5 must-see attractions on the Amalfi Coast

Recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Italy (if not the world). But it is not just sea and beaches, there are also a large number of historical and cultural attractions of great value. Here we have selected five that everyone should, at least once in their life, visit. And we admit: it wasn’t an easy choice at all, because there are so many unmissable attractions!
The Cathedral of Amalfi

Among the unmissable attractions of the Amalfi Coast, we could not fail to mention the Amalfi Cathedral, also known as St Andrew’s Cathedral. The majestic architectural complex consists of two once distinct buildings: the cathedral built from 987 onwards next to the ancient Basilica del Crocifisso (in which the Diocesan Museum has been housed since 1996) erected in the 9th century. On the outside, it features a colourful façade embellished with a rich mosaic depicting Christ Enthroned amidst the Evangelists, while the interior, distinguished by its Baroque forms, preserves valuable paintings dating back to the 17th-18th centuries and marble and wooden sculptures from various eras. Completing the masterpiece are: the scenic staircase, photographed by countless tourists; the Crypt of Sant’Andrea, decorated with splendid frescoes, in which the saint’s relics are kept; and the Cloister of Paradise, which represents one of the greatest examples of Amalfi Romanesque architecture.
Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Another must-see attraction on the Amalfi Coast is Villa Rufolo in Ravello. Over time it has enchanted poets, writers, artists and musicians. The monumental complex, whose initial layout dates back to the 13th century, bears the name of the family that built it. It includes structures that do not all date back to the same period but were enriched with new rooms until the end of the 18th century. The jewel in the crown of the villa is the garden, the beauty of which is due to the botanical expert Francis Neville Reid, who bought the villa in the 19th century and had it restored, giving it the enchanting appearance that we can admire today. The garden has two levels: the lower garden, where the Ravello Festival, one of the oldest musical and cultural festivals in Italy, is held every year; and the upper level, which houses the Belvedere, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view.
The Fjord of Furore

Located just a few kilometres from our boutique hotel, the Fiordo di Furore is a wild, hidden crevice that the sea penetrates as it curves in. It is one of the most evocative places on the Amalfi Coast. In the sea limit there is a small beach, just 25 metres long, set between two imposing rock walls. The beach is framed by a series of small coloured houses and a few buildings that tell of old traditions, linked to fishing and paper production. As in any place of enchantment, there is no shortage of legends. It is said that the fjord was created by the devil in a moment of anger. But in reality, the fissure was carved by a torrent of water, which descended from the Agerola plateau. The great Italian director Roberto Rossellini fell in love with it to the point of shooting several scenes of ‘Il Miracolo’, the second episode of the film ‘L’amore’. The excursions that can be made from the fjord are interesting.
The Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini

The Emerald Grotto is a naturalistic masterpiece like few in the world. Located in the bay of Conca dei Marini, it is a karstic cavity partially invaded by the sea. It was discovered, almost by chance, back in 1932 by a native fisherman, a certain Luigi Buonocore, who found it attracted by some cracks in the rocks. It owes its name to the unusual colour of the water, the result of the reflection of sunlight filtering through an underwater fissure. The light also reflects off the walls, giving the cave an unreal appearance. This feeling is magnified by the numerous limestone concretions, stalagmites and stalactites. A small curiosity: on the seabed is an underwater nativity scene made of Vietri ceramics. The cave can be reached by sea or by lift and stairs along the state road 163 Amalfitana. Access is by boat only.
The Ceramics Museum in Vietri sul Mare

Finally, you cannot miss the Vietri sul Mare Ceramic Museum. Housed within the Villa Guariglia complex, it brings together numerous testimonies of renowned local (and other) production. The exhibition starts with a collection of ceramics from important ceramic centres in Campania, to which are added items from the Guariglia Collection and donations from private individuals. In the ‘Giuseppe Prezzolini’ room, located on the ground floor, are objects linked to spiritual needs, of a religious and devotional nature. The tour then continues in the ‘Luigi Cilento’ room, which houses a rich documentation of objects responding to material needs. On the first floor is the ‘Venturino Panebianco’ room, in which ‘robba siciliana’ and some examples of ‘riggiola’ are exhibited. The ‘German period’ of Vietrese ceramics is illustrated on the top floor.