Torre a Mare (Saracen Tower)
A cylindrical stone tower stands on a promontory above Marina di Praia, its Angevin outline cutting into the sky between two high valley walls of bare rock. You reach it by descending roughly fifty steps cut directly into the cliff from Praiano's lower streets, then following a coastal path that curves beneath the tower from the beach below.
Today the tower belongs to artist Paolo Sandulli, who has filled it with his own work — most recognisably a series of busts of women wearing hairdos made from sea sponges, loosely inspired by royal ladies of the 15th-century Kingdom of Aragon. A spiral staircase leads up to paintings on the floor above.
💛 What travellers fall for
Regulars tend to time their visit to catch Sandulli himself — the door is often open and conversation comes easily. The walk around the cliff base, beneath the tower, is what people mention most: narrow, salt-sprayed, with the rock face on one side and open sea on the other. Give yourself at least that loop before heading back up.
The story behind Torre a Mare (Saracen Tower)
The tower's origins sit in some dispute. Official regional records point to 1278, when Charles I of Anjou is said to have ordered its construction as part of a dock complex serving the scarricaturo — the old port — at Marina di Praia. Its cylindrical plan is consistent with Angevin building practice of that period.
Other sources place it in the second half of the 1500s, among the chain of coastal watchtowers erected under Spanish viceroyal authority to monitor and signal against seaborne raids from North African corsairs. Whatever the precise founding date, the tower was repurposed across subsequent centuries as a defensive post, and after several restorations it now stands in good condition — its most recent chapter as an artist's studio perhaps its least martial.
Good to know
Access is on foot from Praia Beach, about five minutes down via Mare from Praiano's centre. No formal admission fee or fixed hours — it functions as a working studio, so a quiet knock is the right approach. SITA buses on the Positano–Amalfi line stop nearby.
The cove at Marina di Praia catches direct sun only in the middle hours of the day, so the tower and its surrounding path can feel cool even in summer. For the coastal walk beneath the promontory, May through October is most comfortable; spring and autumn suit the descent from the village well.
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What travellers say about Torre a Mare (Saracen Tower)
We had dinner at the Saracen Tower and spent the last evening of our vacation there. The food was absolutely delicious. There were several courses, and the portions were very generous, so you definitely leave feeling full. The atmosphere was exceptional, and you get one of the most beautiful views over the city of Amalfi. It was the perfect way to end our vacation.
Wonderful dining experience… service was impeccable and our meal choice was exquisitely delicious. I would definitely come back. Reservation recommended during peak season.
We had a reservation. Never made it inside. We got there about 15, 20 minites before our reservation. They weren't open yet. There were no one except us waiting outside. They finally opened the door, almost slamming it. We were right in front of it, but the guy who opened the door turned around without even saying a word... like it was a sacrifice for them to be there working. This is the attitude almost everywhere. They are financially struggling, and their main income comes from tourists, however, they treat them as if they were a pest. They are extremely rude and the opposite to welcoming. At first we were ignoring these treatment, but after few days, we were only eating or buying from respetful, nice and grateful sellers. There are hundreds upon hundreds of shops selling the exact thing. You can go to the next one if you are not being treated right.
Absolutely one of the best places on the Amalfi Coast. You cannot beat the setting and stunning views. The staff are SO great - kind, welcoming, and helpful. Good cocktails and wine; very nice food.
Views are great but interior decor is average. Nothing special. Very disappointed in the food. Salad had bitter radicchio in it that made it unpleasant to eat, husbands shrimp spaghetti was small in portion and had one raw shrimp laid on top. For a pasta country, a more generous portion could have been served. I had the veal - four thin slices in lemon sauce, and that was it. No garnish, no veggies, just the veal. One highlight, the local white wine was very good. For 100 euro I was not impressed.
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