Torre dello Ziro — Attraction in Amalfi

The Torre dello Ziro is the keep of the Scalella castle in Pontone, a district of the city of Scala, dominant over the neighboring cities of Amalfi and Atrani. For the Torre dello Ziro there are dating problems. Scholars do not exclude that it could be the reconstruction of an older work of the Duchy of Amalfi, the "Turris de Sancto Felice", cited in a document from 1151. Built on a limestone hill, overlooking the city of Amalfi, of which it is an integral part of the landscape, it was once surrounded by crenellated walls, traces of which remain. It underwent restoration and transformations in 1292, 1305 and 1335. Another intervention dates back to 1480, ordered by Antonio Piccolomini, Duke of Amalfi. It appears that at the beginning of the 18th century it was in a state of efficiency and equipped with cannons, but shortly afterwards it was abandoned and deprived of care. In the early years of the 16th century, the Torre dello Ziro was the scene of one of the bloodiest episodes in the history of Amalfi because, inside, Giovanna D'Aragona, known as "the Mad" was first locked up and then ferociously executed with her three children , Duchess of Amalfi, guilty of having contracted a morganatic marriage with her secretary. Cylindrical in shape, on a high escarpment base, it was equipped with a crowning of arches protruding on brackets, suitable for plumb defense, which has almost disappeared. The internal organization can be ascribed to the 13th century, there are three overlapping floors in elevation. The ground floor, originally hosting only a large cistern, is now divided into two spaces, the smaller one was intended for the detention of "investigators and prisoners", lowered from a trap door on the first floor into the "pit", the larger one was always used for the collection of rainwater. The passage and the staircase on the ground floor are therefore contemporary. The ancient entrance was located on the first floor, at a height of approximately m. 4.65. Entry into the tower was done with the help of ropes or a retractable...

So about google maps - yes, don't follow it. I'm putting a screenshot of komoot, a hiking app, leading to a great view up there, from which you can follow the signs and get to Torre. Once you're out of the city and on the stairs - follow the white-red markings and the road. It's an easy hike, but tiresome for there are a LOT of stairs. Still need to be in a good condition. As for the torre itself, I can't recommend going up. I did, yes, but stepped very carefully. I don't think this door is supposed to be open. The place needs some tightening, it seems it will collapse any second. The views are great even without going up the tower. I also recommend Belvedere, the view is even better, as it's higher. Visited in March, very pleasant. Not sure if google will keep them chronological in order though, but I hope you'll get some idea....

As already mentioned by other's, do not follow Google maps for directions as it will take you to a completely different site. Love to go to the Torre dello Ziro, I grew up in the area and tend to walk up to it at every visit to Amalfi. I walk from Amalfi side, up to Pontone, with an obligatory stop to the little town square bar for an espresso, just a tradition, than off to the Torre, I like to go to the ruderi first, than swing by the belvedere with an amazing panoramic view of the Amalfi coast and the Torre from high above it, and finally continue to the Torre. Again the views are amazing, you can enter the Torre and go to the top where there is a small platform to view Amalfi in full glory. On the way back, I descended via Atrani to add even more beauty to the walk. Be prepared to loads of steps, but well worth the...