The majolica floors of the Amalfi Coast
There is no church on the Amalfi Coast that does not have a floor made of ‘riggiole’, i.e., majolica tiles from the ancient ‘faenzere’ (the workshops where clay was worked) developed mainly in Vietri sul Mare, a town that boasts a long tradition of ceramic work (there are historical records of ‘maiolicari’ and their kilns as early as the 15th century).
Among the countless religious buildings on the Amalfi Coast decorated with beautiful majolica floors, we have selected six that we recommend everyone visit.
The Church of St Luca the Evangelist in Praiano
In the centre of the upper part of Praiano, a few minutes’ walk from our boutique hotel, is the Church of St. Luca the Evangelist, dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Of elegant Baroque design, it was built in 1588 on the site of an earlier church and rebuilt in 1772. It is distinguished by its majolica-tiled dome grafted directly onto the apse, which is very rare on the coast. Inside, in addition to several valuable works, one can admire a magnificent floor made of Vietri majolica, dating back to 1789, showing in all its chromatic splendour a floral repertoire framing in the centre the image of Saint Luke depicted in the act of painting.
The Church of St Gennaro Bishop and Martyr in Praiano
Also in Praiano, in the hamlet of Vettica Maggiore (about one kilometre from our boutique hotel), is the Church of St Gennaro Bishop and Martyr, which is definitely worth a visit. In ancient times, it was the main church in the village and its origin dates back to around the 11th-12th century. However, the one we can admire today was built between 1589 and 1602. On the outside, the beautiful and colourful dome in traditional Amalfi style stands out, while inside you can admire, among other things, a marvellous majolica floor (the original from 1771 has been replaced by a copy from 1966) reproducing polychrome geometries and strongly coloured floral elements.
The Church of St Peter the Apostle in Tramonti
Also worthy of note is the Church of St Peter the Apostle in the village of Figlino, a hamlet in the municipality of Tramonti. Of Byzantine origins, during the 18th century it was enriched with a new decorative apparatus and acquired a Baroque appearance, with fine stucco ornaments of the Vaccari school. The polychrome majolica floor (in this case from the Capodimonte school) that covers the entire church also dates back to this period. Of considerable artistic value and Rococo in taste, it depicts scenes of peacocks, symbol of eternity, and lemons, symbol of belonging to the Amalfi Coast territory.
The Church of Saint Anthony Abbot in Vietri sul Mare
In Vietri sul Mare, at Marina, is the Church of Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of animals but also patron of ceramists and those who work with fire. Founded in 1607 on the ruins of an ancient pagan temple, it has a single nave with six side chapels. In the 18th century, when the building was renovated, the floor was assembled in Vietri majolica, which was then replaced around 1850 by a similar one that still exists today. It reproduces colourful geometric motifs.
The Church of St Mary of Graces in Positano
In Montepertuso, the most densely populated hamlet of Positano, stands the Church of St Mary of Graces, also known as the ‘New’ Church following renovations carried out in the second half of the 18th century. There is no certain information on its foundation, but it is known that it was rebuilt on an earlier 11th-century chapel. The building, one of the main monuments of the Baroque period on the Amalfi Coast, is embellished with a very fine polychrome majolica tiled floor with phytomorphic decorations, i.e. reproducing stylised plant or floral motifs.
The Cathedral of Scala
Scala Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Lawrence Martyr (the town’s patron saint), is an authentic jewel that brings together many different styles. Built in the 11th century, it has undergone numerous transformations over time. Inside, it houses countless works of art. Of particular interest is the terracotta and hand-painted majolica floor, of the Neapolitan school. In the central part of the nave, the majolica tiles depict the symbols of the town, namely a staircase and a lion, while in the transept, little angels and floral decorations frame the gridiron, the instrument symbolising the martyrdom of St Lawrence.
Photo © Discover Scala
