THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA A MARE IN MAIORI

Initially built to carry out a defensive function, the Church of Santa Maria a Mare was turned into a Collegiate Church in 1505 by Pope Julius II. It takes its name from the statue of the Virgin with the Child, that according to the legend, was found perfectly intact in the sea by some fishermen from Maiori in the early years of 1200.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, the demolition of the fortress, the extension of the church, and the transformation of the tower into a bell tower began. The gilded coffered ceiling - dating back to the 16th century donated by the patrician Erasmo De Ponte and executed by the artist Alessandro de Fulco - is also remarkable.
Today, after several restorations and extensions, this building has its current appearance thanks to the architect Pietro Valente who directed the works in 1835 designing the three huge naves, the transept, and a new structure of the church with a façade and a bell tower orientated towards the city and the sea. In addition, the majestic organ built by Zeno Fedeli which consists of 1700 pipes, is located just above the central nave.
Then, it is worth to mention the monumental sacristy in the form of a Greek cross built in 1866 and the crypt with the remains of Saint Clemente that houses the sacred museum “Don Clemente Confalone” that boasts a rich collection of works of art are equally impressive. 
To conclude, the hemispherical dome covered with majolica tiles, in brilliant yellow and green tones, was completed in 1863. Clearly visible from the sea, it is a distinctive feature of the sacred buildings of the Amalfi Coast. 

The evocative festive days dedicated to the patron saint of Maiori, Santa Maria a Mare are celebrated twice a year: on August 15, the day of the Assumption of Mary into heaven, and on the third Sunday of November. The latter, more intimate than the summer one that usually attracts many tourists, is also famous to be dedicated to the Virgin of Night (in Neapolitan language Maronn e' Notte) and it is deeply rooted in the episodes of November 9, 1735, and November 11, 1773, when people from Maiori in front of two great floods were convinced that the Virgin had saved them from these calamities.

In both celebrations, a statue of the Virgin with a precious dress dating back to the 18th-century parades through the streets. Instead, the more ancient wooden statue, found according to the tradition by fishermen, is shown once every fifty years.
In conclusion, these processions always end with the typical and exciting “Virgin's run" where the statue is carried on volunteers’ shoulders along the 127 steps that separate the square Piazza d’Amato from the Collegiate Church. In conclusion, this event will give you the opportunity to experience first-hand the great faith that has always animated these people.