Marina di Vietri

Marina di Vietri is the first beach along the divine Amalfi Coast, set into the rocks of the Lattari Mountains. The town of Vietri sul Mare is above, famous for its colorful ceramics, while Marina is at the waterfront, down the steep hillside. At one end of the arched beach sits a squat square tower that once served as a look-out and part of the coastal defense system. From there curving along the coastline is a nice sandy beach that ends at a promontory. This is the beginning of the Amalfi Coast!

The focus is on the shore, but you'll also notice the church dedicated to St Anthony, built in 1607, whihch was once connected to the monastery; the order was later suppressed and turned into an orphanage (1864). The church's high altar shows a marvellous painting representing St Antony. The lovely ceramic floor and marble balustrade are admirable.

The chapel of the Madonna dell'Arco is interesting with its majolica floor and a ceramic icon portraying the Virgin, highlighting Vietri's skilled craftsmen. This church was inhabited for years by an hermit who used to inform the population when the town's fishermen were returning and sounded the alarm of impending dangers by ringing the bells.