Destinations · Campania
Vietri sul Mare the gateway to the Amalfi Coast
The first town on the Amalfi Coast coming from Salerno, and the capital of hand-painted ceramics: majolica domes, workshops and colour everywhere.
Five centuries of ceramics
Ceramics have been made in Vietri for centuries: its workshops produced tiles and tableware for the whole Kingdom of Naples. Colour has become the symbol of the town, from shop signs to church domes.
The majolica-clad dome of the Duomo di San Giovanni Battista is the first sign of the Amalfi Coast for anyone arriving from Salerno.
Artists from northern Europe
Between the two world wars, ceramicists from Germany and northern Europe came to Vietri and renewed the traditional style. After the war the architect Paolo Soleri designed the Solimene factory, with its façade of vases.
The Ceramics Museum, in the hamlet of Raito, tells this story.
Not to be missed in Vietri sul Mare
The ceramics workshops
Hand-painted pieces to take home.
Duomo di San Giovanni Battista
The majolica dome above the sea.
Solimene factory
Paolo Soleri’s post-war building.
Ceramics Museum
In Raito, at Villa Guariglia.
Marina di Vietri and the Due Fratelli
The twin rocks off the beach.
The view over Salerno
The gulf from the top of the town.
Before you go
Naples–Salerno motorway, Vietri exit.
Longer if you want to shop.
The workshops are open in winter too.
Or as the start of the Amalfi Coast tour.
Buying ceramics? No problem: we keep them in the van, well protected, until we’re back at your hotel.
Approximate times, without traffic.
Vietri and its ceramics, less than an hour from Naples.
Tolls and parking are always included. Carlo checks availability and replies within 24 hours.
