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Architecture, PHOTOGRAPHY, Scala · February 20, 2009

Ruins of the Basilica di Sant’Eustachio

Since starting Ciao Amalfi last month, I have already had the pleasure of meeting so many friendly and interesting people who, like me, share a love of this part of the world. Reader Chef Chuck, whose family heritage is from the Amalfi Coast area, left a comment to a post earlier this week asking about the ruins of the Basilica di Sant’Eustachio. The conversation inspired me go through the photos I have taken over the past two years and pull out some of the best of Sant’Eustachio. Click on the slideshow above to see the photos larger.

The ruins are located in the city of Pontone, in the mountain valley above Amalfi. Sant’Eustachio was built in the second half of the twelfth century, and is an excellent example of the architectural exchanges between Italy and Sicily in the Middle Ages. The exterior apse is often compared to the stunning Cathedral of Monreale in Sicily, which was constructed at about the same time. The colorful details you might notice in my photographs on the exterior of the Sant’Eustachio are likely from the restoration work done in 2002 to stabilize the ruins. Photos prior to that show a more monochromatic facade. But don’t get me started on the topic of restoration! The ruins are a short walk from Scala or Pontone, and from there you have several options for where to continue your hike. When I see the ruins of Sant’Eustachio, perched as they are dominantly overlooking the valleys of Amalfi and Atrani, I imagine just how impressive the basilica would have been when it was built, with its colorful decorations, inlaid stonework and rows of marble columns. It must have been an imposing representation of the power and prestige of the important families that built Sant’Eustachio.

Posted In: Architecture, PHOTOGRAPHY, Scala

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Comments

  1. Scintilla @ Bell'Avventura says

    February 20, 2009 at 19:30

    You know, I’ve never been there!
    Why does summer have to be so hot, there are so many lovely places to visit. If it doesn’t pour at Easter, I’ll go then!

    Reply
  2. Chef Chuck says

    February 20, 2009 at 20:55

    Hi Laura,I truly appreciate these photos, they send chills threw my body.Plus, your writing is a mark of magnificence! I have never seen these views of my family ruin!! This is a wonderful day for me because of your kindness!
    Thanks So Much, and I feel I must do something for you one day.
    Thanks Again

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    February 21, 2009 at 16:36

    Ciao Scintilla! Yes, it certainly does get hot for hiking here in the summer. I have my fingers crossed for no rain over Easter, too!

    Ciao Chuck! You are very welcome! It was fun to go through my pictures from the past two years, as next week marks the two year anniversary of my first visit to the Amalfi Coast. Nice memories! It is a pleasure to share the photographs with you to enjoy. Thank you for your very kind comment!

    Reply
  4. joni magal says

    May 1, 2013 at 13:41

    Awesome
    can you mail me location map i will be in amalfi at the first week of july i want to visit this place
    thank you
    joni
    israel

    Reply
    • Laura says

      May 1, 2013 at 13:59

      Hi Joni, The ruins of this church are located in Scala – more precisely between the hamlets of Pontone and Minuta in Scala. You can drive to either hamlet, but to see the ruins closer you have to walk either up from Pontone or down from Minuta. But the walk is lovely! 🙂

      Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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