Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

The heart of Positano, its cherished central gem. Very calm and peaceful inside.

Tour is amazing and super worth it! Cool ruins right beneath the city

After making our way down through Positano, we took a break from the bustling crowds and stopped at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a peaceful and serene spot just steps away from the beach. This 20-minute visit offered a welcome moment of tranquility, allowing us to take in the beauty of this historic landmark. The church is best known for its iconic majolica-tiled dome, which stands out in Positano’s skyline. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and reflective, with soft lighting highlighting the elegant architecture. The main attraction is the 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, which, according to local legend, was brought to Positano by Benedictine monks. The story goes that a group of sailors, carrying the icon, heard a divine voice commanding them to “posa, posa” (meaning “set me down”), leading them to bring the sacred image ashore—hence the name Positano. Spending some time here provided a perfect break from the heat and crowds, allowing us to soak in a bit of history and local culture. If you’re visiting Positano, this quick but meaningful stop is well worth it before continuing on to the beach or nearby cafés.

A must stop on your visit to Positano. The Church is very visible from the ferry as you pull in. It's highly decorated and ornate.

A little run down on the outside and full baroque interior. From the old days of a poor village.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Positano is a truly enchanting destination that made my visit to this coastal town even more memorable. Situated in the heart of Positano, this church is a captivating blend of historical charm and spiritual significance. The intricate facade and well-preserved interior showcase a remarkable display of artistic craftsmanship, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Biggest church in positano, must visit, dont miss

Beautiful and welcoming. I had the fortune to attend mass on Pascua 2022 Really special! For some reason, the outside steps always smell like urine from what/who, I don’t know?

You must have seen its dome in the foreground of Positano landscapes. The church's colorful majolica tiled dome is one of the town's iconic symbols, its pattern of yellow, green and blue tiles shining against the blue sky and the Mediterranean Sea. Famous for its fashion design and nearly vertical setting with colorful villas stacked one on top of another up the cliff side, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is an important part of Positano's cultural, religious and architectural landscape. The church is one of the town's most prominent and photographed sights, as it is located right in the center of Positano just a few steps from the Marina Grande beach. Walking along the beach or through the narrow staircases lined with boutiques, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is always at the center of attention. Most of the staircases leading up from the Marina Grande Beach pass behind or through the small piazza in front of the church. From there you can enjoy the view of the façade of the church and the 18th-century bell tower.