Church of San Gennaro
The blue and yellow tiled dome of San Gennaro is the thing you notice first from the main road through Praiano — it catches the light in a way that makes you slow down. The church sits above a wide square paved in majolica, and on a clear day the view from that square takes in a long sweep of coastline that the interior, cool and dim, makes you briefly forget.
Step inside and the building holds more than its modest exterior suggests: three naves, a barrel-vaulted central aisle, five side chapels, and a dome finished in polychrome ceramic tiles that shift from glare to glow depending on the hour.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to linger in the fifth chapel on the left, where the painting of the Martyrdom of St. Gennaro hangs, and again at the oddly moving 17th-century statue of the patron — silver-busted, assembled from a figure that long ago lost its hands and head. The majolica floor, a 1966 copy of the 1771 original, rewards a slow look.
The story behind Church of San Gennaro
A church on this site is documented from the 1300s, built under the patronage of the noble Amalfitan families Corsario and D'Alagno. The current structure — raised over those earlier foundations — was officially opened on August 18, 1589, with construction recorded as complete by 1602. The facade was remade in 1931 to a design by engineer Parlato. Patronage passed from those founding families to the Praiano community in 1859.
The interior accumulated its layers across the centuries: the majolica floor dates to 1771, the bell tower was completed in 1816, Giovan Battista Lama painted the Virgin Mary altarpiece in 1747, and Francesco Saverio Corbelli's Last Supper went into the sacristy in 1761. The altar of St Michele Arcangelo served between 1600 and 1700 as the spiritual seat of a local association of sailors and fishermen.
Good to know
The church opens in the afternoon and all day on Sundays. SITA buses connect Praiano with Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Allow thirty to forty-five minutes inside. If the square is lit for the late-July Luminaria di San Domenico, the tiled dome after dark is worth timing a visit around.
Where is Church of San Gennaro?
More tickets & tours for Church of San Gennaro
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Church of San Gennaro
The Parish Church of St. Januarius (Chiesa di San Gennaro) is a beautiful and historic church located in Praiano, a picturesque village on the Amalfi Coast. This church, dedicated to Saint Januarius (San Gennaro), the patron saint of Naples, is an architectural and cultural gem that reflects the religious and artistic heritage of the region. Highlights of the Parish Church of St. Januarius: 1. Architecture: • The church was built in the 13th century and later remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century. • Its majolica-tiled dome is a signature feature, typical of Amalfi Coast churches, and stands out as a colorful landmark visible from the sea. • The facade is simple and elegant, reflecting the charm of the surrounding village. 2. Interior: • The interior features whitewashed walls and delicate stucco decorations, creating a serene and bright atmosphere. • The main altar is adorned with fine marble work and is a testament to the artistry of the Baroque era. • The church houses several notable artworks, including paintings and statues of Saint Januarius and other religious figures. 3. Piazza San Gennaro: • The church is located on a beautiful open square, the Piazza San Gennaro, which offers stunning panoramic views of the sea and coastline. • The square often serves as a gathering place for locals and hosts cultural events, weddings, and religious festivals. 4. Cultural and Religious Significance: • The church is an active place of worship and plays a central role in the religious life of Praiano. • The Feast of Saint Januarius, celebrated annually, is a vibrant event with processions, music, and local traditions. 5. Visiting Tips: • The church is free to enter and is typically open during the day, though hours may vary. • Combine a visit with a stroll through Praiano’s quaint streets or a hike along the nearby Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods).
A beautiful church perched overlooking the Amalfi coast. They do a candle/light thing during a festival in August here once a year. The square in front of the church is magnificent.
Beautiful church. We heard the bells everyday...... Very pleasant.
Located at the top of the cliff overlooking the Amalfi coast. It’s a beautiful church, definitely worth a visit as it is one of the limited attractions in the area.
Nice church must visit when you are in praiano
More of Praiano
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Praiano →More attractions in Praiano
All of Praiano →
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.