Amalfi is the oldest of four Maritime Republics and it still maintains all its age-old charm: wedged between mountains and sea, traversed by narrow winding alleyways. It features medieval architecture with a clear Moorish influence and art treasures such as the Cathedral and the “cloister of […]

Amalfi



Amalfi is the oldest of four Maritime Republics and it still maintains all its age-old charm: wedged between mountains and sea, traversed by narrow winding alleyways. It features medieval architecture with a clear Moorish influence and art treasures such as the Cathedral and the “cloister of Paradise” with its interlacing arches. The tradition of its glorious past is kept very much alive: since 1954 the annual regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republic is held on rotation here as well as in Pisa, Genoa, Venice, where historic vessels complete with a turreted stern and gilt figurehead, eight oarsmen and steersman race one another.

Amalfi has always been unique for its natural beauties and its multi-ethnic culture. The Dome of Amalfi (Duomo di Amalfi) is a beautiful structure that dominates the small square on a staircase. It has an original Arabesque facade with multi colored decorations, the Gothic arches and the portico’s triple lancet window. The precious mosaic of Sant’Andrea on the bronze door, welcomes the visitor who enters the five naves basilica with a transept, an apse and a lower crypt. It was born in the 13th century thanks to the fusion of two early Christian churches, it then underwent many Renaissance and Baroque reworking. Inside you can visit the chapel of Ss. Cosma e Damiano, different from the Longobard and Byzantine style fused in the sculptural decorations of the columns, transepts and balustrades. In 1266 the Chiostro Paradiso was built as a cemetery for the most famous citizens of Amalfi, only five mummy-cases are still left, two of which come from Paestum, decorated with bas-reliefs. The Amalfi Dome is dedicated to Saint Andrew (Sant’ Andrea) who was a fisherman; a strong veneration in a village of fishing tradition!

Amalfi is also famous for its paper tradition. The paper made in Amalfi is considered to be of particularly high quality and it is the product of a centuries old traditionm in fact today it is still used in the Vatican City.
The existence of paper was discovered by the merchants who traded with the Arab World, involved techniques brought all the way from Cina. After mastering the craft, it began to produce paper exploiting the waterfalls in the Valle dei Mulini to power the mills. This tradition is upheld, today, by the firm Amatruda which is the oldest paper manufacture in Europe. You cannot miss the Paper Museum, which features original machinery and a library of 300 volumes.
Amazing sea and beaches reachable only by boat, Amalfi is this and much more. A great gastronomic tradition where the most famous product is the Lemon. The lemon of Amalfi, famous all over the World is today used to make lots of delicacies: The “sfusato amalfitano“, that is a typical lemon which leaves a mark with its deep smell and gorgeous taste. You have to taste the Limoncello, a liquor made with lemon peel. Then the various cakes and desserts such as “Delizia al limone” and the citrus fruit covered with dark chocolate. Amalfi is a village which must be seen…and lived!




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Tours in Amalfi and its surroundings


Things to do in Amalfi and its surroundings