Visiting Maratea, the village overlooked by the Christ the Redeemer

Dating back to the medieval era, the village of Maratea is considered one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.”

This recognition is due in part to the extraordinary Statue of Christ the Redeemer, which watches over the village from above.

In more recent times, after the world wars, Maratea was chosen by the Rivetti group as the site of one of the first industrial plants financed by the Cassa per il Mezzogiorno. At the same time, it became a true center of excellence for tourism.

What to see in Maratea

Rich in history and art, Maratea offers numerous places to visit. Among its churches stand out Santa Maria Maggiore (15th century, rebuilt in the 19th), the Annunziata, with its 16th-century painting of the Annunciation, and the Immacolata, with a 14th-century fresco in its crypt. The small Church of San Vito, the highest point of the village, preserves precious medieval frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Near Santa Maria Maggiore lies Palazzo De Lieto, which has served as a hospital, town hall, and school, and today houses an art gallery and exhibitions. Among the civil monuments are the Column of San Biagio (1758), patron saint of the city, the Obelisk of the Addolorata (1788), and the fountain with La Sirena (1996) in Piazza Vitolo, a work by Alessandro Romano.

Completing the charm of Maratea, on the mountain overlooking the village rises the majestic Christ the Redeemer of Maratea, symbol of the city and a spectacular panoramic viewpoint, visible from kilometers away and beloved by both residents and visitors.

Traditions & Events

The Feast of the Translation of the Relics of San Biagio is celebrated from the Saturday before the first Sunday of May until the following Sunday. According to an agreement from 1781, on Thursday the silver simulacrum of the saint is carried from the Castle to the village in a moving procession. Covered with a red mantle, it is unveiled upon arrival, amid the devotion of the faithful. On the Saturday before the second Sunday of the month, the statue is carried in procession through the square and the alleys of the historic center.

Maratea offers an atmosphere from another time: narrow alleys, stone stairways, flowered balconies, small churches, and artisan workshops create an enchanting mosaic of colors and traditions. Walking through this village means immersing yourself in its history and experiencing an authentic journey where spirituality and beauty blend harmoniously.

What to see around Maratea

The surroundings of Maratea reveal places of extraordinary beauty. To the north, the beaches of Acquafredda and Cersuta offer crystal-clear waters and striking cliffs. To the south, the medieval village of Trecchina and the pristine waters of Sapri enchant visitors.

Not to be missed is the Pollino National Park, ideal for excursions amid wild nature and breathtaking landscapes. And of course, the Christ the Redeemer of Maratea, symbol of the city, from which one enjoys a spectacular view of the Gulf of Policastro.

Maratea awaits you—don’t miss the chance to combine the crystal-clear sea with the cultural richness of this enchanting village.

(cover photo credits: Copula)