Amalfi is a town of about 5,000 inhabitants on a stretch of coastline called Costiera Amalfitana and can be found on the southern part of the Sorrento Peninsula, about 50 km south of Naples.
History of Amalfi
Amalfi has a rich history dating back to the 9th century, when it was one of Italy's most important maritime republics. This era brought great wealth and power to the city. Amalfi was an important trading centre and its fleet was one of the largest in the Mediterranean. The city's history is still evident today in its architecture and monuments, which attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.
St. Andrew's Cathedral
The fairytale town has a charming promenade, the Lungomare dei Cavalieri, a harbour and a small beach. But apart from that, there are also beautiful historical monuments. The 16th century Fontana del Popolo is located in Piazza Duomo.
One of the most important monuments in Amalfi is the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea, which dominates the main square. This cathedral was built in the 10th century and is a great example of Romanesque architecture with Arabic influences. Its magnificent facade and staircase are truly impressive. Inside the cathedral are the remains of Saint Andrew, one of the apostles, making it an important place of pilgrimage.next to the cathedral is the Chiostro del Paradiso, a 13th century cloister that shows Saracen influence.
The Cathedral is entered through the Capuchin Monastery and the Garden of Eden.
Natural beauty
Amalfi is famous not only for its historical monuments but also for its natural beauty. The Amalfi Coast has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and is characterised by its steep cliffs, picturesque coves and clear blue sea. For nature lovers, there are many hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. One of the most popular trails is the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), which offers panoramic breathtaking views.
Gastronomy
In addition to its historical monuments and natural beauty, Amalfi is also known for its excellent cuisine. Traditional restaurants and small family-run trattorias offer authentic Italian dishes to satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. Regional specialities include fresh seafood, homemade pasta and of course the famous italian lemon liqueur, Limoncello, made from local lemons.
Limone di Costa d'Amalfi is an EU Protected Geographical Indication and up to 8,000 tonnes of lemons are grown annually in the Amalfi Coast area, from Positano to Vietri sul Mare. Unlike Sorrento lemons, Amalfi lemons weigh between 100 and 120 g, are pale yellow in colour and only slightly acidic.
Local culture and tradition
Amalfi is also rich in local culture and traditions. Every year there are various festivals and celebrations that attract locals and tourists alike. One of the most important events is the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, a traditional historic boat race that commemorates the town's glorious maritime past. This colourful and lively festival is a great opportunity to experience local culture and traditions first-hand.
OUR TIP:
If you're planning to visit Amalfi, think ahead. You can't drive around the town. You can only get to the port, where there is limited parking. The four-storey Lunarossa garage, dug into the rock, has recently opened. Entrance is from the direction of Atrani [3€/hour, August 4€/hour (2021)]. Better plan your visit early in the morning, as this is a very popular tourist destination. There are good boat connections to Amalfi from Salerno, Sorrento, Naples and Capri. For more information on how to get to Amalfi and how to get around, visit the Amalfi town website.
