13th November 2017 Naples and Amalfi Coast - Weather wet and windy

We arrive in Naples following a storm which arrived at about 11.30pm last night.  The sea was churned but we slept very well following dinner and the Show and presentation of the production show "World Beat"

But we can only describe morning as a disappointment, with continuing heavy rainfall and we had hoped that the Amalfi Coast and Positano would be highlights of this cruise.

However, there is nothing you can do about the weather so we were joined by Jack and Ellen Rosen and we trudged off the ship in Naples, walked through the terminal and were met as arranged by our guide.   He confirmed the situation of flooded and closed roads, tunnels on the motor way into Positano were flooded and closed for the day.  but he also was positive in suggesting that we do some other things and have an enjoyable day.

So we took off and travelled through the Port area of Naples which is an enormous port area which brings in a significant proportion of the imports of Italy.   We eventually leave this area and then we travel by Motorway South From Naples towards Sorrento and then to the Amalfi Coast.

The Weather is still windy with heavy almost torrential rain ,but the thunder and lightning have disappeared.  We drive quite high up into the Mountains to attempt to get over the hills and mountains and then move away from the motorway.  We are advised that the large tunnels from the motorway and into Positano have been completely flooded and the access has been closed off.

Our first stop was in the quaint and stunning Village township of Ravello, where we wanted to take in the views and then stop for a cappuccino at one of the famed outdoor cafes or restaurants.  But the weather didn't cooperate and we then walked around the Piazza under umbrella and several cafes had no internal areas, but we found the Duomo Café in the Main Piazza of Ravello.

We visited the Duomo di Ravello, which is the beautiful Central Church of Ravello with ornate architecture and a wonderful history.  We also visited the magnificent Villa Cimbrone Gardens and whilst it was still very wet an absolute delight and pleasure, even if it was very wet.

We enjoyed a coffee and a Italian cake, but were forced to sit at the very small internal tables as the rain was continuing to pour down .  Yes can only describe as a disappointment.  But the other side of this is an urgent need for rainfall as the area has been in drought for several years.

Following this break we went further to the Coast and took in the fantastic scenery and the houses built upon the steep.  We then came to Amalfi, where we were dropped off and walked along the walkway with the township hugging the rugged coastline with many narrow steep streets .  Rainfall was still heavy but the wind now became the dominant feature.

We decide to walk through the town square and come to the Monumental complex of St Andrew in Amalfi which is a stunning museum, brilliant crypt and burial ground and then stunning Cathedral.  We enter the Basilica of the Crucifix, which is the oldest and first cathedral of Amalfi and dates back to the 6th century AD.  The new Cathedral of Saint Andrew was built next door later and a long colonnade connects the 2 churches.  This is all stunning architecture of centuries ago.

Nowadays the Basilica houses the prestigious Diocesan Museum, set up in 1996and which exhibits some of the most important and sacred precious objects of Amalfi.  We haven't listed the many precious artifacts and sacred objects.   But the display of the 14th Century Crucifix in the Apse and the remains of an alfresco of The Madonna Enthroned holding the Christ Child are just so rare and precious.

This led us to the Crypt which is the real heart of Amalfi, because this is where the relics of the body of St Andrew, the first disciple of Jesus- are kept.  The Apostle who brought the word of God to Greece and who travelled as far as what is today known as Russia.

The Crypt is beautifully decorated in a style known called Late- Mannerist given to it during 17th Century during the reign of Phillip 111.  It is stunningly beautiful.

The Cathedral doesn't have the stunning beauty of the Crypt, but is itself an imposing structure.

The Current Baroque style imposed by the Archbishop Michele Bologna at the beginning of 18th Century has almost cancelled the Romaesque structure.  The artwork is amazing,  the columns and sculptures are inspiring the elegant naves are important in the overall structure.

We leave the Cathedral having been overpowered by the sheer dominant size of the Basilica.

Time for lunch and our guide chooses a restaurant with a wonderful view over the Amalfi coast, but it is also partially open and wind and rain are still troubling we choose to sit inside across the road, without the view but enjoy a beautiful Pizza lunch and plates of fish.  The restaurant is named S. Giovanni di Palumbo Silvis.  The food is terrific and we have the chance to warm up.

Following lunch, we drive further around the Amalfi Coast, take some photos and just prior to the time for us to depart and return to Naples, the rain begins to diminish.   We have a stunning drive back along the coast prior to crossing the Mountains and then returning through the suburbs.   We have had an enjoyable and disappointing day, the coast was stunning, the Churches cathedrals and Basilica almost unbelievable, the weather impacted us and we didn't get to Positano due to the flooded roads and tunnels.

Dinner tonight in a specialty restaurant.   We depart on schedule, the weather has cleared

Another good day, albeit weather impacted and a very good guide, with comfortable vehicle.