Itinerary Secret Amalfi
What to see in Amalfi? Here is a nice itinerary that will guide you to discover the Amalfi hidden between alleys and panoramic terraces.
The first stop is the ancient and characteristic “cap e ciuccio” (donkey head) fountain, located along Via Pietro Capuano, immediately after Piazza dello Spirito Santo. Dating back to the 18th century, it is so called because shepherds and peasants coming down from the Valle delle Ferriere used to stop here to let their donkeys (the so-called “ciucci”) drink on their way to the port. The fountain has two human faces carved in marble that serve as fountains. A small curiosity: a permanent nativity scene has been set up inside the fountain (since 1974).
Continue south on Via Pietro Capuano, which later becomes Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, then turn right into Via Fra Gerardo Sasso and after about 30 metres turn left to reach the charming and characteristic Piazza dei Dogi. In the Middle Ages, there were several blacksmiths’ workshops here and no less than five churches (the Church of San Germano, the Church of S. Maria Ferrarorum, the Church of SS. Quaranta Martiri, the Church of S. Stefano de Platea and the Church of S. Antonio Abate), which over time have been incorporated into the surrounding houses.
From Piazza dei Dogi turn back onto Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi and continue south to Piazza Duomo. Then turn left into Via Pietro Comite, which curves slightly to the right and becomes Supportico Sant’Andrea. The supportico is an example of the narrow streets of the city centre, largely covered by medieval buildings and forming long porticoes.
At the end of the Supportico Sant’Andrea you will find yourself in Piazza Municipio, in the heart of the Campolillo district. The square houses a monument dedicated to the Fallen (built in the 1930s) and is bordered by typical multi-storey buildings. Noteworthy are: the remains of the ancient domus Campolillo (in the north-eastern corner), erected in the 11th century; and the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata (on the eastern side), built in the first half of the 14th century, in which various paintings, wooden statues and reliquaries are preserved.
The next stop is the Belvedere San Lorenzo, where the current Monumental Cemetery of Amalfi is located. It can be reached in two ways: by means of the lifts located in Piazza Municipio, at the entrance to the tunnel leading to the Luna Rossa car park; or by taking a walk through the 400-step pathway, winding between picturesque alleys and spectacular views. From the belvedere it is possible to enjoy a wonderful view at any time of day and above all a different angle of the city.
After admiring the enchanting panorama, we return to Amalfi via the Rione Sant’Antonio, located in the Capo di Croce district. The district takes its name from the saint celebrated every year on 13 June with a solemn procession in which his statue is carried on the shoulders through the streets of the town. Next to the Church of St Anthony, stands the former convent complex of St Francis, now converted into a hotel, which, according to tradition, was founded around 1220 by St Francis of Assisi.
Photo © Visit Amalfi
