Things to do in Atrani, one of the finest hamlet in Italy

Atrani is a small town in Campania, situated close to Amalfi. Despite its small size, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, from the architectural, historical and artistic point of view. Atrani attractions are numerous and it's not hard to find something to see.

Nestled between the steep cliffs overlooking the sea of Mount Civita to the east and Mount Aureo to the west, the village of Atrani looks almost like a nativity scene, especially at night when it's illuminated, having preserved the original structure made of alleys, arches, courtyards and squares, dating back to the Middle Ages.

First attraction of Atrani is the Church of San Salvatore de Birecto, where took place the coronation of the highest government authorities, the Doges, whose a cap was solemnly placed on the head. Rebuilt in neoclassical style, in fact, the church is very old and was founded in 940. It has high reliefs in Byzantine style and anthropomorphic figures from Lombard.

At the foot of the mountain there is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, built in 1274, which has a Baroque facade and a bell tower on a square base that stands over the village. Inside you'll find a painting by a local artist, depicting "The incredulity of St. Thomas", and a Roman cinerary urn of white marble.

Right next the church there is the Grotta of Masaniello, below which lies the maternal house of the famous Neapolitan popular leader, built on top of 500 steps. But the cave not to be missed is the Grotta of Saints, so called because of the Byzantine-style frescoes on the walls depicting the four evangelists and dating from the Twelfth century. The entrance to this small cave, which opens onto a terrace planted with lemon trees, is surrounded by one of the supporting arches of a water channel.

Finally, it's worth mentioning also the small beach of Atrani, collected and protected, from which the lamps depart for fishing in the evening, and whose lights are one of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea you can have.