Piazza Maio

Where it is

Piazza Maio lies in upper Casamicciola, at around 130 metres above sea level, on the northern slopes of Monte Epomeo. The name recalls the Maio (or Majo) district, one of the hillside localities that historical sources list among the settlements of the upper town. From here the view opens out over the gulf and the rooftops tumbling down to the sea.

History

The square is considered the historic centre of upper Casamicciola. Until 1883 it was the heart of the town; then the centre of civic life gradually shifted towards the coast: we tell the story in Casamicciola after 1883.

Today the area is at the centre of urban regeneration plans, which include the transformation of the route between Piazza Maio and the La Rita baths.

A crossroads of trails

Piazza Maio is one of the key landmarks for hiking in Casamicciola:

• this is where the Sentiero dell'Allume (Alum Trail) ends, about 8.4 km and three hours' walk from Fango (Lacco Ameno), taking in the Monte Cito fumarole field, the Caulare area with the remains of the alum-processing tanks, and Piazza Santa Barbara;
• from here the trail from the Maio towards Monte Epomeo, the island's summit, sets off;
• the western hills can be explored on the Celario – Monte Cito – Crateca trail.

What to see nearby

From Piazza Maio the town's spa areas are easy to reach. To the west lies the La Rita basin, in a ravine that forms part of an ancient crater, with the La Rita spring and the Antiche Terme La Rita; heading down to the east you come to Piazza Bagni and the Sentinella. In the Maio area, on Via D'Aloisio, stands the church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, known as the Purgatorio.

Tips for your visit

The streets around the square are narrow and steep: for the trails you will need hiking boots, water and suitable clothing. Some parts of the area may have building work in progress: always follow the signs and any access restrictions.