AmalfiCoast Costiera Amalfitana

Tucked into the steep coastal edge west of Amalfi, Vettica Minore is more than just a scenic hamlet—it’s a living postcard from the past. With the terraced slopes cascading toward the sea and the soft curve of the coastline embracing it, Vettica is a lesser-known but unforgettable corner of the Amalfi Coast.

A striking image taken in 1954 by German photographer Helbig Konrad, recently brought to light by local historian Giovanni Forgione, captures the essence of this timeless place. Though originally mislabeled as "Positano", the photograph clearly portrays Vettica Minore, its iconic terraced vineyards etched into the cliffs, with the faint silhouette of Amalfi, hidden behind Monte Scorca, emerging from the sea mist in the distance. The Torre dello Ziro and the ridge that leads to Villa Cimbrone in Ravello crown the background like silent sentinels.

The name Vettica Minore, dating back to the era of the Duchy of Amalfi, is believed to derive from the Latin vectigal—referring to an ancient agricultural tax—possibly linked with the term Pizzula or Minor. This distinguishes it from its neighbor, Vettica Maggiore, now a hamlet of Praiano.

Today, Vettica remains a serene escape. The same whitewashed palazzo seen in the 1954 photo still stands proudly, its position now verifiable via Google Earth. Visitors are drawn not only to the views but also to local treasures: the enchanting Santa Croce beach, the romantic Lovers’ Arch, and the 16th-century watchtower, once owned by film producer Carlo Ponti - a love gift to Sophia Loren.

At its heart lies the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel, a medieval beacon of the community’s spiritual and cultural identity.

Whether discovered through the lens of history or the footsteps of the present, Vettica di Amalfi is a place that speaks to the soul—offering an authentic slice of coastal life, where every stone and terrace has a story to tell.