art & history
Pontone
Almost completely immersed in citrus groves, Pontone overlooks the Canneto and Dragone valleys. It appears to be a separate village and develops circularly around the church of St.Giovanni Battista. In 1137 it was an autonomous municipality called Scalellae, small Scala, and destination of choice for Amalfitan nobles due to its calm and relaxing atmosphere.
THE WOOLSPINNERS
The small square of St.Giovanni Battista was built with the intention to easily transform into a swimming pool. From the High Middle Ages in Pontone the wool imported from Puglia was worked: the mountain water, collected via an ingenious system of canals, flooded the square where the raw wool was immersed.
THE COLUMN OF JUSTICe
On the façade of the church of St.Giovanni Battista (12th century) stands the bizarre presence of a half column that protrudes like ashelf. Its origin dates back to the early Middle Ages. The column symbolized the portico of the church that was never built so as not to impose on the small square. Posing under the column had symbolic relevance, it meant asking for asylum: any man or woman believed to have been abused, or dealt an injustice by anyone, a king or other powerful person, received protection and was left to the impartial judgment of the Guild of Lanaioli of Scala. The notion that a community could guarantee the rights of any individual testifies to how Scala and the Duchy of Amalfi were, for those times, aligned with the liberal experiences of the best European cities.
San fILIPpo NERI
The church dates back to the 5th century and reflects Byzantine and medieval influences. You reach it by following the path leading fromthe square of Pontone to the hamlet of Minuta. The bell tower rests on a ledge of raised rock. The atrium, partly collapsed, consists of three cross vaults, once decorated with frescoes.
The feast of St.Giovanni at Pontone. At the end of the fireworks, the Saint’s statue is placed in the church and the whole town remains in the square.
Pontone is renowned among lovers of trekking. From here begin two important paths: one for the Ferriere Valley and the other for Monte Aureo, by which, through centuries-old trees and the remains of ancient fortifications, you reach the Ziro Tower.
