Set This House on Fire [antikvár]

Sambuco. Of the drive from Salerno to Sambuco, Nagel's Italy has this to say: "Hie road is hewn nearly the whole way in the cliffs of the coast. An evervaried panorama unfolds before our eyes, with continual views of an azure sea, imposing cliffs, and deep gorges. We leave Salerno by Via Independenza. The road turns toward the sea, looking down on Marina di Vietri. On regaining the coast we enjoy a glorious view of Salerno, Marina di Vietri, the two rocks (Due Fratelli] and Raito. Beyond a side turning we enjoy a sudden view of the colourful village of Cetara (4 Vim.). We return to the sea and then make a retour roimd the grim ravine of Erchie, approaching the sea again at Cape Tomolo. Passing through a defile with high rocky walls, we come in sight of Minori and Atrani with Sambuco high above them, líie road diverges beyond Atrani and ascends the Dragoné Valley.' About Sambuco itself Nagel's is characteristically lyric: '(1033 ft.) a little town of unusual appearance in an extremely beautiful landscape; the contrast between its lonely situation and its seductive setting, between the ruin of its ancient palaces and the gaiety of its gardens, is very impressive. Built in the 9th cent, under the rule of Amalfi, Sambuco enjoyed great prosperity in the 13th cent.' Sambuco, indeed, is no longer prosperous, although because of its geographical position it is undoubtedly better off than most Italian villages. Aloof upon its precipice, remote and beautifully difficult of access, it is a model of invulnerability and it is certain by one of the few towns in Italy which remain untouched by recent bombs and invasions. Had Sambuco ever lain upon a strategic route to anywhere it might not have 11