Santa Maria Assunta Church

Positano, Italy

The history of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is closely linked to the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, which, according to oral tradition, was built when a Byzantine icon of the Virgin was brought to Positano and venerated in our church thereafter.

The abbey allegedly dates back to the second half of the 10h century. It was mentioned for the first time in a manuscript of the late 11th century.

The years of commendatory abbots was mostly negative for our church. Its architectural traces were almost totally lost, while the church started to fall into decay, in spite of continuous reproaches by Amalfi archbishops and a thorough rebuilding at the beginning of the 17th century. The last commendatory abbot, Liborio Manna from Naples, was deprived of his power by the local clergy, which, in 1777, started restoring the church. The works lasted about five years.

The interior has a nave and two aisles, with five arches, corresponding, along the aisles, to five chapels on each side. When approaching the high altar from the entry, we may admire the chapels of St. Blaise, of the Immaculate Conception, of St. Anthony and St. Anne on the right. The altar of the Circumcision is on the right end, with a valuable painting by Fabrizio Santafede (1599). The chapel of St. Steven, on the right of the high altar, houses the wooden statue of Our Lady with Infant Christ. Above the high altar a small temple opens up with a recently restored Byzantine icon. On the apse sides, the walnut chorus features two niches, lodging Our Lady of Sorrows on the right and a valuable Christ at the column by Michele Trilocco (1798) on the left.

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Address

Via Savino 4, Positano, Italy
See all sites in Positano

Details

Founded: 10th century
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

chiesapositano.it

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


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National Archaeological Museum (32 km)
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User Reviews

Akis Roubos (39 days ago)
Beautiful church in a beautiful village.
John Pozadzides (46 days ago)
This beautiful small church isn't the equal of those you'll find in major cities, but it's made all the more impressive by the challenging location on which it was built. If you're in Positano it's definitely a must see attraction, and it's located right in the middle of everything.
NNENNA NWARIE (3 months ago)
Beautiful....with a good view of the sea.....A good place to wed....The priests are welcoming
Michele Marshall (8 months ago)
Recent trip to Positano we visited the church to light a candle for my husbands mother and grandfather who were born in Positano. Wonderful to know they have Sunday mass in English at 7PM. We attended with our Daughter Jennie, named for her Great Grandmother and her daughter Giuliana her husband Paul and his family. The next generations of the Fiorentino family. Was an amazing vintage church with so many artifacts and history. A MUST see, stunning church and a memorable experience for us.
Virtual Resident (10 months ago)
Beautiful Church in Positano which is very hard to miss! This is along your way whether your are heading to the beach or the sea side / waterfront restaurants. The beach can be viewed from the facade of the church and around the church are little shops. Inside the church you will be amazed by the intricate designs and decorations.
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