This beautiful village perched on the sea is the smallest municipality in Italy (and is found where you least expect it)

This enchanting village overlooking the sea is the smallest municipality in Italy. Atranilocated in Campania, is a true jewel of unimaginable beauty Amalfi Coastcharacterized by a single road and a fishing beach.

The beauties of the Coast are known throughout the world and are a travel destination for every tourist at least once in their life. From the colors of Positano to the peculiarities of Amalfi, from the picturesque villages such as Minori and Maiori, every corner hides surprising discoveries.

However, thanks to a walk or a trip to the sea, it is possible to discover them even the lesser-known details. Among these famous locations, the village of Atrani stands out, originally a fishing village. Its extension, with suns 0.1206 km² of surfacemakes it the common with the highest density in the province of Salerno.

A tsunami and a flood marked its history

The history of Atrani is fascinating and tragic at the same time. With a population of 791 inhabitants, it is the smallest municipality in Italy, but it is also the most populous in the province of Salerno. Its roots they date back to Roman timeswhen its scope was much broader, including also Ravello and five churches in a few kilometers.

Then, however, the tsunami of 25 November 1343 submerged parts of Amalfi and Atrani, leading to the decline of the Duchy of Atrani which was subsequently incorporated into the principality of Salerno. In 2010, Atrani suffered another flood which caused two deaths. Today, only a beach and a road remain of the village, surrounded by a few houses.

The beauties of Atrani are evident at first glance: the unique perched structure that it rises above the sea and which can be reached via a staircase from the main road, together with the numerous churches and caves give this place an irresistible charm.

They stand out the cave and house of Masaniellowhich is said to have hosted the Neapolitan popular leader chased by the Viceroy’s soldiers. It is known that the house of maternal family of Masaniello was located not far away, boasting Atranese origins. In short, Atrani is an unmissable stop on a travel itinerary to discover the beauties of the Amalfi Coast, easily visited in a weekend or even in a single day.