The gonfalons of the Amalfi Historical Parade are being restored. A very strong symbol of identity for the entire Amalfi civilization, which has its roots in the history of the Ancient Maritime Republic.
The first, oldest, exhibited in the Salone Morelli of Palazzo S. Benedetto, was painted by the Neapolitan painter and set designer Roberto Scielzo, an eclectic artist who also designed the costumes for the historical procession of the Byzantine New Year and delivered on 28 June 1956.
The second banner, a reproduction of the original dating back to the 90s, was created by another great artist, Mario Carotenuto, who in his paintings and canvases was able to transpose the Amalfi coast, where he was originally from. Carotenuto's banner, which uses a very particular chalk technique, went to make up the installation of the "Museo della Bussola e Ducato Marinaro di Amalfi".
Both precious hand-painted tapestries will soon be returned to Amalfi, restored to their former splendor, in view of the imminent reorganization of the Museum: for these interventions, the Municipal Administration has invested approximately 13 thousand euros, coming from the tourist tax.
"The restoration of the gonfalons is part of a wider action of recovery and safeguarding of minor cultural assets – underlines the Mayor of Amalfi Daniele Milano – The council recently also approved the recovery of the bronze statue of Flavio Gioia and the commemorative plaques and the majolica panel of Porta della Marina.
This is a redevelopment project that involves several works, including the ancient galleon, in a long-term planning aimed at urban regeneration, started with the redevelopment of the square in front of the Arsenale della Repubblica and the creation of the new Piazza della Bussola. An area with a strong tourist vocation, the gateway to Amalfi. Iconic places, through which the history and culture of Amalfi come to life again".
The gonfalons embody the historical identity of Amalfi, represented as a woman richly dressed in brocade, sitting in the great seat, with a lion and the world in her hand, to signify the pride of the Maritime Republic, as stated in the sixteenth-century codex which also contains the Amalfi Tables.
In fact, the text reads: “a beautiful woman, richly dressed in brocade, seated on a chair, with a lion on her lap and a ball of silver in her hand, signifying Amalfi to be beautiful and strong in location and people, and at her foot someone towards whom he said in this way: “Prima dedit nautis usum Magnetis Amalphis".
This latter verse constitutes the first literary attestation regarding the invention and diffusion of the nautical compass by the Amalfi Republic in the Middle Ages.
"Restoration not only for real estate, but also for the municipal heritage through which the ancient maritime republic lives again – underlines the Councillor for Culture, Enza Cobalto – The Gonfalone, which paraded during the historical procession, represents a sort of totem for the entire Amalfi community.
A sign of collective identity, which is rooted in thousands of years of history and which today contributes, together with the beautiful landscapes, to making Amalfi unique in the world. Always a port on the Mediterranean, Amalfi is a sign of inclusion and meeting of peoples. Destination of large international flows, who come to the Amalfi Coast to experience its essence and breathe the grandeur of its history".
Article published on May 11, 2022 - 14:18 pm
