Author Archives: Claudia Pia Palumbo

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The charm of Torca and its hidden treasures

Category:Blog,Places Tags : 

Torca is a fraction of the municipality of Massa Lubrense, located on the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula.

The marina of Torca, Crapolla, probably hosted a Greek temple dedicated to Apollo in ancient times. The etymological origin of the name “Torca” could therefore derive from the “Theorica” ​​street. Indeed, they were frequented by long processions called “Theoriae” directed towards the aforementioned temple

According to the tradition, it is believed that Saint Pietro landed in Crapolla during his journey to Rome. Subsequently, the Abbey of San Pietro was built on the presumed site of the temple of Apollo, a monastery affiliated to the order of Black Benedictine friars. The original structure of the abbey included three naves with columns made of marble and granite, frescoes narrating the Stories of the Holy Scriptures and floors decorated with mosaics.

The Chapel of San Pietro now stands on the area of ​​his remains. It can be reached via the path that leads from the small square of Torca to the fjord. Made with the same stones used to build the original abbey, the chapel represents a tangible link with the past.

The trails that pass through Torca

In Torca the roadway ends, leaving space for a network of paths that wind through landscapes that are breathtaking for their natural and wild beauty.

Crapolla

The Crapolla fjord is among the most evocative natural coves of the Sorrento Peninsula. Accessible exclusively on foot, via a well-marked path, the route from Torca is characterized by a notable difference in altitude of around 350 meters and a long staircase of around 700 steps. This makes the walk along the mountainside demanding, but a rewarding challenge. The experience becomes immersive as you enter environments characterized by still uncontaminated nature, enriched by a significant archaeological heritage and panoramas that will lasts as indelible in the memory.

Sirenuse Trail

Immersed between sky and sea, the Sirenuse Trail is linked to the Greek myth of the sirens. Its name is a tribute to the three islets now known as Li Galli. From these, according to legend, the sirens attempted to enchant Ulysses with their seductive song.

Extending for approximately 9 km, the trail passes through the picturesque village of Torca. The suggestive atmosphere is enriched by the lush vegetation. The breathtaking views open onto the sea of ​​the Amalfi Coast, the islets of Li Galli, the stacks of Capri and the rock of Vetara, making the entire experience unforgettable.


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Struffoli: the origins and recipe

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

Struffoli are a typical desserts of the Christmas tradition in Massa Lubrense and, more generally, of the southern gastronomic tradition, mainly the Neapolitan one.

Also known as strangolapre(ve)te, struffoli look like small balls of sweet dough fried and then dipped in honey, decorated with colored sugared almonds and citron. A true delight that cannot be missed on Christmas dessert tables.

The origins of this dessert with a typically Neapolitan taste have much further roots. Well yes, according to tradition, it was the ancient Greeks who brought struffoli to the Gulf of Naples. In fact, it is precisely from the Greek that the name of this typical dessert derives, more precisely from the word “strongolus”, i.e. from the rounded shape. Another theory still linked to the etymology of the term would be that “struffolo” derives from the verb to rub to indicate the gesture made by those who work the dough, to roll it into a cylinder before cutting it into balls. According to others, struffoli are called like this because they rub the palate due to their goodness.

In Naples, once upon a time, struffoli were prepared in the convents by the nuns of the various orders and given as gifts for Christmas to noble families who had distinguished themselves for acts of charity. Probably, struffoli have become a typical Christmas dessert because one of the fundamental ingredients is honey, an element closely linked to the Catholic and Christian symbolism regarding love.

Today, struffoli are part of the Campania confectionery tradition, but each central-southern region has its own version. In Calabria and Basilicata they are known as “cicirata” due to their resemblance to chickpeas, in Abruzzo they are called “cicerchiata” because they resemble grass peas and in Palermo they are called “strufoli“. Each southern region prepares them according to its own traditions and recipes handed down from family to family.

The traditional recipe

Ingredients for the dough

  • 200g of sugar
  • 500g of flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 60g of butter
  • 1 orange peel
  • 1 lemon peel
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 15g of anise liqueur
  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla
  • peanut oil for frying

Ingredients for decorating

  • 175g of wildflower honey
  • silver sprinkles and food decorations
  • 30g of candied citron
  • 30g of candied cherries
  • 30g of candied orange

Preparation of struffoli

Mix the flour, sugar, butter and eggs, the grated lemon and orange, a pinch of salt, the glass of anise, vanilla and cinnamon in a bowl. Knead until you create a compact dough, cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Divide the dough into 6/7 equal parts with a knife and cut into smaller and smaller parts until you obtain the struffoli of the right size. Place the struffoli on a cloth and fry them for 3 minutes in boiling oil and mix to obtain even cooking and browning. Once ready, transfer the struffoli to a tray covered with absorbent paper to remove excess oil. In the meantime, melt the honey in a saucepan.

Cut the cherries, citron and candied orange into cubes. Add everything to the struffoli, pour in the honey and mix well with a wooden ladle until the struffoli are completely wrapped in honey and leave to cool.

Transfer the mixture onto a serving plate and complete the dessert with decorations, sugared almonds and candied fruit. And now, all that remains is to taste the typical Christmas dessert!


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Among sirens and sunsets: in the heart of Termini

Category:Blog,Places,Pro Loco,Travel Tags : 

The village of Termini, with a fascinating past, goes from being a Greek colony to a tourist destination.

Today it is one of the most popular destinations for travelers looking for a relaxing holiday, among enchanting places that can be explored especially via hiking itineraries.

Termini constitutes the western end of the Sorrento peninsula, a thin strip of mountainous land that juts westward into the sea. This place is steeped in myths and legends linked to the sea and the mountains, with cultivated terraces, citrus groves and olive groves overlooking the splendid blue. The wild cliffs fall into the sea animated by the currents that intertwine at Punta Campanella, right in front of the island of Capri.

The Church of Santa Croce

An example of a place of worship in Termini is the Church of Santa Croce. It that dates back to ancient times, testifying to the religious history of the area. This church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, stands soberly in the village square and represents an important spiritual point of reference for the local community.

Monte San Costanzo in Termini

Just before the limestone peninsula plunges into the blue waters, stands Monte San Costanzo, the highest peak in Massa Lubrense. The hill rises approximately 500 meters above sea level and boasts absolutely breathtaking landscapes on each side: on the Bay of Ieranto, on the cove of Mitigliano, on the gulf of Naples and that of Salerno, and on the island of Capri.

The path that leads to Monte San Costanzo starts right in the heart of Termini, in Piazza Santa Croce. It is also part of the longer Athena Trail.

On the highest point of the promontory stands the Chapel of San Costanzo. It is a small church dating back to the second half of the 16th century which gives to the surrounding area an almost mystical atmosphere. For most of the time the church is closed to the public, but every year on May 14 hundreds of faithful gather for the procession towards Monte San Costanzo, where the Holy Mass is celebrated in honor of the Saint.

Cappella di San Costanzo a Termini
La Cappella di San Costanzo

Punta Campanella

Punta Campanella is the end of the peninsula, facing Capri and dividing the Gulf of Naples from that of Salerno. It can be reached on foot via a path of about three kilometers that starts from the Termini square. Along the way it is possible to see elements that tell stories of past eras, such as the remains of a Roman villa and two of the defensive watchtowers that stand along the Lubrense coast.

Veduta da Termini

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Discovering Massa Lubrense by scooter

Category:Blog,Outdoors,Places,Travel Tags : 

Massa Lubrense is a wonderful destination situated on the coast of the Sorrento peninsula, and is an ideal place to explore by scooter.

Motorcycle tourism is a constantly growing phenomenon. Visiting new places, from the hills, to the villages, to the beaches, is the new way of experiencing tourism in the saddle.

This transport option allows you to fully enjoy the natural beauty and spectacular landscapes that the area has to offer. With a scooter tour in Massa Lubrense, you can travel along panoramic roads, coast the sea and discover suggestive places such as Marina del Cantone and Monte San Costanzo.

The comforts of traveling on two wheels

Certainly, among the conveniences of traveling by scooter there is the direct contact with nature and with the landscapes that surround us. An adventure towards new destinations that allows you to avoid busy stretches of road and experience your holidays in a completely different way.

In fact, a scooter offers greater freedom of movement compared to public transport or organized tours. You can decide when and where to stop and what to visit.

Furthermore, in Massa Lubrense, parking for scooters is always free on the street, within special spaces delimited by white lines.

Of course, traveling by scooter comes with some challenges. Firstly, weather conditions can greatly affect your itinerary and could sometimes ruin your trip. Thus, “flexibility” becomes a crucial element during your adventure.

However, the opportunity to travel on two wheels allows you to discover new routes and places hidden from the usual itineraries, which will help to make the trip unforgettable.

Crossing the territory of Massa Lubrense by scooter allows you to immerse yourself in a more authentic way in the local culture and the surrounding environment, breathing the air and hearing the sounds of the place.

Rent a scooter in Massa Lubrense

Massa Lubrense in scooter

To rent a scooter in Massa Lubrense, you can follow these steps:

  1. Search for scooter rentals: Start by looking for rental agencies in Massa Lubrense. You can do this online using search engines or travel apps, or simply asking to your accommodation agents or local agencies for information.
  2. Choice of rental: Evaluate the options available based on the rates, the type of vehicle (for example, scooter or Vespa), the duration of the rental and the services offered.
  3. Verification of the requirements: Make sure you have the necessary documents. Typically, you will need a valid driver’s license, often also a credit card for the deposit.
  4. Booking: Book the scooter at the chosen rental company. Be sure to confirm your rental details, including the pick-up and return date and time.
  5. Check-in and instructions: At the time of withdrawal, the renter will provide you with the scooter, explain its functioning and may require a security deposit via credit card.
  6. Insurance: Ask if insurance is included in the rental. It is important to be covered in case of damage or accidents.
  7. Follow the traffic laws: Always obey road safety rules, wear a helmet and drive carefully.
  8. Exploration: Now you are ready to explore Massa Lubrense and its natural beauty by scooter. Be sure to plan your itinerary and stop to admire in the spectacular views.
  9. Return: When you have finished the rental period, return the scooter according to the previously agreed arrangements.

Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the rental carefully and ask for any clarification if you have any doubts. Renting a scooter is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful coastal region, but it’s important to do so in a safe and responsible way.


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Myrtle liqueur: between history and production

Category:Blog,Food Tags : 

Myrtle liqueur is a digestive obtained from the maceration of ripe myrtle berries. It is popular in various areas of Italy, being the myrtle plant (Myrtus communis) typical of the Mediterranean maquis.

In Massa Lubrense, the plant is present along the slopes most exposed to the sun, where it grows from sea level up to an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. It is possible to find it, for example, on the sides of the path that leads to the Bay of Ieranto or along the Sentiero delle Sirenuse.

This digestive liquor is a tradition rooted in Massa Lubrense and is produced both in local homes and in specialized distilleries present in the area. It is loved not only for its unique flavor, but also for its historical connection to the culture and tradition of this region.

Homemade production often involves recipes passed down from generation to generation, while commercial distilleries prepare it on a larger scale, helping to spread its distinctive taste throughout the territory.

The myrtle plant

Scientifically called Myrtus communis, the myrtle plant belongs to the Myrtaceae family and has intense green leaves that give off pleasant smells. It is an evergreen shrub typical of the Mediterranean scrub, which prefers a mild climate. But it can also resist the frosts, if protected and sheltered from the bad weather.

Solitary and elegant, the flowers are simple and white in colour. According to phenology, the plant flourishes between the months of May and June and bears fruit around October and November for the harvest of its berries.

liquore di mirto
Myrtle flower

The origins

Its origins are very ancient and shrouded in mystery. Traces of myrtle plant already appear in ancient Egyptian and Arab written documents. It is said that the ancient Egyptians decorated their cities with myrtle branches during the holidays, attributing to the plant a divine power capable of warding off evil spirits, catastrophes and diseases.

Furthermore, it was also the sacred plant of Aphrodite. In the myth, the plant protected Aphrodite’s virtues from the malicious gaze of satyrs. Therefore, it is considered a plant that represents love, fertility and eros and was used, in fact, as an aphrodisiac remedy or to adorn wedding banquets.

The Harvest

Harvest period begins in November, when the berries are maturing, and extends until January. According to the artisan myrtle producers, however, the best period for harvesting is the month of December, when the berries are neither too raw nor too cooked. The secret to understanding whether the berries can be harvested is revealed to us by the presence of the bloom. A substance produced by the fruits themselves on their surface which makes the myrtle berry an opaque blue color and which gives the fruit an intense and strong flavou

The myrtle picking takes place almost exclusively by hand. Although this type of harvesting affects speed, it is preferable due to its minimal impact on the plant and the ability to preserve all the characteristics of the berries intact.

Once picked, fresh berries must be immediately processed for the production of the liqueur.

Freshly picked myrtle berries

The recipe

Myrtle liqueur’s preparation is long but simple at the same time.

Ingredients (for 2 litres):

  • 1 l of water
  • 500 g myrtle berries
  • 500 g granulated sugar
  • 1 l of pure alcohol (90°)

Preparation:

Take the myrtle berries, wash them under running water and place them in a strainer to eliminate impurities. Leave a few small leaves if you want.

Once washed, leave to dry for 2 or 3 days on some clean cloths. At this point, place the myrtle berries together with the alcohol in a glass container with hermetic closure, essential for maintaining aromas and perfumes intact. Store the container in a dark, cool place for approximately 40-50 days.

After the resting time, drain the berries.Using a clean cloth, squeeze the berries gently to extract the juice.

In the meantime, boil the water on the stove and when it has almost reached boiling temperature, begin to slowly dissolve the sugar. Once the syrup composed of water and sugar has cooled completely, add the alcohol flavored with myrtle berries and mix the resulting liqueur with a wooden spoon. Using a strainer, filter the liqueur and then, using a funnel, transfer it into the glass bottles.

Before tasting the myrtle liqueur, it must rest in a cool place for at least a month. Then all that remains is to sip the excellent digestive with its typically Mediterranean aroma at room temperature.


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5 useful apps for traveling peacefully

Category:Blog,Travel Tags : 

To better plan and enjoy a trip, here are the 5 best useful apps for traveling peacefully.
The smartphone in our times has certainly become an indispensable part of daily life, whether it is work or a holiday. Therefore, downloading apps that could make the travel experience simpler and more pleasant is necessary in order to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced tourist or an occasional traveler. The apps proposed here have been designed in a simple and easy way to use.

Google Maps

Downloadable on both iPhone and Android, Google Maps is a free online mapping app developed by Google. It allows you to view maps of a large part of the Earth, making it easier discover new places. The app suggests the optimal routes to reach any destination. Thanks to the “traffic” function, the app is able to detect road traffic problems and indicate secondary routes. It is also possible to navigate offline, ensuring maximum efficiency even without an internet connection.

The services offered by Google maps are designed for all those who drive, walk, cycle or take public transport. Particularly useful for travelers to find out about accommodations, local attractions, dining options and other activities nearby. Finally, the display of maps in Street View mode is useful for identifying points of interest, reviews and images of places, museums and much more.

Google Translate

Google Translate available for both iPhone and Android, is a free multilingual machine translation app developed by Google. It’s a support service to prevent language barriers from hindering your trip.
It can also be used when you are offline.

Thanks to the artificial intelligence, the app in instant translation mode allows you to translate restaurant menus, road signs and much more in real time. You can type the contents of a handwritten text, or you can take a photo for a real-time translation. The app will scan the text and detect the most appropriate translation, offering also alternative translations.

Furthermore, with Google Translate it is also possible to set the “Conversation” mode. By clicking on the microphone icons, the app detects and translates the conversations it is listening to in turn. Therefore, this app is a powerful ally for holidays abroad.

Accommodation booking app

Among the useful apps, an application for booking the accommodation of your trip certainly cannot be missed. Trivago, Tripadvisor, Airbnb and Hotel.com are just some of the platforms you can rely on to book your accomodation. They are all free apps that allow you to book your accommodation according to your needs through the numerous filters offered. Depending on the destination chosen, they offer hotels, apartments, villas and much more to make your travel experience unforgettable.

In addition to accommodation, they also offer complementary services such as transfer services, car rental and on-site parking that can satisfy all your travel needs.

App utili per viaggiare

The Fork

The fork is a free app available for both iOS and Android, useful for quickly and easily making reservations at the best restaurants in the city. You can book 24 hours a day from a selection of restaurants perfect for any occasion.

Thanks to the search filters you will find the restaurant that best suits your needs, often with discounts of up to 50%. You can also earn loyalty points and get discounts in restaurants which take part to the loyalty program. In just a few clicks you can book your table and obtain immediate confirmation from the restaurateur.

Social media

Among the most useful apps, Social media, such as Instagram and Tik Tok, offer free platforms that allow you to experience your holidays in a social way, but also to discover the most beautiful places and the most popular activities in each location. Social media users, thanks to photos, reviews, and travel stories shared by their friends and influencers, can virtually explore places and get an immediate overview of tourist destinations. Furthermore, more and more tourism operators are choosing social media to promote city, sea or mountain destinations. This impact of social media has made the process of choosing a destination more visual and engaging.


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Athena, the goddess of Punta Campanella: Inside the myth

Category:Blog,Culture Tags : 

Atena, also known as Athena in Greek mythology, was of the major Olympian deity. The Sanctuary located on the top of the Punta Campanella promontory, the watershed between the Gulf of Naples and that of Salerno, was dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Who was the goddess Athena

This divinity was considered the goddess of wisdom, arts, sciences, justice, military strategy and civilization. She is often depicted with a helmet, shield and spear, symbols of her protective role towards Greek heroes and cities.

Associated with both war and peace, the goddess has a warrior side and is considered the protector of combatants. In contrast to Ares, which is know for being the brutal god of war, Athena had a strategic and tactical approach to warfare. In fact, she was also known for her rationality, her love of knowledge, and her ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.

The deity was the patron goddess of many Greek cities, including Athens, which was named after her. She was an iconic figure in Greek mythology and a recurring character in literary and artistic works of ancient Greece. Its influence also extended to culture and philosophy, contributing to the formation of the ideas and values ​​of ancient Greek civilization.

In the Roman cult, Minerva was the divinity corresponding to Athena. Her cult played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of ancient Rome. Indeed, her figure represented important Roman virtues and ideals such as wisdom, strategy and justice.

History of the Sanctuary of Athena

On the top of the Ateneo promontory, current Punta Campanella promontory, stood the sanctuary of Athena. Built by the Greeks, it was first a Greek and then Roman temple dedicated to the deity, protector of sailors and traders. The presence of the Sanctuary of Athena is testified by historical literary sources, from Strabo to Tito Livio. Another reference also appears in the ancient Roman map “Tavola Peutingeriana”.

The final confirmation of the position of the Sanctuary on the extreme tip of the Punta Campanella promontory came from an exceptional discovery which occurred in 1985. It was an ancient epigraph carved on a rock written in the Oscan language, dating back to the first half of the 2nd century B.C. This epigraph was of a public nature and mentioned three Magistrates of Minerva, known as Meddices Minervii, who supervised and verified the construction of the works relating to the landing and the eastern staircase leading to the Sanctuary.

Some remains of the haven dedicated to Athena can still be seen at the end of an exciting trekking route. It is very likely, in fact, that the ruins still visible near the Saracen tower of Punta Campanella are what remains of the foundation of the temple, located to the south of the tower.

Myth of the Athena’s temple

The legendary foundation of the holy place in Punta Campanella is attributed to Ulysses. During ancient times, it was the home of the sirens Leucosia, Parthenope and Ligeia, known for their enchanting song that deceived all sailors, making them lose control of their ships. The sagacious Ulysses, to protect his companions, made them wear earplugs, thus allowing the ship and his friends to arrive unharmed at the dock on the Punta Campanella promontory. Grateful for Athena’s guidance and protection, as a sign of devotion, Ulysses built the temple in honor of the goddess.

Therefore, it represents the meeting point between history, myth and legend of this territory. A heritage that would enrich not only the natural beauty, but also the historical and archaeological beauty of Massa Lubrense.


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The “One Piece” series lands in Massa Lubrense

Category:Places Tags : 

The new drama broadcast on Netflix “One Piece” arrives in the evocative scenery of Massa Lubrense and Sorrento.

The series on Netflix

“One Piece”, present in the Netflix Top 10 ranking, has been airing since August 31st. Since its debut, the drama has been a real success, received with positive reviews from both viewers and critics. It’s a live-action adaptation of a popular manga and anime written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, set in a world of pirates.

It tells the legendary adventure of the pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his strange crew, in search of the lost treasure. In the background of the vicissitudes faced by the pirates, it does not exclude the reseach for an inestimable and absolute value: Freedom. Only by living on ships among imaginary islands and multi-ethnic villages that pirates will be able to realize their dreams and find their freedom.

Given the great success of the series, the producer Marty Adelstein has confirmed the second season of the live-action “One Piece”. The drama, infact, should already be on Netflix screens in 2024.

Places of One Piece

The Sorrento peninsula and wonderful views of Massa Lubrense appears as the backdrop to the exploits of the crew led by the pirate adventurer Luffy Straw Hat.

The very first images of the live-action drama frame the sea of ​​Rogue Town, a fantastic city reconstructed on the computer: and that’s that the tufaceous coast of Sorrento is immediately recognisable. In other episodes, it is also possible to see the Bay of Ieranto and Punta Campanella, treasures of the protected marine area of ​​Massa Lubrense.

Sorrento nella serie One Piece di Netflix

For all those who are passionate about the adventures of the pirate crew, all that remains is to come and visit the splendor of the territory and landscapes that Massa Lubrense has to offer.


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Massa Lubrense: protagonist of cinema since the 1950s

Category:Blog,Culture Tags : 

There are numerous film productions that have as their backdrop the breathtaking landscapes and the extraordinary beauties of Massa Lubrense. From Paolo Sorrentino to Pierce Brosnan, Massa Lubrense appears in the masterpieces of both national and international cinema.

In this article, you will find the best films shot in Massa Lubrense.

The Hand of God (2021)

Written and directed by director Paolo Sorrentino, nominated for an Oscar 2022 in the Best International Film section, and a Golden Globe 2022 for Best Foreign Film. The coast of Massa Lubrense and the protected marine area of Punta Campanella are the backdrop to the Schisa family’s holidays. In the opening scene, there is a tribute to Eduardo De Filippo, with the shot of the Isca islet which, for decades, was the home of the well-known Italian actor and playwright. The mayor of the municipality of Massa Lubrense himself invited the director Paolo Sorrentino to personally appreciate the natural beauties that this place has to offer.

Love Is All You Need (2012)

A film directed by Danish director Susanne Brier. Between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense the love story blossoms between Philip (Priece Brosnan), an English citizen living in Denmark and Ida, a Danish hairdresser. To bind the two protagonists is the imminent marriage of their respective children which forces them to leave for Italy and which sees the beginning of their love and the perfect city for romance in the Sorrento peninsula.

Ex 2: Still Friends? (2011)

A film directed and co-written by Carlo Vanzina. Sequel to “Ex” (2009) by Fausto Brizzi. Also in this film, there are scenes shot in Massa Lubrense, such as the village of Annunziata and the historic Villa Murat. Vincenzo Salemme, in the role of Antonio, is an ex-pharmacist who invites a group of ex-friends to his villa in the Sorrento peninsula. During the party, ties are found that, by now, were believed to have been lost. Some scenes are also shot in the square of the village of Annunziata, with Capri in the background.

Neapel sehen und erben: See Naples and Die (1988)

Directed by Marco Serafini, it is a German film with Massa Lubrense as its setting. The story begins in Germany and then continues, during the holidays, in Italy: landscapes of the Amalfi coast alternate with those in the seaside village of Marina della Lobra. The movie didn’t obtain a wide diffusion in Italian cinema, so today, in addition to the testimonies of the residents, it is possible to find only a few clips of the film that clearly show glimpses of the seaside village of Marina della Lobra.

Husban and Wife (1952)

The film is divided into two episodes, both directed and interpreted by Eduardo de Filippo. Much of his film was shot right in the village of Annunziata. De Filippo himself wanted the inhabitants of Massa Lubrense to act as extras. The film represents two episodes about married life: in the first episode, that of a poor man made immobile by paralysis and, in the second, that of Gennarino who, tired of his wife, his spinster sister, and a stupid son, invents a love story with a neighbor of his.

Village of Annunziata

Starting from the 1950s with Eduardo de Filippo, the relationship between Massa Lubrense and cinema is still maintained thanks to numerous national and international directors who, choose the beauties of Massa Lubrense as the film set for their movies.


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An experience of Sri Sri yoga in Massa Lubrense

Category:Outdoors,Blog,Events,Pro Loco Tags : 

Edited by Claudia Pia Palumbo

Interview with Gelsomina Di Maio

Some call it sport, others religion or philosophy of life: we are talking about yoga. A practice born more than 2000 years ago in India to establish a balance between body and mind and which, during all these years, has never gone out of fashion. On the contrary, it has known more and more new forms, such as Sri Sri Yoga.

In view of the cycle of Sri Sri Yoga lessons that will be held this summer at the Annunziata castle, we asked the instructor Gelsomina di Maio for some information on Sri Sri Yoga.

Could you briefly describe what Sri Sri Yoga consists of? And above all, how does it differ from traditional yoga?

Actually, Sri Sri Yoga does not differ at all from the yogic tradition but is a faithful expression of it, indeed the SSY integrates the various traditional paths such as Hatha Yoga (effort), Jnana Yoga (wisdom), Karma Yoga (service and action) and Bakti Yoga (devotion). The founder of SSY is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a living master, accomplished in yoga and meditation, peace ambassador, and humanitarian leader known and appreciated all over the world. The goal is to bring into the world an authentic education of yoga accessible to all. His message is that inner and outer peace is possible through service and the awakening of human values. The word yoga means “union”, the one between the body, mind, and breath.

Why is yoga called a “complete” discipline, which provides significant benefits for both the body and the mind?

Yoga is undoubtedly a very complete discipline. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate the therapeutic power of yogic practices. With yoga, we work on the body through postures or positions called “ASANA“. Through certain breathing practices “PRANAYAMA” and meditation “DHYANA“, we work on our vital energy until we reach a deep meditative state called “SAMADHI“.

The benefits of yoga are immense: On a physical level, there is an improvement in elasticity and muscle tone and in all the joints of the body. It improves blood and lymphatic circulation, gives better balance and coordination, increases breathing capacity, and helps reduce body weight. Mentally, it reduces stress, improves concentration and memory, and calms anxiety and mental agitation. Not least, it helps improve sleep quality and quality of life.

 Why precisely the Annunziata castle? Is the environment a determining factor when practicing Sri Sri Yoga?

Having the opportunity to take advantage of a place of such scenic beauty certainly enriches the yoga experience. This magnificent and harmonious place, far from the chaos of the city, where you can breathe fresh air deeply, is certainly an ideal setting for a positive and regenerating experience. The environment in which Yoga is practiced must be clean, tidy, cared for, possibly quiet and well ventilated.

Do you think SSY is for everyone? And above all, is there a specific age to start practicing SSY? Is yoga recommended for pregnant women?

On so many occasions, especially in modern times, yoga is distorted and praticed inappropriately, neglecting the most sacred and profound aspects of this millenary practice. In SSY, wisdom and techniques are proposed in an easy and joyful way, in a simple but effective way. It can therefore be within everyone’s reach and practiced at all ages. The principles of yoga can be taught from an early age, obviously, the teaching methodology and the type of practices change if we are dealing with children. Similarly in the case of pregnant women: yoga is highly recommended but you must be very careful especially in the first three months of pregnancy during which any too stimulating activity is often not recommended. During pregnancy, there are certain postures that are extremely beneficial. Proper breathing along with the well-being and deep relaxation experienced by the mother also benefits the baby in her womb.

 What advice would you give to a person who has never tried yoga until now but really wants to do it?

Not to hesitate any further and take this opportunity immediately. I would recommend giving oneself this possibility without judging themselves, without thinking a priori of being more or less capable. I would suggest experimenting and getting involved. It is never too late to make a change in one’s life and it is never too late to live fully. 

We, therefore, thank the instructor Gelsomina di Maio for answering some questions, and now all that remains is to try the free lessons organized by the Pro loco of Massa Lubrense to enjoy the countless advantages that Sri Sri Yoga provides.


sri sri yoga

Gelsomina di Maio

Yoga instructor