Church of Santa Maria Assunta
A historic church in Positano, famed for its vibrant majolica dome and the legend of the Black Madonna, with ancient Roman ruins below.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church in Positano, famed for its vibrant majolica dome and the legend of the Black Madonna, with ancient Roman ruins below.
"A peaceful and serene spot offering a welcome moment of tranquility and a glimpse into history."
📸 Capture the Dome's Glory
The majolica dome is a must-see! Get your best shots from the beach or ferry for a stunning perspective.
🤫 Seek Serenity Inside
Step inside for a peaceful break from the bustle. The calm interior offers a moment of reflection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majolica-Tiled Dome
Positano
The iconic, vibrant majolica-tiled dome is a stunning visual landmark visible from afar.

Byzantine Icon of the Black Madonna
Interior
A 13th-century sacred icon with a captivating legend behind its arrival in Positano.

Roman Villa Ruins
Underneath the church (Positano)
Discover ancient Roman villa ruins, accessible via the church's crypt, offering a glimpse into history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Understanding the Icon's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Dome's Glory
The majolica dome is a must-see! Get your best shots from the beach or ferry for a stunning perspective.
🤫 Seek Serenity Inside
Step inside for a peaceful break from the bustle. The calm interior offers a moment of reflection.
⏳ Book Your Villa Time
If visiting the Roman villa ruins, check opening times and consider booking in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Easy Beach Access
Located just steps from the beach, it's a perfect stop before or after a seaside visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Dome's Glory
The majolica dome is a must-see! Get your best shots from the beach or ferry for a stunning perspective.
🤫 Seek Serenity Inside
Step inside for a peaceful break from the bustle. The calm interior offers a moment of reflection.
⏳ Book Your Villa Time
If visiting the Roman villa ruins, check opening times and consider booking in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Easy Beach Access
Located just steps from the beach, it's a perfect stop before or after a seaside visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano to be a peaceful and historically rich stop, particularly noted for its iconic tiled dome and the intriguing legend of the Black Madonna. The discovery of ancient Roman villa ruins beneath the church adds a significant archaeological dimension. It's often described as a worthwhile, brief visit offering tranquility amidst the bustling coastal town.
"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."
I. Morgan
"Biggest church in positano, must visit, dont miss"
Ramez Salem
"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."
Michael Boroczk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is centrally located in Positano, easily accessible on foot from the main beach area. If arriving by ferry, it's a short walk inland. For those coming from further afield, consider local buses or taxis to reach Positano's center.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Como is located near the lake and is a prominent landmark. It's generally accessible by public transport within the city of Como.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Venice (also known as the Frari Church) is accessible by Vaporetto (water bus) to the San Tomà stop, followed by a short walk.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Mosta, Malta, is a significant landmark and is generally accessible within the town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entrance to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Pisa's 'Square of Miracles' is free, you need to obtain a ticket to reserve a specific time slot at the ticket office.
Generally, visiting the main church area in Positano is free, offering a peaceful respite. However, access to specific areas like the crypt or the Roman villa ruins may have separate fees or require booking.
Opening hours can vary by location and season. It's advisable to check the specific hours for the Church of Santa Maria Assunta you plan to visit, especially if you wish to see the Roman villa ruins in Positano.
Yes, visiting the Roman villa ruins beneath the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano typically requires a ticket and may have specific visiting times.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, steeped in local legend. The church's serene atmosphere and elegant architecture are also highlights.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Pisa is a magnificent example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Square of Miracles.'
This church, also known as the Mosta Rotunda, is famous for its impressive circular plan and its dome, which miraculously survived a bomb during WWII.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Como is a significant religious and architectural monument, located near the lake and noted for its dome designed by Filippo Juvara.
Known as the Frari Church, it's a grand Gothic basilica housing significant artworks by Titian and Donatello, and it's a major pilgrimage site.
📸 📸 Photography
For the Positano church, the beach offers a fantastic vantage point for the iconic dome. From the water, like a ferry, you can capture its full splendor.
Photography rules can vary. While general photos of the architecture are often permitted, it's respectful to check for any restrictions, especially near sacred icons or during services.
Photography is generally allowed in the exterior areas of the Square of Miracles, but inside the cathedral, it's best to be discreet and check for specific signage regarding photo policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Black Madonna
Visitors often find the icon to be a focal point of their visit, drawn to its historical significance and the compelling narrative surrounding it. The atmosphere inside the church is described as calm and reflective, allowing visitors to contemplate the icon and its story.
Unearthing Ancient History: The Roman Villa
This subterranean site provides a fascinating contrast to the church above, offering a tangible connection to the region's ancient past. Visitors can witness the remnants of Roman life, gaining insight into the history of the area long before the church was built. It's a highly recommended experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Architectural Marvels Across Italy
Como boasts its own Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a notable monument near the lake, distinguished by its dome designed by Filippo Juvara. Meanwhile, in Venice, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, commonly known as the Frari Church, is a vast Gothic basilica renowned for its impressive artworks and historical importance. Each of these churches, while sharing a name, offers a distinct architectural and cultural experience, reflecting the diverse artistic heritage of Italy.
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