L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano V i e t r i s u l M a r e i s a s m a l l t o w n i n southern Italy, a l o n g t h e Amalfi Coast. Located just about three miles to the east of Salerno, it is considered the gateway to one of the m o s t f a m o u s s t r e t c h e s o f coastline in the world. U n l i k e i t s m o r e g l a m - o r o u s n e i g h b o r s s u c h a s Positano and Amalfi, Vietri s u l M a r e h a s a q u i e t e r charm, paired with a strong local identity that attracts visitors who appreciate its history, craftsmanship, and stunning setting. T h e t o w n ' s n a m e , Vietri, is believed to derive f r o m t h e L a t i n V e t e r i o r Vetri, meaning "ancient," p o s s i b l y r e f e r e n c i n g a n early settlement in the area. T h e a d d i t i o n o f s u l M a r e clarifies its position by the sea. Archaeological find- ings suggest that the area w a s i n h a b i t e d d u r i n g Roman times, and some his- t o r i a n s l i n k V i e t r i t o t h e ancient city of Marcina, a m a r i t i m e t r a d i n g c e n t e r m e n t i o n e d b y c l a s s i c a l sources. Over the centuries, the town became known for its skilled artisans, particu- larly in the production of ceramics. Indeed, Vietri sul Mare is still famous for this tradi- t i o n a l c r a f t , w h i c h d a t e s back to at least the 15th cen- tury; local workshops pro- d u c e h a n d - p a i n t e d t i l e s , plates, and vases, character- ized by rich blues, yellows, and greens, the typical col- ors of the surrounding sea a n d l a n d s c a p e . T h e l o c a l majolica style is recognized worldwide, and the town's streets, buildings, and even staircases are adorned with ceramic decorations. The Museo della Ceramica, housed in the 18th-century V i l l a G u a r i g l i a , o f f e r s a deeper look into this artistic h e r i t a g e , a n d d i s p l a y s a n c i e n t p i e c e s a s w e l l a s more contemporary works. Vietri sul Mare has sever- al notable sites of great his- torical and cultural signifi- cance. The Church of San Giovanni Battista, with its striking majolica-tiled dome, dominates the town's s k y l i n e : b u i l t i n t h e 1 7 t h century, it brings together B a r o q u e a n d N e a p o l i t a n influences, with an interior rich in frescoes and gilded details. S t r o l l i n g t h r o u g h t h e town, visitors can explore the narrow, winding streets f i l l e d w i t h a r t i s a n s h o p s a n d s m a l l c a f é s ; i n d e e d , Vietri's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it an inviting place to wander, and dis- c o v e r h i d d e n c o u r t y a r d s and colorful façades along the way. T h e n a t u r a l b e a u t y around Vietri sul Mare adds to its appeal: the town over- looks the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers incredible views of the Amalfi Coast, partic- ularly from the many scenic terraces that dot its land- scape. To the west, the cliffs and rocky inlets character- i s t i c o f t h e a r e a b e g i n t o e m e r g e , w h i l e i n l a n d , r o l l i n g h i l l s c o v e r e d i n lemon groves and vineyards provide a lush backdrop. The nearby Marina di V i e t r i i s f a m o u s f o r i t s s a n d y b e a c h e s , a r a r i t y along this rugged coastline, making it a popular spot for b o t h l o c a l s a n d v i s i t o r s seeking a relaxed seaside experience. For those who e n j o y n a t u r e w a l k s , t h e S e n t i e r o d e l l ' A m o r e (Path of Love) is a scenic trail with panoramic vistas of the coastline. Local food is a reflec- tion of the rich culinary tra- ditions of Campania. Fresh s e a f o o d p l a y s a s t a r r i n g r o l e , w i t h d i s h e s s u c h a s s p a g h e t t i a l l e v o n g o l e (spaghetti with clams) and frittura di paranza (mixed f r i e d f i s h ) b e i n g l o c a l favorites. The influence of nearby Salerno and Naples is evident in the town's love for pizza napoletana and sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta and citrus zest. Vietri is also known for i t s l i m o n c e l l o , t h e s w e e t lemon liqueur made from t h e f l a v o r f u l c i t r u s f r u i t s that thrive in the region's mild climate. Local traditions are still well alive, here in Vietri sul M a r e , w i t h f e s t i v a l s a n d fairs taking place through- out the year. The Feast of San Giovanni Battista in J u n e , f o r e x a m p l e , c e l e - brates Vietri's patron saint w i t h p r o c e s s i o n s , m u s i c , and fireworks, for an event b e l o v e d b y l o c a l s a n d tourists. Ceramics remain at the center of many tradi- tions, with artisan fairs and workshops allowing visitors t o s e e c r a f t s m e n a t w o r k and, if they are so inclined, purchase a piece of colorful beauty to bring home. T o r r i t a d i S i e n a i s a c h a r m i n g m e d i e v a l t o w n l o c a t e d i n t h e h e a r t o f T u s - cany, Italy. It lies approxi- m a t e l y 8 0 k i l o m e t e r s ( 5 0 m i l e s ) s o u t h e a s t o f F l o - rence, the region's largest city, and 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Siena. Torrita is known for its w e l l - p r e s e r v e d h i s t o r i c a l architecture, including high city walls rebuilt in 1528, which enclose the historic center, and the Church of Saints Flora and Lucilla, a R o m a n e s q u e s t r u c t u r e h o u s i n g s i g n i f i c a n t a r t - works, including a marble l u n e t t e a t t r i b u t e d t o Donatello. But what really puts Tor- rita on the map is its Palio d e i S o m a r i . T h e e v e n t , which translates to "Race of the Donkeys," was inaugu- rated in 1966 to honor Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters — a profession deeply rooted in the town's history. U n l i k e m o r e r e n o w n e d historical races, including the Palio di Siena, the Palio dei Somari features don- keys, the gentle and friend- l y a n i m a l s c o n s i d e r e d a symbol of humility and hard work, instead of horses. The festivities typically take place on the Sunday f o l l o w i n g M a r c h 1 9 t h , aligning with the Feast of Saint Joseph, and last for a week. During this time, Tor- rita turns into a cheerful m e d i e v a l v i l l a g e a d o r n e d with flags and decorations representing the eight com- p e t i n g c o n t r a d e , o r d i s - tricts: Porta a Pago, Porta a S o l e , P o r t a G a v i n a , P o r t a Nova, Stazione, Refenero, Le Fonti, and Cavone. A highlight of the celebra- t i o n i s i t s h i s t o r i c a l parade, featuring over 200 p a r t i c i p a n t s d r e s s e d i n m e t i c u l o u s l y t a i l o r e d m e d i e v a l c o s t u m e s . Throughout the week, the t o w n ' s s t r e e t s s e r v e a s a backdrop to several events, i n c l u d i n g f l a g - t h r o w i n g exhibitions, musical perfor- mances, and the opening of traditional taverns man- aged by the contrade, which offer visitors a chance to try- ing authentic Tuscan cuisine in a convivial atmosphere enhanced by fire-eaters, jug- glers, and musicians. Of course, the culmina- tion of the festivities is the donkey race itself, held in a specially prepared area out- side the ancient city walls. E a c h c o n t r a d a s e l e c t s a jockey to ride their donkey bareback, along a track that tests both skill and strategy. The unpredictable nature of the donkeys adds an element of humor and excitement, as t h e y o f t e n h a v e m i n d s o f their own, leading to unex- pected turns and outcomes. A moment during the donkey race in Torrita di Siena (Photo: Edisonblus - Own work. Wikicommons/CC BY-SA 3.0) The Palio dei Somari: a tradition like no other Vietri sul Mare: a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the art of ceramics The majolicas-covered dome of the Church of San Giovanni Battista (Photo: Wirestock/Dreamstime) LIFE PEOPLE PLACES EVENTS

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