Looking at the coastline, the panorama unfolds in all its splendor, offering a landscape of serene contemplation. In this enchanting setting, not far away, stands the Convent of Santa Rosa. Founded at the end of the 17th century by Sister Rosa Pandolfi, a descendant of the noble Pontone family of Scala, the convent was built next to the ancient Church of Santa Maria di Grado, which Sister Rosa had received as a gift. With her resources, Sister Rosa financed the construction of the convent to house the “Holy Virgins”. Completed in 1681, the convent was dedicated to Saint Rose of Lima. Over the years, the nuns became a fundamental pillar of the local community, contributing in many ways to the well-being of the city. One of their most important works was the construction of an aqueduct that started at Mount Vocito, brought water to the convent, and continued to Piazza Olmo. Next to the fountain, which still gushes today, a commemorative inscription recalls this gesture of generosity.

The nuns also became famous for their culinary skills, creating the famous Sfogliatella Santa Rosa. Originally known as “Santa Rosa del Monastero”, this delicious cake was not made with the classic puff pastry, but with a rustic shortcrust pastry made with leftover ingredients from the convent kitchen. Legend has it that on a day dedicated to baking bread, some dough was left over. The monastery cook enriched the dough with wine and lard, and a nun added sugar, lemon liqueur, and dried fruit. After baking, the result was delicious and soon the cake was named “Santa Rosa”. It was sold to the citizens through a wheel used in churches, with the citizens leaving a coin in exchange for the dessert. This delicacy became the symbol of the Feast of Santa Rosa, celebrated on August 30th. Today, the dessert consists of crisp, thin puff pastry decorated with custard and the unmistakable candied black cherry. With its shell shape and delicate texture, it continues to represent an ancient tradition, delighting the palate with its unique and authentic flavor.

Nestled in the upper part of the picturesque village of Conca dei Marini, the Church of Santa Maria di Grado is one of the oldest and most evocative places of worship on the Amalfi Coast, dating back to the 9th century. Located next to the famous Convent of Santa Rosa, the church retains a cozy and spiritual atmosphere that tells of centuries of history and faith.

The building has a rectangular floor plan with a barrel vault. As soon as you cross the entrance, on the right, you can see the old confessional of the nuns: a narrow space protected by a grille, where the priest administered the sacrament to the nuns, who remained invisible from inside the convent. On the opposite side, to the left, is a small storeroom at the base of the bell tower.

The side aisles are decorated with various frescoes, some in need of restoration, which testify to the artistic and devotional importance of the place. Particularly significant is the presence, under one of these frescoes, of the relic of the skull of St. Barnabas, carefully preserved inside the church. The nuns had access to the interior only through separate entrances from the convent and participated in the Eucharistic celebrations from a mezzanine above the main entrance. It is in this area that the ancient organ is kept today, a precious historical instrument that adds to the charm of the complex.

A visit to the Church of Santa Maria di Grado offers not only a glimpse of medieval religious architecture, but also an intimate experience of monastic life in the past.