From Ceramics to Festivals: Experience the Allure of Vietri sul Mare
At dawn, when the sun rises over the Mediterranean and the Amalfi Coast, the whole coast comes back to life. The houses in Vietri sul Mare, which are still a little sleepy, light up in pink and then white, while seagulls sing to the sun in the wind.
A Busy and Happy Crowd
On the pier, in the port, and in the small streets of the town, you can feel the first steps, which in a few hours turn into a busy and happy crowd, just like in the most unique and real seaside towns of Campania. Vietri sul Mare is in the province of Salerno. It has about 8,000 residents and gets a lot of visitors. From an elevated spot halfway between the beach and the hills, you can see the Mediterranean.
A World Heritage Site
A Center of Life and Culture
Vietri sul Mare, along with the rest of the Amalfi Coast, was named a “World Heritage Site” in 1997. It is a center of life, culture, historical evidence, and traditions that go back hundreds of years. But it is also a place where you can have fun and relax at the same time. With its seaside village and comfortable places to stay, it is perfect for people who need to recharge before going home.
Architectural Gems
Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 17th century in the style of the late Neapolitan Renaissance, is one of the architectural gems of the center. Its bell tower is topped by beautiful, colorful ceramics. Inside, there is only one nave, and all of the altars are made of ceramics or majolica, except for the one in the middle, which is made of marble. The valuable paintings were made between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Archconfraternity of the Annunziata del Rosario
Also worth seeing is the Archconfraternity of the Annunziata del Rosario, which dates back to the fourteenth century and has a decorated facade and an interior frescoed in the eighteenth century. Also worth seeing are the smaller towns in the area of Vietri sul Mare, such as the Molina hamlet, which is full of water mills, and Raito, which has a beautiful church from the sixteenth century called Santa Maria delle Grazie.
A History of Ceramics
The Solimene Ceramic Factory
But the best thing about Vietri sul Mare is that it has a long history of making ceramics. The Solimene ceramic factory, a post-war building designed by Paolo Soleri, is full of beautiful works of art that have made Vietri sul Mare famous in Italy and around the world.
Ancient Traditions and Modern Influences
The first written records of majolica date back to the 15th century, when simple terracotta “langellas” were made. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the first industrial developments took place, thanks in part to the area’s good location: close to the Tyrrhenian trade, with good water resources and hills full of wood.
The typical furnaces had three floors and made thousands of different kinds of objects. The bright colors and traditional patterns on the objects reminded people of the colors of the earth and the lights in the landscape.
Shepherds and peasant women, rural scenes with churches and country cottages, animals hiding in the forest, sun and Mediterranean scrub, and the blue sea in the background—these are the scenes that can be seen on vases, plates, and other ceramic items. Starting in the 1930s of the 20th century, craftsmen and artists from other countries, especially from Germany and the Netherlands, added to these scenes.
Many demonstrations, events, and festivals are held in Vietri sul Mare at different times of the year. This is proof that the culture and traditions of the area are alive and well.
In June, the Fin National Swimming Competition is held, and on the 24th, Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint, is honored. In the summer, the “Journey through Ceramics” National Prize is given out, and an international piano competition takes place.
How to get there
You have several options for how to get to Vietri sul Mare. If you fly, you’ll land at Naples Capodichino airport. If you take the train, you can get to Salerno station, which is connected to Naples Central, and then take a bus or taxi to your destination. Those coming by car from the north must take the A3 Napoli-Pompeii-Salerno highway and get off at Vietri sul Mare. Those coming from the south must take the A30 Caserta-Salerno highway, get off at Salerno, and follow the signs for the Amalfi Coast.
When you get there, you’ll fall in love with the Mediterranean climate at first sight. It’s always mild and pleasant, with hot, windy summers and mild, never harsh winters.
In January, which is the coldest month, the average temperature is between 4°C and 12°C. In July and August, the average temperature is between 18°C and 29°C. In the summer, it doesn’t rain much, but on average, it rains for 13 days straight in December.
