The bell towers of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages but also for its truly unique religious architecture. In this post we take you on a discovery of some of the most beautiful bell towers on the Amalfi Coast.

Church of San Gennaro Vescovo e Martire in Praiano

If we talk about bell towers on the Amalfi Coast, we cannot fail to mention the Church of San Gennaro Vescovo e Martire in Praiano. Located in the square of the same name, it was erected between 1589 and 1602 on the remains of an earlier 13th-century church, also dedicated to San Gennaro. Theelegant bell tower, dating back to the 18th century, consists of five superimposed orders. The first three are square with the third bearing a round clock on majolica tiles on its front side. The fourth and fifth orders are octagonal in plan. The spire is in the shape of a pyramidal bulb and is covered with Vietri-made two-coloured majolica tiles. Not to be missed is the spectacular view from the square.

Amalfi Cathedral

Amalfi Cathedral, also known as St Andrew’s Cathedral, is one of the best-loved and most photographed monuments on the entire coast. It synthesises in the variety of styles and inspirations the Mediterranean vocation that has made Amalfi great in history. The architectural complex is made up of two once distinct buildings: the cathedral built from 987 onwards next to the ancient Basilica del Crocifisso, built in the 9th century. Next to the cathedral stands the bell tower, built in several stages between the 12th and 13th centuries. The bell tower, characterised by interlaced arches marked by a series of yellow and green majolica tiles, shows a clear Moorish influence. According to a ranking by Hundredrooms, the bell tower of Amalfi Cathedral is among the 20 most beautiful in Italy.

Church of St John the Baptist in Vietri sul Mare

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is the main religious building in Vietri sul Mare. It was founded in the 10th century but its current layout, in Neapolitan late Renaissance style, dates back to the early 17th century, when it was entirely rebuilt under the direction of architect Matteo Vitale. On the left side of the façade stands the majestic bell tower, which reaches a height of about 36 metres. It consists of six orders, four lower ones with a square base and two upper ones with a hexagonal base, at the apex of which there is a small dome with a raised arch, covered in bright yellow, green and blue majolica tiles. The third order houses a clock and the fourth the large bell.

Collegiate Church of St Mary Magdalene

The Collegiate Church of St Mary Magdalene stands in an environmental position of outstanding and rare beauty, right in front of the sea. It was built in the 13th century as a thanksgiving from the people of Atrani to the Saint for having freed the town from occupation by Manfredi’s Saracen mercenaries. But over time it has undergone numerous alterations to make the structure’s statics safer. The church has an elegant 16th-century bell tower made of brown tuff, consisting of five storeys: the first three square, the last two octagonal. All connecting architectural elements are in grey tuff. The Feast of St Mary Magdalene is celebrated on 22 July, with the traditional procession.

Annunziata Bell Tower in Minori

Photo © Hiking the Amalfi Coast

Finally, we would like to point out the Bell Tower of the Annunziata in Minori. The church, dating back to the 11th century, was demolished in 1950 because it was in a dilapidated condition. In addition to the bell tower, parts of the crypt and the two apses, which contain remains of frescoes depicting St Michael, still survive. The bell tower, which towers over the entire town of Minori, is an extraordinary example of the architectural use of two-colour tufa inlays. Square in plan, it has a circular belfry, with a dome and decorations of the bearing elements of the mullioned windows obtained by alternating grey and yellow tuff.