Torre dello Ziro

After lunch in Pontone, we continue or hike on the spur that leads to the ruins of the ancient watchtower of Torre dello Ziro, perched on a promontory high above Amalfi and Atrani.

The ruins are built on several terraces on the promontory of Monte Aureo. We start by climbing up the the highest level at the summit of the mountain. We're treated to expansive views of Ravello, on the other side of the valley.

Below us to the south is the town of Atrani.

The tower itself is supposedly haunted and avoided by locals, with a story about a madwoman ("La Pazza") who was once imprisoned here. That doesn't seem to deter the young lovers we find stretched out on blankets behind a grassy hill.

At this point, we realize we missed one of the terraces...the one that gives the best view of the tower. We decide to backtrack back up Monte Aureo.

The climb back up is worth it...once we reach the column, we have a spectacular view of the ruins below us, with the town of Atrani to the left and Amalfi to the right.

From here, we hike back to Pontone, and the stairs down to Amalfi.

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