Things to see in Atrani

Atrani is on the Amalfi Coast, just 700 meters away from the more famous Amalfi. It is the smallest comune in Southern Italy.

Atrani was founded by the ancient Roman aristocracy, and later became the residence of the upper crust of society in the Republic of Amalfi. Unfortunately, the town lost importance as a result of invasions by the Normans and Pisans.

Atrani is a small fishing town today.

The town is located between the Civita Hill and Aureo Hill. Atrani is along the valley of the river Dragone, named for a legend saying there once was a terrible dragon that would breathe fire and would hide himself there.

Though it is part of the Amalfi Coast, it is the only town along the coast to preserve intact its antique, traditional characteristics.

Church of San Salvatore de' Birecto: Built in the 10th century, the church has a square plan with front porch and is divided into three naves with barrel vaults. It used to face west with an entrance in Via Arte della Lana. In the Baroque period the current facade was built with the clock, the staircase and atrium. At the time of the Amalfi Republic, the church was the palace chapel where they were crowned the suchi and where they deposited their ashes. The oldest pieces in the church are a tombstone of the 14th century, depicting the noble lady Atranese Filippa Napolitano and a marble slab of the 12th century, depicting two peacocks. The peacock, sacred to Juno, was revered by many Eastern peoples as a symbol of vanity and pride, well represented by the people and goods of Amalfi. The peacocks are also a symbol of resurrection. Doors of bronze, made in 1087, were donated to the church by the noble Atranese Viarecta Pantaleon. The door is divided into tiles of depicted scenes, containing the image of Christ, the Madonna and some saints. It is now housed in the church of Santa Maria Maddalena.