Sea Cloud dropped anchor in front of one of the most important towns in the maritime history of Amalfi. The Duchy of Amalfi was one of the four maritime republics of the Mediterranean. Rivaling Genoa, Pisa, and Venice around the 10th and 11th centuries, Amalfi has given a lot to sea-faring history. The compass was a creative invention of the Amalfitano Captain Flavio Gioia, but the region also imported the Chinese technique for making paper, opening the entire European continent to the important handmade material. It was then that making books became an industry.
10/1/2024
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Sea Cloud
Agropoli and Paestum
After landing in Agropoli, the breeze carried the scent of the Mediterranean, a prelude to the historic wonders of Paestum just a short drive away. The coastal town, with its rocky shoreline and deep-blue waters, set the scene for a journey back in time. As we traveled inland, the landscape transformed into verdant fields, a reminder of southern Italy’s ancient agricultural roots. Arriving in Paestum, we were greeted by three magnificent Greek temples, each standing tall amidst a vast archaeological site. The Temple of Hera, the oldest of the trio, exuded a timeless elegance, its Doric columns still largely intact after millennia. The Temple of Neptune, perhaps the most imposing, felt almost alive, its grandeur a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Greeks. The quieter Temple of Athena, perched slightly uphill, offered panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Walking among these ruins, we could imagine the thriving Greco-Roman community that once lived here. The blend of art, religion, and daily life, preserved in both the temples and the museum artifacts, brought ancient Paestum vividly to life, making it an unforgettable day in the heart of Campania.