5 things to see in Amalfi
Located just over 10 kilometers from our boutique hotel, Amalfi is a splendid city that enchants visitors from all over the world with its beauty. It was founded by some Roman castaways in the 4th century AD, but it seems that a town had already existed since the imperial period. First Maritime Republic of Italy, it had commercial dominion in the Tyrrhenian Sea for a long time. It gives its name to the entire coast and preserves an extraordinary historical, architectural and naturalistic heritage.
What to see in Amalfi? Here is our list of 5 unmissable things!
The Cathedral of Amalfi
Among the attractions not to be missed is obviously the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, named after the patron saint of the city to which it is dedicated. The imposing architectural complex, visited every year by thousands of tourists, is made up of two once distinct buildings. The cathedral was built starting in 987 next to the ancient Basilica of the Crucifix, built in the 9th century on the remains of an early Christian temple. With its scenic staircase and colorful façade it dominates the square of the same name. On the left of the portico is the Cloister of Paradise, which represents one of the greatest examples of Amalfi Romanesque. The Diocesan Museum is set up inside the Basilica of the Crucifix.
The Vagliendola district
The ancient Vagliendola district is the most picturesque and characteristic neighborhood of Amalfi. It seems to have remained at the time of the Maritime Republic. It is the ideal place to enjoy a few hours of relaxation walking among old aristocratic homes, turreted houses and the many shops selling local products and specialties. Among the most evocative buildings are: the Monastery of the SS. Trinità founded in 1579, currently home to the Town Hall; the small Chapel of Maria Santissima Annunziata, where a canvas depicting the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel is venerated; and the Church of Sant’Antonio.
The Paper Museum
The Paper Museum is undoubtedly worth a visit, housed inside an ancient paper mill dating back to the 13th century. This little jewel of industrial architecture offers visitors the magic of going back in time and experiencing the ancient techniques of producing the precious handmade paper of Amalfi. Inside you can admire centuries-old machinery, restored and made functional, such as the ancient wooden hammers and the Dutch machine installed in the 18th century. In the museum there are also: a library, which collects 3520 volumes cataloged with the most recent methodologies and technologies; and a gift shop, where the entire local handmade paper production is presented.
The Arsenal of the Republic of Amalfi
The Arsenale is the ancient shipyard of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, where warships were once built and repaired. It is a rare example of medieval civil architecture that has survived to the present day. Restored and brought back to its former glory, since 2010 it has housed part of the collection of the Museum of the Compass and the Maritime Duchy, which traces the history of the coastal city. The prestigious collection includes parchments, codes, manuscripts, coins, nautical instruments, period costumes and artefacts, among which the Amalfi Tablets stand out, the first maritime code respected throughout the Mediterranean.
The Duoglio beach
Finally, we could not fail to include Duoglio beach in this list, one of the most beautiful and renowned on the entire coast. Bathed by a crystalline and clear sea, it is mainly composed of pebbles and is approximately 170 meters long. To reach it you have to go up a long staircase of four hundred steps but it’s worth it. On the beach there are several bathing establishments that offer hospitality and rental of equipment for water sports, such as diving, windsurfing and canoeing.
