Summer Shirts of the Amalfi Coast

Tue, 16 Aug 11

 With the convenience of social networking, Skype and FedEx; the world seems to be an increasingly smaller place. But despite the advantages of modern technology, sometimes the beauty of the natural world needs to be seen to be truly believed. Let Shirt Studio take you on a geography lesson (minus the dusty old textbook), exploring three exquisite landmarks situated in the treasure trove of the Mediterranean coast. Enjoy Shirt Studio’s travel wish list for summer 2011; with the only minor obstacle being a moderately pricey plane flight to Europe. Sigh.

Grotta Azzura (The Blue Grotto)

Ancient mythology tells the tale of the most alluring women in the world: sirens, who could cast an unbreakable spell over mortal men with just one sultry glance or softly spoken word. Although this description also perfectly describes Italian starlet Sophia Loren, (who was married on the Amalfi coast), these mythical sirens were said to have lived on the island of Capri, in a small sea cave called the Blue Grotto. In the present day, the beautiful creatures who inhabit the cave are smiling, camera-ready tourists who travel from all over the world to experience the wonder of the natural cavern. The secret of the grotto is sunlight, which seeps into the open space through a tiny opening and reflects a brilliant shade of sapphire off the seawater. Grotta Azzura is only accessible in calm seas, with visitors forced to lie down in small rowboats to pass through the tiny entrance to the cave.

Shirts for Grotta Azzura

Via dell’Amore (The Path of Love)

When Fred Astaire sang ‘Paris loves Lovers’, perhaps he did not foresee that the French city’s love may have been unrequited. In fact, Italy’s Cinque Terre region; a stretch of visually dramatic and historically romantic coastline, has proven to be the true object of many a star crossed lover’s affection. The cliffside pathway Via dell’Amore, was built with the amorous ambition of bridging the two coastal and secluded towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola. This lover’s lane quickly became a meeting place for courting couples from the neighbouring villages, who whispered sweet nothings into the seaside wind. Closest to the Manarola end of the trail is a fence adorned with colourful padlocks; left behind by couples who inscribe their names on the locks and fasten them to the fence in a symbol of eternità, or eternity.

 Shirts for Via dell’Amore

 Villa Cimbrone (The Five Star Ravello Resort)  

Although we know that contentment can’t be purchased with a thick wad of Euro’s, Villa Cimbrone is an Amalfi coast haven where people with money go to find happiness. The 11^th Century palazzo is a sprawling maze of historic architecture and lush gardens; set on a towering sea cliff overlooking the depths of the azure ocean. The Villa is said to have the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world and has attracted visits from globetrotters such as Golden Era actress Greta Garbo, writers Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence and T.S. Eliot, as well as former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Although the buildings are now part of a hotel, the grounds are open to the public during the day, so one and all can share the delight of this jewel on the Amalfi coastline.

 Shirts for Villa Cimbrone

In which direction do you hope summer will lead you? No matter the destination, Shirt Studio will ensure that you make the voyage in style.