La Torre dello Ziro has always been high on my list of favourites and on Sunday when two of my fellow hikers said that they had never been, we adapted our planned itinerary to include a visit to this magnificent ruin perched precariously high above the Amalfi Coast.
It was a brilliantly clear and sunny day and the sea was as smooth as oil and just as shiny, far down below.
As you approach the tower you get the most amazing aerial view of the little town of Atrani, but the best is still to come.
The actual tower has been restored and stands tall and imperious overlooking the coast. It has an unfortunate history: in the early 16th century, the Duchess of Amalfi, Giovanna D'Aragona, and her children were locked up in the tower and subsequently murdered due to her alleged infidelity with a court butler. The locals still say that it is haunted. However it is only when you walk through the narrow passageway between the crumbling outer walls that you get a stronger sense of history and realise its importance as a watch out point to defend Amalfi from the marauding Saracens.
Through the gap in the wall (that seems to be getting significantly bigger every time I go) you can see right down the coast to Maiori and beyond. From the other side, the roof tops, alleyways and bell tower of Amalfi draw your gaze downwards.
If you go in the springtime, pink asphodels lend a touch of colour and there is nothing better than eating your packed lunch within these ancient walls listening to the chatter of the cicalas.
Link to how to get there
Link to how to get there
Siamo i due” fellow hikers” che grazie alla disponibilità di Ruth hanno potuto “meravigliarsi” della bellezza di questa antica Torre dello Ziro a Pontone. Un posto suggestivo dalle vedute grandiose, che vanno a perdita d’occhio dai monti al mare della Divina Costiera. Ma dalla stessa torre, abbassando un poco lo sguardo, si ha la possibilità di scrutare da vicino; i tetti in cotto, le cupole maiolicate delle chiese, i vicoli antichi di Atrani e Amalfi, i due paesi che sotto di noi, si distendono assolati e splendenti come due bagnanti sulla riva del mare. Ed.
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