Minori is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of south-western Italy, situated on the Amalfi Coast.
The origins of the name Minori come from its association in the past with the river that crosses it, La Rheggina, its ancient Latin name was Rheggina Minor. This name coincides with the name of the neighboring village Maiori, then known as Rheggina Maior. In time, it has come to be known simply as Minori. It is the site of well-preserved ruins of a Roman villa, which are open for public viewing.
The origin of the name, Minori (meaning 'small'), comes from its association with the river flowing through it, namely La Rheginna. The ancient Latin name for the town was indeed Rheginna Minor, and the neighboring town of Maiori - meaning 'large' - was once known as Rheginna Maior because of the same association. Eventually, the names of both towns were abbreviated, Rheginna Minor turning into Minori.
Main sights include:
- Basilica di Santa Trofimena
- Saint Trofimena is venerated by the Roman Catholic Church as a young Sicilian martyr. She is known by several names, and may possibly be related to a myth about the siren Parthenope. According to a popular legend, at a very early age she had been killed by her father for refusing to marry a pagan, and was crammed into an urn, thrown into the sea. The urn was dragged by the marine currents until it washed onto the beach at Minori. The people who found it used small white heifers to carry it to the place where locals would later build a temple in her honor.
- Roman Maritime Archeological Villa - Most likely built in the first century BC at sea level. One of the best preserved elements of the villa is its large hall with tunnel vaults, stucco, and remains of frescos.
- Saint Nicola Convent - Positioned halfway between Minori and Maiori, this religious site might date back to the end of the 11th century or the beginning of the 12th century.
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