Maiori

Maiori is a wonderful village on the Amalfi Coast located between Amalfi and Cetara, in the province of Salerno and is one of the main attractions of this lively and popular resort.

This is partly thanks to its large beach, with about 1 km of fine and coarse sand. In fact, on the Amalfi Coast it is very unusual to find such expansive and sandy beaches.

The main beach of Maiori, which was formed in 1954 following a violent flood, is located in the immediate vicinity of the city center, and can be easily reached on foot by those who choose to stay in the village. It is equipped with bathing establishments, a rental service for sunbeds and umbrellas, bathrooms and showers, and behind it, there is a pleasant promenade with restaurants, bars and shops.

In the first half of 1900, Maiori was chosen by many famous people not only as a holiday destination, but also as a film set for their works. The director Roberto Rossellini was a great admirer of the Amalfi Coast and shot several of his masterpieces in Maiori, such as “Paisà”, “The Miracle”, “The machine kills bad guys” and “Love”.

The municipal area of the village has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, similar to the rest of the Amalfi Coast.

Attractions in Maiori

The Saracen Towers

The various Saracen Towers of which we find traces in the territory of Maiori had a defensive or sighting function.

They began to be built when the Maritime Republic of Amalfi was born, in the 11th century AD: because of the pirate raids, it was necessary to build the first watchtower, the Torre di Salicerchie, also known as the Norman Tower.

Among the most well preserved Saracen Towers of Maiori are: La Cerniola, the Torre di Badia, now a private home, and the Mezzacapo Tower, located between the territory of Maiori and Minori which today has become the main entrance to the castle.

The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare

The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare can be reached from the main street of Maiori. It is located on the promontory of Mount Torina and, in addition to the splendid view of its majolica dome, it also offers the opportunity to admire an attractive view of the city and the gulf. The church houses the wooden statue of the Virgin and Child, found in the sea after being thrown to lighten the load of a ship, a monumental polyphonic organ by Zeno Fedeli and the crypt which houses the remains of San Clemente.

Mezzocapo Castle

Built on a rocky spur, the Mezzacapo Castle, also known as Miramare, is a very special structure. Its light colors and harmonious shapes is a characteristic element. So much so that looking at it you might think it jumped out of one of those storybooks we loved so much as children.

Its location, just a few steps from the sea, helps to increase its aura of charm, literally turning your head from the moment of docking in the port of Maiori.

The story behind its construction is peculiar. One of the Mezzacapo marquises, during his stay in France, was really fascinated by a castle he visited on the banks of the Loire and just admiring it decided that he would replicate it in his Maiori.

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