The promontory on which Agropoli was built is the southernmost point of the Gulf of Salerno. Situated on a hill with a relatively steep descent offered it protection, together with fortified walls, against assaults and intrusion from outside. From these fortifications only the castle from the 6th century remains. Part of the town walls and the Aragonese town-gate (7th century, when Agropoli was under Aragon rule) are preserved. At the end of the 9th century Agropoli fell into the hands of the Saracens and remained so for around two hundred years after. They used the fortifications and this strategically favorable place for booty attacks. This was one of the reasons why the city of Paestum came to be abandoned.
East of the hill, towards the interior, the small Testene River flows into the gulf and formed at that time a small natural harbour. Nowadays almost everything has become silted up and no longer serves its original purpose. Today's harbour of Agropoli lies on the other side of the hill and serves mainly as marina for many private sailing boats and yachts.
Since the 19th century the city has expanded, (2), (3) substantially around the hill. Agropoli lives off tourism for the most part. In the summer approximately twice as many people live here as in normal times. In addition to the beaches south, (2) and north of the hill , there is a bit further to the south another pretty beach at Trentova Bay, (2) which also forms part of Agropoli. The blue ribbon from the FEEE (Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe www.feee.org) was awarded to this location because of the quality of its excellent water and beach. Trentova Bay marks the beginning of the the beautiful Cilento Coast.
Agropoli does not exist purely on the basis of tourism. Even during the summer season, you still get the impression of a normal everyday life. Out of the season it doesn't become a ghost town. The many cafes, (2) and pizzerias stay open all year round. In Paestum you can find luxury hotels with more than three stars, but not in Agropoli. Agropoli is popular among Italian families on vacation.
Many thanks to Rod Byatt (Sydney, Australia) for the revision and improvement of the preceding
English text.
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