A marittime republic in the 9th century, Amalfi was founded during the Roman era and is one of the most suggestive towns of the Amalfi Coast, and in 1997 was awarded the status of being a U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage Site.
Like the other towns along the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi is an International tourist destination visited by thousands every year and enjoyed as a place to relax in its recuperative climate, but above all to enjoy and savour the natural beauty, the walks and the historical architecture.
One cannot forget mentioning the bounty of the local gastronomy of the towns along the Amalfi Coast and of the Sorrento Peninsula – and thanks to the many local, typical products, from both the land and sea, the local cuisine is renowned worldwide.Amongst the many splendours, one of the most celebrated in amalfi is the Cathedral, an impressive structure, predominantly baroque in style, and dedicated to the patron saint of Amalfi, Saint Andrew. The Church is actually the result of much restructuring and adding on of various architectural styles through the various ages. Of particular beauty is the bell-tower which was built in 1180 and restored in the 18th century.
The interior of the Cathedral has a basilica with transept and apse and the ancient columns are all clad in marble. In the naves are coffered ceilings whilst above the main alter is a canvas of the patron saint of Amalfi, the apostle Saint Andrew, who is also the protector of fishermen and sailors.The Church also has a modern wooden crucifix.
Rising again in 1266 and built as a cemetery for the illustrious citizens of Amalfi, the Paradise Cloister is adjacent to the Basilica of Assunta. Its interior had 6 frescoed chapels built in the 14th century and housed the sarcophagi of various illustrious citizens but of which only 5 remain. The Paradise Cloister is joined to the archiepiscopal home and has an enchanting floral garden surrounded by four Arabesque porticoes.
Besides having an important role to play in the dominance of the Mediterranean Sea, Amalfi is also noteworthy for its production of paper.
Brought in from the Arab countries, the techniques for producing paper represented an ancient tradition for the town. To relive and admire the production cycle of Amalfi paper, the Commander Nicola Milano, has made available to visitors an ancient paper mill that has been transformed into an interesting museum, where, besides the exhibition, it’s possible to follow the handmaking process and how the ancient mills functioned with the aid of the Canneto River.
A vacation in Amalfi also offers the possibilities of discovering the local enogastronomia and a relaxing stroll dedicated to shopping, thanks to the numerous shops along the road which leads from Piazza Flavio Gioia up to the Valley of the Mills. Or perhaps a stay dedicated purely to sea and sun as Amalfi offers splendid beaches made more appealing because of the crystalline waters that wash its shores.