Explore 10th-century churches, an ancient watchtower and narrow winding streets in this village in the hills above Amalfi.
Amalfi’s clergy and nobility once chose Pontone as their holiday destination of choice and the pretty village is still just as popular today. You’ll find churches, bell towers and old buildings still as beautiful now as they were hundreds of years ago.
Life moves slowly in Pontone and the morning is best enjoyed lingering over a cup of coffee in the main square. Locals will happily spend many hours chatting over pastry and espressos in the cafés here.
When you’re ready to move on, walk across the square to the Church of John the Baptist. The 12th-century church is known for its Baroque paintings, including Aniello Iannicelli’s renowned 16th-century work The Circumcision. See the tomb of Knight Philip Spina that dates back to 1346, and the wooden altarpiece that tells stories from the life of John the Baptist.
Explore the rest of the town on foot. See the Church of San Filippo Neri. The building dates back to the 10th century and houses Baroque paintings and a 14th-century stucco crucifix. Look down to admire the majolica tiles as you pace the floor of the chapel. The Church of Santa Maria del Carmine is as old as the Middle Ages, although its interior was renovated in the 18th century.
Look for signs pointing you in the direction of the Torre dello Zirro. This watchtower dating back to the 14th or 15th century is a short walk from town and is famous for its tragic story. The Duchess of Malfi, or Giovanna of Aragon, was said to have been imprisoned here with her children and left to die as punishment for marrying again after her first husband’s death.
Pontone lies in the mountains above Amalfi. Climb hundreds of stone steps that link the two towns for breathtaking views along the way. If you don’t want to walk, drive or catch a bus. Pontone is 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Amalfi along the coast road.
