escaped, viewed from the land or from the sea. The Amalfi coast is unique in the world for it’s natural beauty, breath-taking views, colours and characteristic ness. Small picturesque fishing villages are scattered in clusters, upon the front face of the mountain. Villa’s, churches and corner shops are built cut out of the rock, on top of each other climbing up the mountain from the water's edge.

It is a presence rich in history and culture, which is still alive today, among so many artistic memories of the past. Amalfi introduced instruments, such as the compass, and ideas such as the fundamentals of navigation, to the West. From these roots, originated the friendly hospitality and generosity of the people from the Coast, today as yesterday, thoughtful towards visitors and travellers.

There are many modern hotels located in Amalfi, as well as some of the eldest hotels in the whole of Italy. In the past, Amalfi was the first Sea Republic, from four in total. The other three Sea Republic’s in Italy were Pisa, Venice and Genova. The people from Amalfi transported and introduced merchandise such as coffee, paper and carpets, in Italy.

Also in the past, Amalfi founded a magnificent hospital that was situated in Jerusalem ? Israel, had its own coin and, was the home of the inventor of the compass. The inventor, named Flavio Gioia, enforced the famous maritime law on navigators, which is known as “Tabula de Amalpha”. In 1112, Brother Gerardo Sasso, from Scala (a village located just behind Amalfi), embarked upon the first Military and religious Order named The Knights of St. John. This Order later changed to The Knights of Cyprus, and then to The Knights of Rhodes and in 1530, to The Knights of Malta, which still exists today.

The Knights from these Orders fought constantly, in battles against the Saracens and in 1849, they defended Rome and the Church, in the famous battle of Ostia.

Countless fascinating tales and historical monuments, such as the Cathedral, the old dockyards, and Paper Mills that, in the past, made the famous paper of Amalfi, and are still making this paper today, all accompany this small town.