Discover medieval architecture, religious artefacts, artworks and ancient Roman relics in one of Positano’s most impressive landmarks. Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 10th century on the site of an earlier Benedictine Abbey and a recent renovation of the crypt unveiled an ancient Roman villa.
The first aspect of Santa Maria Assunta that you see is the central dome with its yellow, green and blue majolica tiles. Stand in the piazza in the front of the church and admire one of the few remnants of the original abbey: the façade of the building and the 18th-century bell tower. Notice the images just above the bell tower door. You’ll see a fox, a mythical dragon and a fish. Above these carvings is a gravestone that honours Flavio Gioia, whom it is thought invented the compass - yet it is disputed as to whether he even existed.
Enter the church and admire the interior with its white marbling and gold leaf. Above the altar is the Byzantine Black Madonna icon. Legend has it that this icon was once aboard a ship that was marooned off Positano’s coast. The sailors alleged they heard it calling to be put down. The captain of the ship interpreted the incident as the Virgin wanting to be left in the town. The icon was given to the church and the ship travelled on.
View the collection of artworks along the walls and above altars. See the winged cherubs and domed arches in the painting of the Circumcision by Fabrizio Santafede. Explore the crypt where, during renovations, a Roman villa was discovered. The villa has a number of well-preserved frescoes with depictions of seahorses, cupids and griffins.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is open daily and admission is free. It is visible from most parts of Positano and is located metres away from the main beach.
