Historical Cooking Class

Historical Cooking Class

Discover the genuine Amalfi

The Location

The Amalfi Cooking Class takes place at the Temple of Taste, an ancient building recently renovated according to techniques compatible with centuries-old construction. You will access the unique scenario of the Amalfi Historical Garden, a typical example of terrace farming of the Amalfi Coast, located in Amalfi, on the way up to Pontone. These are not "standard" gardens, it's actually a vertical farming, very hard to preserve. Each agricultural terrace, in fact, is made up of wooden poles which support the heavy branches of the lemon trees, allowing them to cascade down onto the lower terrace, and so on, down to the valley. The sun rays filter through these branches and the atmosphere that is created, especially at sunset, is so spectacular that it leaves you breathless and makes you feel connected with the spirit of Nature and the hard work of men over the centuries.

Terraced gardens and pergolas built with chestnut wood of local forests, ancient cisterns and water channels built to make water accessible to these places from crystal-clear high springs... are all unique elements that contribute to make these gardens a great example of sustainable agriculture and natural engineering. The typical gardens of the Amalfi Coast are interspersed with ancient stairways, built by hand as well as the "macerine" stone walls that are real containers of earth and rocks from terrace to terrace.

The high-quality ingredients

The dishes we are going to cook together all have something in common: first-choice and high-quality ingredients. We only source from the best local companies, especially for products such as meat, fish and cheese. Moreover, we collect as many products as possible from our garden, and we use them with care in our kitchen, so as not to alter their organoleptic characteristics. You will learn this and much more at our Cooking Class!

In the wake of a relaxed lifestyle with attention to details and beauty, during the Lemon Tour we take a relaxing break by our Belvedere, a terrace with a stunning view overlooking Amalfi and its blue sea. This is often used for the Cooking Classes which take place among these beautiful lemon groves. Well, at the Belvedere Terrace you will taste a 100% organic lemonade and a divine - yes, divine! - Amalfitan lemon cake.

The Temple of Taste

Each organic lemon is hand-peeled, this is one of the few secrets of a delicious Amalfitan Limoncello. We said "few" because it's true: the original Amalfitan Limoncello is made of: Alcool, lemons, water and sugar. Nothing else. And it's tremendously delicious! The only "secrets" are in the wise way these ingredients are mixed, and here at the Limoncello Lab you'll have the proof that the knowledge of tradition is terrific.

Made with the peels of the not yet ripe lemons, called Verdello, the Amalfitan Limoncello has an alcohol content of 25% and excellent digestive properties. The production is for our private use. You, as our guests, can have a small tasting of our Limoncello for free only if you are 18 or older.

The ancient Philosophy

To be welcomed to the Historical Garden there is just one rule: you must be a Nature lover, in one word: a naturophile [classic latin: natura «nature, origin», ancient greek: ϕιλία «love, affinity»].

Lemons feel it whether you love them or not. Their rough and twisted branches are equipped with thorns and they let themselves be picked willingly only by those who know how to handle them. It all depends on how you approach the tree: the difference is abysmal, try to believe!
Our philosophy has very ancient roots, the peasant civilization made up of wise farmers was based on balance. Everything had its role and could be reused, biodiversity was thus guaranteed, and their life was fully sustainable.

During the Cooking Class you will also learn that there are many benefits of adopting a mindset that embraces this philosophy: respect, gratitude, wonder, and the human ability to make the most of organic quality and a simple life, these are the pillars of a superior psychophysical well-being. And you realize this from every little detail, just starting with tasting the products made with our Amalfitan lemons, and visiting the little Museum of the Peasant Civilization we proudly host at the garden.

The Amalfi coast is full of stairs, this is nothing new. Well but, how did the ancient farmers use to carry lemons from the top of their farms? On the backs of mules and with their own feet, taking the baskets full of lemons on their shoulders. Women were involved in this hard work!
At our little museum you will see a collection of the rural arts & crafts of the Amalfi Coast. Here you can discover the original tools used by the local farmers and peasants, including the typical padded baskets, made to be carried on the shoulders. In addition, to enrich the museum, we proudly show several ancient recipes written on handmade paper from Amalfi.

The future generations

With roots firmly planted in the traditions of the past, and the beauty of the present, we cannot help but think of future generations. That's why sensitive children and teenagers, who are willing to learn and spend time in Nature, are very well welcomed to our Historical Garden!

The future is in the hands of our children! We have the enormous responsibility of educating them to the Beauty and the Sublime, to gratitude and unconditional love for the earth that gives us everything we need if we know how to take care of it wisely.

Verified reviews

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  John L.

  From the United States   ∙   July 2024   ∙  

  I have already been to the Amalfi Coast and had taken part in a cooking class experience elsewhere: it was amazing! Anyway, this one at the Historical Garden is absolutely the best! It cannot be compared because it has all it takes to make you fall madly in love: sea view, mountain view, vegetable garden, lemon garden, high-quality ingredients, chef & staff with obsessive attention to details and beauty, lots of fun and good wine! What more could I ask for? I'll be back for sure!
• 

  David H.

  From the United States   ∙   July 2023   ∙  

  The chef was knowledgeable and passionate, guiding us through the preparation of traditional dishes with expertise and enthusiasm. The hands-on experience was both fun and educational, and the end result - a delicious meal we made ourselves - was incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend this cooking class to anyone looking to learn new culinary skills and enjoy a memorable dining experience under the lemon trees with breathtaking views over the Amalfi centre.

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The meeting point

This amazing adventure begins in the Amalfi center, next to the Ristorante Il Mulino, in Via delle Cartiere 36, Amalfi.

If you come from Pontone, please, don't reach the above mentioned meeting point and contact us to meet on the way down to Amalfi.

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The starting time

Please, select a date and you will see the starting time options.

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How to reach the meeting point in Amalfi

Reaching the meeting point in Amalfi is very easy.
If you come by bus, stop at the Amalfi bus station which is on the waterfront.
If you come by ferry boat, stop at the Amalfi ferry pier.
In any case, cross the road and then enter the Cathedral square (Piazza Duomo). From there, it's a pleasant walk of just about 5 minutes through the main centre of Amalfi till Via delle Cartiere 23, Amalfi. We will meet there to start our adventure!
If you need a private transfer from a custom location, ask us to arrange it for you at the best rates.

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How to reach the meeting point from Pontone

Reaching the meeting point on the Pontone side is even easier but with some limitations.
If you come by bus from Amalfi, Ravello or Scala, drop off at the Pontone bus stop. Then, walk the way down to Amalfi (Via Grotte) making sure you get in touch with us a few minutes before, in order to meet at the entrance gate.
If you come by ferry boat, stop at the Amalfi ferry pier. You must consider the Amalfi meeting point.
If you need a private transfer from a custom location, ask us to arrange it for you at the best rates.

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Languages

The Historical Cooking Class is mainly provided in English and Italian. In case you are interested in a private experience, we can optionally ask guides who speak Spanish, French, German to join us for a fee depending on the number of participants.

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Who is this made for?

People who truly love Nature;
Adults and children able to climb stairs;
People who love being amazed by wonderful landscapes and relaxing atmospheres;
People who love food excellence and genuinity;
People who do not suffer from severe shock following accidental insect bites.
Our land is periodically cleaned of parasites and insects that can cause damages to plants and people. We only use 100% natural products, no chemical pesticides are used in our gardens. However, it is possible that pollinating insects such as bees could fly over the area in order to preserve the biodiversity of these beautiful lands. We advise our visitors not to frighten them by trying to shoo them away or, worse, trying to kill them. Ignore them, and they will go away on their own soon after, without doing you any harm.

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Let's get in touch

In case you have specific needs and want to customize your experience, please, send us a message via Whatsapp right now: +39 37 57 75 37 55