THE  CASTLE OF SAN NICOLA DE THORO-PLANO

The construction of the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano began around the year 840, and it developed around the homonymous church and its bell tower. It was not meant to be the residence of a feudal lord but was designed as a real fortress to provide refuge and protection to the local population, due to the continuous assaults of the pirates and the Lombards. 

On the inside, the fortress was organized in such a way to safeguard the people survival, even in case of prolonged sieges: there were barracks and lodgings — to guarantee hospitality to the garrison and citizens — but also warehouses, a cistern, and a source that ensured the supply of food and water.
As it is now, the castle was restored and enlarged in the 15th century at the behest of the Piccolomini dukes, and today it is in an excellent state of conservation. Its irregular shape makes it truly fascinating in the eyes of the beholder: it looks like that the castle wants to hug and protect the city, enclosing it from the valley down to the sea.  

Visiting the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano while staying on the Amalfi Coast is certainly recommended.

The ancient bulwark can be reached by bus or, for trekking lovers or even for those who want a nice walk in unspoiled nature, it is possible to reach it by foot, starting from the San Pietro district.
Although the journey is not short — there are numerous narrow streets and about 700 steps — it is certainly very characteristic. Do not worry, your effort will be rewarded: the route is surrounded by greenery, with panoramic views all around. Once you arrive at your destination, then, you will be speechless at the sight in front of you: it is like you are looking out of a window, at the highest point of the city. You will enjoy not only the crystalline sea that bathes the Divine Amalfi Coast, but also the view of Ravello, Praiano, and Tramonti. An unmissable glance!

Before you go to the Castle, I recommend you booking your visit to avoid the risk of finding it closed.
Once there, you will find Mr. Crescenzo De Martino — the current castellan, whose family has owned the fortress for about 200 years — to show you around.

The fortress has a polygonal plan and is fenced by curtains, interspersed with nine towers about 8 meters high, still perfectly preserved. Uncommon for such a dated construction.
Mr. Crescenzo will be happy to show you the charm of “his kingdom” while telling nice anecdotes about the old habits and the life of the ancient inhabitants of the place. He will take you on a guided tour of the rooms, many of which have remained faithful to the originals while others became a sort of museum and host various archaeological finds, such as old tools from the Roman era. Before you leave, take a tour outside. Among a maze of roads, surrounded by the magic of the place itself and the color of the typical cultivation of the area, vines, lemons, olive trees, and prickly pears, you can visit the ancient warehouses and the accommodations.
It is also interesting to know that the soldiers' farmhouse, renovated and furnished, preserves huge wine amphorae and long tables with the tree stumps as chairs. 

Finally, take a moment. Savor the historic beauty of the fortress and enjoy the nature all around you.

I am sure that at the end of your holiday, you will not help but smile happily at the memory of this very special visit.