The Village of Atrani – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Atrani, a small Italian municipality with 764 inhabitants in the province of Salerno, Campania, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its wonders.

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The Territory and History of Atrani

Stretching along the valley of the Dragone River and bordering Amalfi, Ravello, and Scala, Atrani—whose name derives from the cave formed by two hills—has origins that remain unknown to this day. Its history likely began in the 5th century AD, when many Romans, fleeing their lands due to barbarian invasions, settled along the coast. However, its existence was first documented in 596 through a letter from Pope Gregory the Great.

As a twin city of Amalfi and seat of the aristocracy, Atrani once extended as far as Castiglione (today part of Ravello). Within its territory stood the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena Penitente, the Castle of Supramonte, and the coastal tower of Tumulo (or San Francesco). Known for its textile production and its role in the socio-economic development of the Duchy of Amalfi, the village also enjoyed a flourishing religious life, hosting six monasteries, though it endured long domination by Alexandrian mercenaries.

Later incorporated into the Principality of Salerno along with Amalfi, Atrani suffered the consequences of the 1343 tsunami and the Great Plague of 1643. It later became the site of Masaniello’s return and benefited from public improvements carried out first by Joseph Bonaparte and then by Joachim Murat.

Monuments and Places of Interest in Atrani

Despite its small size, Atrani boasts numerous monuments that make it a place of great interest for both visitors and residents. The most important is undoubtedly the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, built by the people of Atrani in 1274 to honor the saint who freed them from Alexandrian domination. The church is notable for its majolica tiles, its façade—the only example of Rococo style in Amalfi—and its many 18th- and 19th-century works and statues, including The Magdalene between Saints Sebastian and Andrew by Giovanni Angelo D’Amato.

Other significant sites include:

• The Cave and House of Masaniello, where the revolutionary is said to have taken refuge while pursued by the viceroy’s soldiers.
• The Church of San Salvatore de’ Birecto, where the dukes were crowned during the Republic of Amalfi.
• The Cave of the Saints, a natural cavity decorated with Byzantine-style frescoes depicting the four evangelists.
• The Church of Santa Maria del Bando, famous for a fresco depicting a hanging from the 15th century and for preserving an urn containing the ashes of a freedman of either Claudius or Nero.

Curiosities about Atrani

Listed both as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, Atrani is admired for its charming alleys, stairways, and houses. It has often served as a film set and was even immortalized in Maurits Cornelis Escher’s painting Metamorphosis II.

The village is also known for its many Catholic festivities, such as:

• Holy Thursday, when the Battenti (penitents) carry the statue of the Holy Crucifix in procession.
• The Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena, celebrated three times a year with processions and fireworks.

How to Reach Atrani

Located just 1 km from Amalfi, Atrani can be reached in several ways:

• By Plane: From Naples Capodichino Airport, take a shuttle bus or private transfer to Naples Central Station. From there, take a train or SITA bus toward Salerno. Once at Salerno Central Station, take the SITA bus (Salerno–Amalfi) and request a stop at the large bridge crossing the village.
• By Train: Take a Frecciarossa or Italo train to Salerno Station, then a SITA bus to Amalfi with a stop at Atrani.
• By Car: Take the A3 Naples/Salerno highway, exit at Vietri sul Mare, and follow the SS163 coastal road for about 20 km to reach the town.

Don’t miss the beauty of this enchanting village!