Positano (Italy)

Positano is a port town on Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) in Campania (southern Italy), with population around 4,000

In medieval times, this was a seaport of Duchy of Amalfi (Republic / independent state, 958-1137) and prospered during the 16th and 17th centuries. By mid-19th century, following an economic decline, over 50% of its population emigrated to USA.

During 20th century's first half, Positano was a poor fishing village. It started to attract large numbers of tourists in the 1950s. Santa Maria Assunta church housess a 13th-century Byzantine icon of Black Madonna. According to local legend, the icon was stolen from Byzantium and transported by pirates. A terrible storm blew up in the waters opposite Positano - the frightened buccaneers heard a voice onboard saying "Posa, posa!" ("Put down! Put down!"). As the icon was unloaded and carried to the village, the storm abated.