Pontone
Pontone: an enchanted town between sea and mountain
Pontone is a hamlet of the municipality of Scala, a small village located in the province of Salerno, in Campania. This hamlet, also called Scalella, is situated in an enchanting landscape between sea and mountain, approximately 0.85 kilometers from the municipal building of Scala.
Physical geography
Pontone is located on the pass that divides Monte Aureo, the last hill before the sea, and the massif of the Monti di Scala. It extends first on the promontory of Punta Grande and then on the highest promontory of Sant'Eustrarchio. The hamlet overlooks the city centers of Amalfi to the southwest and Atrani to the east, and reaches west to the limit of the Valle delle Ferriere, a nature reserve in the municipality of Scala. It borders to the north with the upper hamlet of Minuta. The territory of Pontone is covered by a compact central nucleus of houses, many of which are immersed in terraced gardens, with groups of houses along the walls (the ancient Tower-Houses) and the greenery of the forest.
Climate
Based on the 30-year reference period 1961-1990, the average temperature of the coldest month, January, is +10.7 °C; that of the warmest month, August, is +26.8 °C. Average annual precipitation exceeds 1,700 mm, distributed on average over 96 days, and present a minimum in summer, a peak in autumn-winter, and a secondary maximum in spring.
History
Since the Early Middle Ages, Pontone has been an important stopover for the population of the Amalfi Coast, connecting Scala to the neighboring towns of Amalfi and Atrani. The village was important throughout the Middle Ages as a fortified citadel controlling the underlying valleys. The first fortifications date back to the Byzantine era and were made up of Tower-Houses. Subsequently, with the economic growth of the Republic of Amalfi and the Duchy of Amalfi, Pontone became a distinguished place for the ideal residence of the local clergy and nobility, with patrician residences concentrated in the northern part, on the promontory of Sant'Eustarchio. Many of these residences still exist today and are inhabited, such as Palazzo Verone, Palazzo d'Afflitto, and Palazzo Spina-Campanile.
Discovering the Enchanted Town of Pontone
Pontone is one of the jewels of the Amalfi Coast, a small enchanted town between sea and mountain. Its favorable location allows you to admire one of the most suggestive panoramas of the region, characterized by the crystal-clear sea of the Salerno coast and the lush vegetation of the hinterland.
Walking through the streets of Pontone
The town of Pontone develops along the alleys of the historic center, characterized by its fascinating Tower-Houses and terraced gardens. Walking through its streets, you can admire the remains of the ancient city walls of the citadel of Pontone and the suggestive staircases that characterize the town's streets.
Nature around Pontone
The nature around Pontone is enchanting and varied. Hiking is ideal for enjoying breathtaking views and discovering some of the natural wonders of the region. An example is the Pontone Waterfalls, an ideal place to relax and enjoy a day outdoors. The fauna and flora of the territory are uncontaminated and offer a unique experience for nature lovers.
Events and traditions
Pontone is a lively and active town, with a series of events and traditions that are celebrated every year. One of the most important events is the feast of San Giovanni Battista, patron saint of the town, which is held every year on June 24th and culminates in processions and religious celebrations. The Carnival of Pontone, on the other hand, is a traditional festival that takes place every year during the Carnival period and involves the entire community of the town.
Conclusion
Pontone is an enchanting place, where ancient history and the beauty of the landscape fuse with the liveliness of its inhabitants and their desire to share their culture and traditions with visitors. It is an ideal destination for those who love nature, the sea, and hiking, but also for those who want to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the Amalfi Coast and discover its hidden treasures.
