The village of Praiano lies in a splendid position, protected by the heights behind it and the small inlet it is set into. This explains the prominent role it played in the past, especially at the time when nearby Amalfi was a thriving Maritime Republic.
Since the Middle Ages, the town was divided into two main parts: Praiano, located high up and inhabited mainly by farmers, and Vettica Maggiore, lower down, where fishing was the predominant activity. The upper part had already been developed in Roman times as a vacation area for the noble classes, who began building splendid villas here as early as the 1st century.
In the late Middle Ages, the town became established as a trading port; evidence of this is the presence of the defensive Assiola Tower, now known as the Torre a mare, commissioned by Charles I of Anjou in 1278. Activities such as handicrafts, linen processing and coral fishing also developed here.
Testifying to the village's past today are a number of historical buildings, one of the most interesting of which is the Church of San Gennaro, which you can admire in the upper part of Praiano. Completed in 1602, it is easily recognized by the beautiful dome, decorated with majolica tiles that form geometric patterns. Inside, the most spectacular element is the brightly colored majolica floor, a testament to the expertise of local artisans.
Another interesting church is the Baroque-style San Luca, named after Praiano's patron saint. Completed in 1588, and restored in the late eighteenth century, this church also has a beautiful tiled floor. One of the most precious objects kept inside is the silver reliquary bust of St. Luke.
Praiano also has two picturesque lidos: Marina di Praia, which is always rather shaded, and the much sunnier Gavitella, which can be reached down a flight of no fewer than 413 steps.
Let me leave you with an interesting fact: among the VIPs who have visited Praiano in the past is a true style icon: Jaqueline Kennedy, who in 1962 was a guest at Club Africana, a well-known club in Marina di Praia.
