Immerse yourself in famed medieval history at this hillside village on the Amalfi Coast, where religious and cultural artefacts, and natural beauty abound.
Step back in time at the friendly seaside village of Pontone, where churches, bell towers and buildings are steeped in medieval history. Once a holiday area for Amalfi’s influential clergy and nobility, today this cliff-top town is a charming and friendly destination for all visitors travelling along the Amalfi Coast.
Start your day with a coffee in Pontone’s main square where you can sit and relax with the locals and watch people as they pass by. Explore the town on foot, beginning on the square with the Church of John the Baptist. This 12th-century church is renowned for its collection of baroque paintings. The most famous is The Circumcision painted in 1590 by Aniello Iannicelli. Admire other paintings such as the life of John the Baptist on the wooden altarpiece and read the 1346 inscription on the tomb of Knight Philip Spina.
Visit the Church of San Filippo Neri, built in the 10th century as a dedication to San Matteo Evangelista. Notice the majolica tiled floor and the baroque canvases above the altar. Step into the small chapel where there is a crucifix made from stucco from the 14th century. Walk to the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine and see the bell tower that dates back to the Middle Ages and the interior which was renovated in the 18th century.
Hike up the trail to the famed Torre dello Zirro, a watchtower built between the 14th and 15th century. This is the site of the tragic story of Giovanna of Aragon, known as the Duchess of Malfi. The Duchess was accused of having an affair not long after the death of her husband. Her brothers imprisoned her and her children here where they were left to die.
Pontone is 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Amalfi and is accessible by car or SITA bus. For those who enjoy hiking, you can climb the steep stone steps from Amalfi that go up the mountain.
