Maiori is a town in the province of Salerno located along the Amalfi Coast: one of the most beautiful coasts of our country, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Maiori is characterized by beaches and coves, nature and local traditions.
The city has the longest beach on the entire coast (almost 1 km flat), characterized by dark volcanic sand and a smaller beach (about 200 m), in the hamlet of Erchie, as well as various minor coves such as the beach di Glauco, Capo d'Orso, Cala Bellavia or Pandora's Grotto.
Maiori is a must for a journey in the name of the splendor of the coast, of the excellent typical products and of its narrow streets and its enchanting beaches to visit and experience absolutely.
During the summer period it is possible to find art exhibitions, sporting events and very special parties.
Maiori is also famous for the Carnival which is held in the spring period (corresponding to Shrove Tuesday) which animates the city's waterfront, with masks, jugglers and street artists culminating in a parade of allegorical floats.
History
According to some hypotheses the city has Greek origins, according to others it would have been established by the Etruscans; finally, there are those who think of the Romans or even the Lombards. What is certain is that its original name was Rheginna Maior and would have been born to distinguish the town from nearby Rheginna Minor (today's Minori). From the settlements created along the coast after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, scholars have established that, around 830, the inhabited centers were united in a "Confederation of the Amalfi States".
What to see in Maiori
The most interesting monuments of Maiori are certainly its religious architecture:
Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare
Built during the thirteenth century on the basis of a pre-existing church, it stands on a hill overlooking the whole town; the building is divided into three naves and contains a crypt which preserves the remains of San Clemente.
Abbey Complex of Santa Maria dell'Olearia
It is a structure entirely carved into the rock and then expanded to become a monastery: it is composed of three superimposed chapels and has a crypt that houses the best preserved frescoes of the complex. A project dating back to 973 AD. and wanted by the Benedictine monks, attached to an oil mill.
Palazzo Mezzacapo
The current seat of the municipal offices, in the heart of the historic center of Maiori, chosen by Roberto Rossellini to shoot some of his most important films such as Paisà, The Killing Machine and The Miracle. "The building has recently attracted the attention of experts in art because it could contain a fresco by Ludwig Richter.
Path of lemons
The characteristic Path of the Lemons starts from Maiori, a path that reaches as far as Minori. You can walk in both directions because the municipalities are only about a kilometer away and it is one of the once busiest roads on the entire coast, which is why it offers the experience of living an ancient and suspended time. The village of Torre which meets along the Path of the Lemons is set in one of the most fascinating places on the Amalfi Coast.
What to eat in Maiori
It is impossible not to start by mentioning limoncello and anchovies (or more generally canned fish) as distinctive elements of the area. The lemon, whose neighbor from Amalfi has received the certification of Protected Geographical Origin, is also a fundamental element in the cuisine of Maiori itself. For example, it is the cornerstone of his famous amalfitano sfusato (or "lemon salad").
Among the other dishes historically linked to the area it is worth mentioning the sausages (often combined with fresh broad beans), obviously the first and second courses based on fish and / or seafood; but also the famous mulegnane c'a 'ciucculata (aubergines with chocolate) which represent a real Mayorese trademark. All these dishes are perfect to be paired with a Bianco Costa d'Amalfi, a Tramonti, a Ravello, a Furore, but also a Rosati or any dry and full-bodied red wine.