Atrani

During the Sea Republic’s time was a residential quarter of the aristocracy and the nobility. Ancient chronicles relate that the people of Amalfi and Atrani together used to elect both the Doge and the Bishop. Crowned by a sturdy fortified wall to the south and north, Atrani provided a solid backup defence to Amalfi. 

Many sanctuaries and monasteries were built around this small area and high above, on the western slope of Mount Aureo, stands the imposing tuff stone colonnade of the Amalfi cemetery built in 1816 on the site of the former Benedictine convent, which had been constructed around the year 980 by Duke Mansone I and dedicated to San Lorenzo del Piano.

The layout of the village with its small houses built one on top of the other, intersected as it is by narrow little lanes and steep flights of steps, makes Atrani look like a nativity crib. Its unique position offers an incomparable view of the Amalfi Coast.

From Piazzale Spiaggia the road winds its way up through the town to the square named Piazza Umberto I where there is a stone fountain dating from 1927. This is the ideal place to chill out, sip something cool or enjoy a magnificent ice-cream. To the north stands a wide flight of steps opening onto a small 19^th century atrium which leads to the churches of the Immacolata and San Salvatore de Birecto. The last one, which origins date from the 10^th century, played a fundamental role as a Palatine chapel in which the crowing ceremonies of the Dukes of Amalfi took place.

Not to be missed The Collegiate church of Santa Maria Maddalena.

As night falls in Atrani, fishermen set out from here in their small boats equipped with jack lights: all night long the sea will be dotted with a myriad of tapers, twinkling and shining out of the water.

Restaurants:
• A’ Paranza – Via Dragone, 1 – Atrani – Tuesday closed – Tel. 089 871840
• Osteria da Luisella – Piazza Umberto I – Atrani – Wednesday closed – Tel. 089 871087