I found the sanctuary by accident — or maybe by good fortune. Staring at a map of Ravello, I noticed a tiny label for the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano, tucked into the cliffs below the main town. A quick search showed a photographer named Antonio Della Corte had captured its mosaics, and the panoramic view was said to stretch across the Gulf of Salerno all the way to Punta Licosa and Cilento on clear days. That was enough for me.
The panoramic view extends across the Gulf of Salerno, reaching Punta Licosa and Cilento on clear days.
I walked down the quiet Via San Cosma, past lemon groves and stone walls, and then I saw the staircase carved into the rock. It’s long, uneven, and completely worth every step. This article is for anyone who wants to trade the crowds of Positano for a place that feels like a secret — a chapel that sits above a view the coast rarely advertises.
If you want a view that feels earned and a moment of quiet away from the crowds, this chapel is worth the hike. It’s not flashy or famous, but that’s exactly the point.
Solo travelers
Couples
Photographers
The Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano is a spiritual gem carved into the limestone cliffs — and it has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.
The Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano
The sanctuary sits high above the Amalfi Coast, hidden from the main tourist trail. A long staircase leads to an entrance cut directly into the rock face. I counted about a hundred and fifty steps, but honestly, I lost track when the Gulf of Salerno started appearing through the gaps in the stone.
Devout visits peak on September 26, when pilgrims gather to honor the twin saints. On ordinary days, you might have the whole place to yourself. The peace is immediate — benches are carved into the cliff face, designed for silence and reflection. I sat on one for twenty minutes, watching a fishing boat crawl across the water far below.
Note: The sanctuary is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and speak quietly, even when few people are around.
My guide to the cliffside villages covers how to hop between Ravello, Amalfi and Positano without a car.
Inside, the mosaics tell stories you won’t find in the guidebooks — including one about a talking camel.
The Mosaics That Tell a Story
The apse holds a celestial mosaic of Christ surrounded by a golden field, invoking peace and healing. Side chapels depict miracles attributed to the twin saints: the healing of Deacon Giustino and the tale of a talking camel. I had to read the description twice — a talking camel, right there in a little cliffside church.
The sanctuary is an active pilgrimage site. On September 26 each year, the faithful gather for a special Mass and procession. If you come that day, expect a crowd and a deeply local experience.
How does the view from San Cosma compare to Ravello’s famous gardens?
View from the Top — How San Cosma Compares
Ravello is famous for two villas with spectacular terraces. San Cosma offers something different — raw, unobstructed, and free. Here’s how the three stack up.
| Sanctuary of San Cosma | Villa Rufolo | Villa Cimbrone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| View | Wide gulf, natural cliffs, no barriers | Terrace gardens overlooking Amalfi | Famous Infinity Terrace, manicured |
| Crowds | Very light (off the tourist path) | Moderate to heavy | Moderate to heavy |
| Cost | Free (donations welcome) | ~€7 entry (softened — verify) | ~€10 entry (softened — verify) |
| Accessibility | Long, uneven staircase (challenging) | Garden paths, some steps | Gentler paths, some steps |
- San Cosma offers a free, quiet, natural viewpoint — no entry fees, no queues.
- Villa Cimbrone has the famous Infinity Terrace, which is stunning but often crowded.
- Villa Rufolo combines gardens with a direct view of Amalfi town — a solid middle ground.
Getting to the sanctuary takes a bit of effort, but the route is straightforward.
Getting to San Cosma
A quick heads up — some links here are affiliate links. If you buy through them, it costs you nothing extra but earns Emily in Italy a small commission. Honestly, that’s a big part of what funds the travel and research that goes into guides like this one. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — and I really do appreciate the support.
From the cathedral, walk down the road that descends toward the coast. Look for signs for Via San Cosma — it’s about a twenty-minute walk along a residential lane.
The road ends near Villa San Cosma, which perches on the hill with an infinity pool and panoramic terrace. Continue past the villa on the footpath that drops down toward the cliff.
The staircase is cut into the rock — steep, uneven, and roughly 150 steps. I brought a compact action camera with excellent stabilization to capture the descent without shaky footage. It made a huge difference when editing at home. The DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle has 8K video and 360° stabilization — ideal for tricky staircases and coastal views.
Go early — I arrived around 8:30am and had the sanctuary to myself for nearly an hour. By 10am the first small group appeared.
The staircase is steep and uneven, with no handrail in sections. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring water, and take it slow if you have kids or mobility concerns.
Before You Visit the Sanctuary
How long does it take to get from Ravello to the sanctuary?
Walking from the main square to the chapel entrance takes about 25–30 minutes, including the staircase descent. Add another 10–15 minutes for the climb back up.
If you’re coming from Amalfi or Positano, factor in a bus or taxi to Ravello first — the SITA bus runs regularly from both towns.
Is the sanctuary open year-round?
Yes, it is generally open daily, though hours may vary outside the main tourist season. I’d call ahead or ask at the Ravello tourist office to confirm, especially in winter.
September 26 sees a special Mass and is the busiest day of the year — expect a crowd that day.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for the staircase and the uneven rock. Bring a flashlight if you visit later in the day — the interior is dimly lit.
A light jacket is useful even in summer, as the breeze off the gulf can pick up. Don’t forget water and a camera.
Is it worth visiting if I have limited mobility?
Honestly, probably not. The staircase is long, steep, and lacks handrails. There is no accessible route to the entrance.
If you can’t manage the stairs, the view from Via San Cosma itself is still lovely — you’ll see the gulf between the trees without the full chapel experience.
Can I visit with small children?
Ethan is four and he made it down with help, but the return climb tired him out. I carried him for the last third.
If your kids are energetic and used to hiking, it’s doable. Otherwise, the staircase might be too much for very young legs — especially in the heat.
Why San Cosma Belongs on Your Amalfi Coast Itinerary
I’ve stood on the terrace of Villa Cimbrone, and it is beautiful. But the view from San Cosma felt different — less composed, more real. The wind, the distant sound of a ferry horn, the worn stone beneath my feet. It reminded me that the best things on the Amalfi Coast are rarely the ones with a ticket booth. If you’re building a trip that balances famous sights with quiet discoveries, my guide to where to stay on the Amalfi Coast covers the best bases — including Ravello hideaways that put you close to moments like this.
Sources and further reading
Amalfi Coast. “The Hidden Spiritual Gem of Ravello: the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano.” 2024. 🔗
Costiera Amalfitana. “Villa San Cosma.” 2024. 🔗
The Boujist. “Best Hotels on the Amalfi Coast (2026): A Luxury Guide to Where to Stay.” 2025. 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Explore Italy’s Amalfi Coast Beaches — A guide to the best beaches along the coast, including quieter spots near Ravello.
Amalfi Coast Road Trip in January — Practical advice for visiting the coast in low season, when crowds thin and views open up.
Rome to Amalfi vs Cinque Terre: Italy’s Iconic Southbound Dilemma — Deciding between two of Italy’s most scenic coastlines? This comparison helps you choose.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast Becomes Crown Jewel — Why the Amalfi Coast continues to captivate travelers and how to experience it without the tourist traps.