Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Gragnano is a hilltop town on the Amalfi Coast. It lies in the Campania region south-east of Naples and has long been famed for its dried pasta. Gragnano’s streets were originally laid out to capture the mountain and sea breezes, which once played an important role in the drying of spaghetti.
Things to do in Gragnano
One of Gragnano’s most beautiful churches is the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, which was designed as a Latin cross with four side chapels. It houses a finely crafted wooden balustrade and a gilded organ, as well as an elegant baptismal font and a Rococo-style altar. Covering the transept is a spherical dome with 18th-century frescoes depicting Justice, Temperance, Faith and Charity.
History buffs can visit the Scavi di Stabia - Villa San Marco, which preserves one of the largest Roman villas from the ancient city of Stabiae. From the 8th century BC, the city played an important strategic and commercial role but was largely buried by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Highlights of Villa San Marco include its three-sided portico, swimming pool and panoramic garden.
You can learn about the town’s links to pasta making at the Pastificio Ducato D'Amalfi Gragnano, which features immersive multimedia and sensorial exhibits. As you tour the factory, you can learn about the history of pasta and its artisanal production before enjoying a tasting at the end. Cooking demonstrations and multi-course meals featuring Pastificio Ducato D’Amalfi pasta are also available.
Getting around Gragnano
Gragnano is around 30 minutes’ drive from Naples and Naples International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Gragnano and travel through the town. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.