At the foot of the Montechiaro, along the itinerary which leads to the enchantment of Costa delle Sirene, Meta is covered by the colouristic effect of the of the olive tree groves, of the gardens and of the citrus groves.
The origin of the name is unsure but according to one of the most prevalent theories, it indicates the limit marked on the plateau by the Basilic of Madonna del Lauro (Our lady of the Laurel), built on the site of a temple dedicated to Minerva by the Romans, as it is testified by the headstones found during the excavations. The foundation myth bring us back to the eighth century: an old woman who was suffering from deafness, while shepherding her cows, she saw a statue of the Virgin Mary with a hen and twelve golden chicks. Thanks to that vision, she healed. Therefore, the statue was carried to Sorrento, in the cathedral. However, the following morning, it was found under a laurel tree. Du to this prodigy, a religious edifice has been built, which had several transformations until 1206, the year in which the church was built with a Latin cross shape (which it still has) and it was consecrated once. Rebuilt in 1568 after the Turks destruction some time before, it was consecrated again in 1782 and elevated to a Pontifical basilica in 1914. The façade is in neoclassical style with in the top centre, the high relief of the Saviour. The original gate of solid wood was sculpted with 24 metallised wooden tiles (the majority illustrates scenes of Jesus’ life), which then, over time, were transferred to the interior (with three naves) and are object of devotion. The campanile dates back to 1558. The two wooden statues golden-coated are notable, Saint Michael and the guardian angel, Girolamo Bagnasco’s work. The altar and the balustrades are in fine marble. The local story is also linked to the commercial seafaring. Alimuri, the beach of Meta, is well known for the construction of boats, an activity that was always taking place under the protection of the Madonna del Lauro: a hundred of years old epopee, which leads to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, to Angevines and Aragonese; and even to Christopher Columbus. The real shipyard was officially open in 1650, but it was finished in 1800 when the sailing ships of the Navy of the Kingdom of Naples were launched. Fifty-two of these sailing ships were destined for long oceanic routes, for trips to the Americas but, in general, the sailing ships of Meta were of reduced dimensions, with two masts, resistant and fast, perfect for the transportation of oil, citrus fruits, nuts and wine. In 1798, the Society of ship owners of Meta and Sorrento was founded, active until 1923.
La frazione di Alberi, il cui territorio è diviso con quello del Comune di Vico Equense, è a 800 metri dal centro e si raggiunge grazie a una caratteristica strada ripida e stretta in alcuni punti: coincide con l’antica via Minerva (terminava a Punta Campanella) di epoca romana.
