Conca de Marini
If you’re a fan of the sea, you’ll enjoy a holiday in Conca de Marini. This is a commune and town where life in all of its aspects seems forever linked to the sea.
Conca dei Marini is on the southwest edge of Italy and one of the city’s major attractions, found in Grado (the village’s upper part) is the Church of Santa Maria di Grado. This church traces its roots back 1100 years, to the ninth century. After its original construction, it was later destroyed, but then rebuilt a hundred years later. You can still see part of the original building, where modifications were made to it through the centuries.
There’s so much to see at this church that it can be a trip in itself. There’s a gate that’s covered with religious symbols that is perfect for photographs, this gate leads into a long, narrow courtyard which is surrounded by a wall that dates back to the 18th century, this wall was designed to guard the Cloister.
You’ll also want to see the big door’s threshold, as it was created re-using the Reverend Pietro Coltellino’s tombstone, Coltellino was a 17th century rector at the church.
Also fascinating about the church are three smaller chapels. They are on each side of a choir area which is surrounded by a parapet that is made of wood and covered in gold.
Be sure to look closely at the flooring, as it’s been there since 1750 and is still quite beautiful. The bell tower is also worth a visit; it looks much like the Amalfi Cathedral’s bell tower, though it’s a bit smaller.
But the church is not all you’ll want to see in Conca de Marini. Be sure to visit the Saracen Tower, found at Capo di Conca. This 16th century tower was used for defensive purposes and is one of the most spectacular you’ll find on the Amalfi Coast.
History and the sea are the two things that mysteriously draw thousands of visitors each year to Conca de Marini.
