I am back at my dad’s and while I am sitting here recovering from a flu (travel bug maybe?) I am writing my last few Italian posts (including this one). There was still a lot to visit, but first, after Rome, there was Monte Cassino and driving along the Amalfi Coast, the amazing stretch of a coastline in southern Italy. Not to mention more ancient cities at the Pompeii Archaeological Site.
Monte Cassino (Montecassino)
Whether you know Monte Cassino for the Abbey or because of the WWII battle (a costly series of four assaults by the Allies against the Winter Line in Italy), Monte Cassino is a rocky hill with lots of history and stunning to visit.
THE BATTLE
With victory secured by the Allies on 18 May 1944, the battle is known as one of the toughest and bloodiest battles of World War II. And due to the Polish participation (to be honest I was never aware of how much Poland took part in this battle) it takes a special place in Polish history and me. The military cemetery at Monte Cassino opened in 2014 and it was really interesting to be there. Read more about the history here if you are interested.
The Abbey itself stands quite grand on top of the hill and is a unique site to visit. Especially the mosaic interior of the Basilica Cattedrale di Montecassino is beautiful to see. If you have time make a stop there. After all you can’t beat a great view over the mountains in Italy.
Pompeii Ancient City
Similarly, what I saw underground in Rome I saw above the ground in Pompeii. The ancient Archaeological site of Pompeii is unbelievable in size and details, giving an amazing insight to a once vibrant Roman city.
Unfortunately life stopped after it has been buried under volcanic ash during the legendary eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, killing over 2,000 people.
I enjoyed walking the old streets of this ancient city, seeing the partly visible shop fronts and decorated living rooms with beautiful mosaics and original painted walls. So much history right there.
While in Pompeii I didn’t go to the Herculaneum, another ancient city. By that stage I guess I had my share of Archaeological sites.
Besides those ancient spots, Pompeii is just a small town that seemed rather dirty and grimy. I had also the same feeling driving towards the old city of Naples and so I just drove in and out without stopping even though my full intention was to go for a walk there. Following Rome and the Vatican City however, it was difficult to impress me again so quickly. So I gave Naples a miss.
Driving along the Amalfi Coast
Spring has arrived and the sky was blue on the day I decided to drive the Amalfi coast. Given that it was Sunday it seemed like the whole of Italy had the same idea. It was crazy busy!
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. The cliffs drop down into the ocean almost vertically and the small villages seem to be embedded into the rocks. It is a very popular holiday destination and I was right there, with everybody else on this sunny Sunday.
I drove the coastline from Sorrento to Salerno, winding past grand villas, terraced vineyards, cliffside lemon groves and tiny villages. There were people and cars everywhere! Especially around the village Amalfi, where traffic piled up due to everybody trying to find a park.
The driving was definitely fun but took full concentration. Due to the narrow roads I had to watch out even more for oncoming traffic, parked cars, tour busses, bikers, cyclists and people just walking their dog. Crazy!
Nevertheless the view and drive along the coastline was stunning! The rocky hills and the villages that seem to grow out of the mountains looked amazing. What a place to be and see! Maybe not on a sunny Sunday tho?!
At the end, driving the 50km Amalfi stretch of coastline took over 4 hours. I just managed to avoid the traffic getting into Salerno and was looking forward to a delicious Pizza for lunch. And in Italy you don’t have to look very hard.
And so…
After all the adventures and more discoveries it was finally time to leave this side of Italy behind. The drive across the country, towards Pescare, was pretty easy and straight forward. What a change after driving the Amalfi Coast!
Above all it was nice to see that the towns with the churches on top of the hill once again continued to decorate the hilly landscape of Italy.
