Villa Astra, Praiano

Villa Astra is part of the historical center of Praiano, which consists of a cluster of white houses on the highest area of a steep slope of a hill overlooking the sea. The houses are nestled around the beautiful bell-tower and the eighteenth-century church of San Luca.

In this area of Praiano, almost all the houses date back to the eighteenth century. They feature white façades often decorated with stuccoes, patios below masonry arches sustaining terraces facing the sea, and sloping gardens filled with flowers and citrus trees around. To walk through such extraordinary village, declared World Heritage site by UNESCO, means climbing narrow stairways and pedestrian streets. The whole area is made for pedestrians, except for the only access street to the main square. Here you will not find streets packed with tourists; all you will see are the kind inhabitants of the place. And you will be able to experience the fascination and authentic beauty of the Amalfi Coast: one not changed by the actions of tourism!

Villa Astra is a few steps away from the main square, and it also features a private garage at the end of the pedestrian area. In order to arrive at the villa from the garage area, all you have to do is walk 30 meters (about 98 feet) along a footpath with no steps to climb.

The main square is a large terrace overlooking the coastal scenery. Next to the square you will find some shops.

Villa Astra is on the top floor of an age-old eighteenth-century building which comprises several floors built according to the sloping rocky terrain of the place. The house is two-storey high. From the road, once through a small gate, you will enter a little white courtyard embellished by ogres and red Bougainvillea facing the entrance of the house. Next to the courtyard you will find a private garden. It is airy, fresh, and shaded by the presence of tall trees. It is rich in flowers, and it overlooks the sea. From the entrance courtyard, an indoor staircase of about 10 steps will enable you to reach the living-room of the house. The kitchen is separated from the living-room by a large masonry arch. 

Villa Astra features very high vaulted ceilings, characteristic of buildings dating back to the eighteenth century in the Amalfi Coast. Such way of building houses, along with thick walls in stone, keeps the indoors naturally cool and fresh even when it is hot outside.

The most spacious and panoramic terrace of the villa is situated on the top floor, above the bedrooms. You can reach it by climbing a small outdoor staircase. The terrace is very spacious and sun-drenched from sunrise to sunset.

You will feast your eyes on a 360º panorama consisting of a vast sea skyline, the picturesque outline of the coast, and the top of the Lattari Mountains framing the landscape in the background of the little town of Praiano. You will find this terrace perfect for sunbaths and sunset watching.