Church of Santa Maria di Pietrasanta in Cava de' Tirreni

This church was built to commemorate an illustrious stop: in September 1092 Pope Urban II dismounted from his horse and rested on a rock, which still emerges from the floor in front of the presbytery today, protected by a railing. We find it just below the village of Corpo di Cava, in a raised position, surrounded by green hills and woods. We like arriving slowly and enjoying the view from the churchyard.The building has an unusual shape, a Greek cross with very short arms and a large central space covered by a low dome, while the façade combines a Renaissance layout with Baroque details. We recommend pausing at the Pietra Santa (Holy Stone), the heart of the place, and then taking a stroll in the surroundings, among meadows and hill paths.