MAR POSITANO - THE ROMAN VILLA

The Roman Archeological Museum of Positano is the result of years of excavations and restorations which brought to light a real jewel of the Roman period: a portion of a villa dating back to the 1st century AD. This is a part of the triclinium or dining room which is approximately 30 square meters and was discovered 11 meters under the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The entrance to the museum is located just behind the bell tower of the church I have just mentioned.

Get ready to take a journey into the past at the time of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. The Monti Lattari (Lattari Mountains) which surround Positano were not able to defend the city from the violence of Vesuvius’ eruption which destroyed, at the same time, the most famous Pompeii and Herculaneum. Imagining Positano getting destroyed by the eruption made me feel astonished and frightened. It also left me a little surprised to learn it was damaged by the eruption since this city is not on the slopes of Vesuvius, but in about 20 km as the crow flies.

Once you got to the triclinium, focused your attention on the vivid colors of the frescoes and the mosaic floor. The triclinium - together with its colorful characteristics - really shows the prosperity of those who especially chose these places for otium (leisure time). It is incredible how Positano, yesterday as today, was a holiday destination to go to and relax. Its colors will astonish you, their conservation status left me speechless… here it looks like the time stopped 2000 years ago.

If you think it is over, you are wrong: the presence of the upper crypt (the Roman Villa was discovered under this crypt) and the presence of the medieval crypt will give you the possibility to travel through time. The image of 69 stone seats used to desiccate corpses, which always gives a strange impression, is stuck in my memory.

In summary, the visit to the MAR Positano will be amazing! The cultural and historical heritage of this place is unique. Today a portion of history has been brought to light but the excavations are still ongoing. What do you think the future holds for us? I am curious to find new works of art and archeological findings displayed in the museum where the items recovered until now are shown.

As you can see, Positano is a treasure trove of beauties waiting to be discovered. I hope I have intrigued you! Moreover, if you love history, you cannot be indifferent to this possibility… visit the MAR!

Positano is waiting for you! Reserve your weekend on the Amalfi Coast!