The Most Beautiful Churches on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula
Those who choose to visit the Amalfi Coast or the Sorrento Peninsula do so mainly to enjoy the wonderful sea, beautiful climate, outdoor activities, good food and the atmosphere of good Italian life in the small towns. All this beauty is enhanced by the buildings perched on the rocks, that people can reach by following steep narrow streets that often open onto scenic belvederes. Among these buildings are churches, veritable condensations of local art and architecture. Here are some of the most beautiful ones to see in our opinion.
Best Churches to See on the Amalfi and Sorrento Coast
From ornate Baroque facades to serene coastal settings, each of the following churches offers a glimpse into centuries of history, art, and spirituality.
1) Cathedral of Amalfi (Duomo di Amalfi)
Standing proudly in the heart of Amalfi, the Cathedral of Amalfi is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Its striking facade adorned with intricate mosaics and bronze doors dating back to the 11th century is a testament to the wealth and power of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
Inside, you can admire the stunning Arab-Norman interior and the crypt housing the relics of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Amalfi.
2) Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Positano
Perched on a cliff overlooking the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is Positano‘s iconic landmark.
Its distinctive dome covered in vibrant majolica tiles adds a splash of color to the town’s pastel-colored buildings.
Inside, you are greeted by a mesmerizing Byzantine-inspired interior featuring a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Madonna.
3) Chiesa di San Gennaro, Praiano
Tucked away in the charming village of Praiano, the Church of San Gennaro offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling Amalfi Coast.
This church boasts a simple yet elegant facade and houses several precious artworks, including a 16th-century wooden statue of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples.
4) Basilica di Sant’Antonino, Sorrento
Steeped in legend and folklore, the Basilica di Sant’Antonino is one of Sorrento‘s most revered religious sites.
Dedicated to the town’s patron saint, the basilica features a stunning Baroque facade adorned with intricate stuccoes and marble sculptures.
Inside, you can marvel at the ornate ceiling frescoes and the silver bust containing the saint’s relics.
5) Chiesa dell’Annunziata, Ravello
When you search for photographs of Ravello online you may have seen the same image several times: two domes of a church silhouetted against the sea with mountains in the background. Those two domes belong to the Church of the Annunziata in Ravello.
In addition to the magnificent view, this church offers a simple yet elegant design typical of Romanesque style. The facade features a portal with a pointed arch and a rose window above, adorned with intricate stone carvings and decorative elements. The interior boasts beautiful frescoes, intricate marble altars, and ornate Baroque decorations. A prominent feature of the church is its bell tower, rising gracefully above the town’s rooftops
6) Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Vietri sul Mare
This church was built on an earlier religious building, but over the centuries it underwent numerous renovations. The church we see today dates back to the 17th century.
Its colorful ceramic-covered dome is visible well before reaching the town and is certainly the hallmark of this church. At its side is a majestic bell tower, about 36.5 meters high, also with a small dome covered in yellow, green and blue colored faience. The same colorful ceramics are also found inside. They cover the floor, while the interior walls are quite bare and white.
7) Church of San Gennaro in Vettica Maggiore, hamlet of Praiano
The church dates from 1602 and features another marvelous dome covered with colored majolica tiles. The spire of the nearby bell tower also shows the same decorations.
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