Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
The dome gives it away first — a skin of green and yellow majolica tiles that catches the sun above Atrani's rooftops and holds your eye long before you reach the church itself. Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena sits on a promontory above the village, its façade the only Rococo frontage on the entire Amalfi Coast, its brown tuff bell tower rising through five storeys from square to octagonal against the Gulf of Salerno.
Step inside and the building's medieval bones show through the 19th-century remodelling: three naves separated by polychrome marble pillars, a 16th-century painting of the Incredulity of San Tommaso, and a 1576 polyptych by Giovan Angelo D'Amato. In a glass case near the altar, strands of hair, bone fragments, a shred of robe, and a sliver said to come from the Cross of Jesus are kept on permanent display.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to time it for July 22nd, the feast of St Mary Magdalene — a solemn procession through Atrani's lanes followed by fireworks over the gulf. Those who miss the date often catch a weekday vespers instead, which is typically the only reliable window to get inside outside of summer, when volunteers occasionally open the doors during daylight hours.
The story behind Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
The church was founded in 1274 on the remains of an ancient watchtower, whose walls were folded into what became the transept. Its origins are bound to a 12th-century conflict: when the people of Atrani sided with the papacy against Manfred the Norman, mercenary sailors were sent to punish them. The town's eventual deliverance was credited to Mary Magdalene, and the church was built as an act of collective thanksgiving.
Centuries of use took their toll. By 1570 the building had fallen into precarious condition and was restored through funds raised by the townspeople themselves. A buttress was added outside the sacristy in 1669, the nave was enlarged in 1753, and in 1852 Salerno architect Lorenzo Casalbore gave the interior much of the form it holds today. Pope Clement XI elevated it to a Collegiate Church in 1706.
Good to know
The church opens primarily for religious services — weekday vespers and holiday masses — though summer brings volunteer-led daytime access. From Amalfi, it's a ten-minute walk through the pedestrian tunnel or a €1.50 SITA bus ride. Give yourself a morning here rather than an afternoon detour.
Where is Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena?
More tickets & tours for Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
The place is so beautiful from outside and the link to Escher is fantastic. We walked through Atrani. After Amalfi it felt so peaceful. Perhaps too quiet, and nearly empty. Not much to do or explore. While going upward in the road we found outdoors exhibitions dedicated to Escher. Notice: there is a tunnel for walking safely from Amalfi, look for it.
Bit of a hike to get there. But a beautiful place and fantastic views
Located on the coast of the small town of Atrani, the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary Magdalene 'Penitente' is a monastic gem of the Amalfi Coast. Often I found it closed and unfortunately I was unable to visit it.
Absolutely love staying in Atrani!! Extremely nice locals, quiet, incredible local food. I felt like I was a native to Italy!
One of the most famous views on Amalfi coast. It is breath taking and even though there is not much to do in Atrani it is a must visit place on your Amalfi trip. And since it is right between Ravello and Amalfi you can not miss it.
More of Atrani
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Atrani →More attractions in Atrani
All of Atrani →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.