All of the he towers along the Amalfi Coast (the first fortifications along the coastline) can be dated to the epoch of the Swabian domination of the coastal zone. As regards the territory of Maiori, the oldest towers are dated to the era of the reign of Carlo I d'Angiņ in 1278, specifically the towers of Erchie and of Capo d'Orso. The towers which were important structures for sighting enemy assaults, were constructed in such a way that the entire territory could always be under control and so that messages could be sent between the various lookout points.
Among the most majestic of these towers, is the Torre Normanna (Norman Tower) at the entrance into Maiori coming from the direction of Salerno, which in the past was called the Torre dell'Angolo (the Corner Tower). It was built in 1563 and is an imposing bastion set on a rocky abutment. Today the tower houses a restaurant.
Between the cities of Maiori and Minori, there is another ancient tower, called the "Torricella", built in 1563. This tower is quadrangular in form, and through the years it was transformed into a Castle and given the name of its ancient owner, Mezzacapo, hence it is called the Mezzacapo Castle.
Other important lookout points were found in the Acquaruolo Tower in the locality of Salicerchie and the Sanspirito Tower in the locality of Badia.
Ancient tradition dictates that the inhabitants of the city of Atrani realized that pirate ships were approaching the shoreline without an escort from the various towers positioned in the territory of Maiori, and so they lit a great bonfire on the beach to warn Maiori of the danger. Since then, as a sign of gratitude for the help given by the people of Atrani, in the occasion of the celebrations dedicated to the Patron Saints of the two cities, the first citizens of both cities exchange visits, and a great bonfire is lit on the eve of the celebration.
