The Colli di Fontanelle is a hamlet of Sant’Agnello nestled in the hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula.
The Colli di Fontanelle offers a breathtaking panorama. From Piazza Carlo Sagristani, perched at 318 meters above sea level, one can admire the towns of Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, Piano di Sorrento, and Meta, with the Gulf of Naples in the background, and, further in the distance, the city of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Its elevated position atop the hills also allows for a southern-facing view of the Gulf of Salerno and the so-called Li Galli islands. On Picco Sant’Angelo, which reaches the highest point at 465 meters, stands a cross. Originally made of wood, it was replaced with an iron one in the early 20th century, thanks to the voluntary contributions of the faithful who transported it in pieces on mule back and assembled it on site.
The Parish of Colli di Fontanelle, built in 1883 by Francesco Saverio Ciampa on the site of an ancient chapel, is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It is a single-nave construction in a Baroque style. Led since 1962 by Don Paolo De Ponte, the church is perched atop the hill, overlooking the towns below and the Gulf of Naples. It suffered significant damage in the 1980 earthquake but was subsequently restored, returning to its former beauty and welcoming atmosphere. While it doesn’t house artworks of exceptional artistic value, the painting on the main altar, created by an unknown artist and depicting the Nativity of Mary, is notable for its vibrant colors and graceful lines. Previously, a canvas by Silvestro Buono was venerated on the altar but was unfortunately stolen.
Events
In the month of September, Colli di Fontanelle hosts a festival celebrating the area’s local agricultural products.
Dating back to 1980 and lasting for three days, it features a market exhibition that attracts numerous visitors each year. Since 1999, during the first week of August, various traditional games take place in the main square of Colli di Fontanelle, engaging the entire community and drawing the attention of tourists and visitors.