MASSA LUBRENSE

Massa Lubrense was probably founded in its current position by the Lombards ‑. Massa comes from the Lombard word for settlement, mansa ‑ thisarea was known in ancient times. Lubrense derives from the Latin word delubrum or 'temple', two of which are known to have existed in the vicinity.
There's a great view across to Capri from the belvedere in largo Vescovado. On the other side of the square there's the haunting, crumbling façade of the former cathedral of Santa Maria delle Grazie (open 7am -noon, 4.30‑8pm daily), which dates from the early 16th century, although it was reworked in 1769. The chapel of Sant'Erasmo to the left of the main altar, is believed to stand above a temple to Hercules. Directly opposite the church, a road leads down to the attractive village and beach of Marina di Lobra (take a scenic shortcut down the first downward flight of steps right from the road; you may, however, want to hitch a lift or wait for the infrequent bus on the way back up).
Halfway down the road, the church of Santa Maria di Lobra(open 6.30 -8am, 5-8pm daily) has a pretty yellow-and-green tiled dome, a 'miraculous' 16th-century Madonna and Child over the altar, and a cool, homely cloister with a tiled well-head (there's a door from the cloister into the church that is generally open when the church is officially shut). There was a temple here, too, probably dedicated to Minerva. The whole place has a charming lived-in feel, although only two old Franciscan monks remain in the adjoining monastery.
From Massa's main square, a road north-west (soon swinging south) heads to the villages of Santa Maria and Annunziata, the latter little more than a handful of houses around a rarely open church of the same name, and the ruins of the 14th-century castello di Massa.
A well‑marked walking trail goes from Massa to Annunziata. It's worth taking it not only for the walk itself, but also to see the Villa Rossi where Joaquin Murat holed up after the Battle of Capri and signed the capitulation that put an ignominious end to French rule in Naples.

It is advisable to check also the availability of the apartments in Sorrento and the apartments in Positano.

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ITALIAN RECIPE OF THE DAY

CHESTNUT CAKE - Sweetmeat of Tuscany

For 4-6 servings:

500 gm Chestnuts, peeled
250 ml Milk
250 gm sugar - castor
6 egg yolks
100 gm butter - melted
100 gm almonds - finely chopped
chocolate - bitter cooking
50 ml brandy
1 lemon
6 egg whites
flour

Brush the cake tin lightly with some melted butter and lightly flour. Preparing the chestnuts with a small sharp pointed knife, make a two slits on the flat side of the chestnuts in a cross formation. Either place in a roasting tray on into a very hot oven for 10- 15 minutes or wrap well in ti ... continue

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