Amalfi is a health and seaside resort laid out at different levels at the top of a cliff on the Amalfi coast, at the end if the Mulini valley. It was founded by the Romans, was a trading centre in the sixth century, and in 839 AD, became the first Italian maritime republic. It waged war with Genoa and Pisa for centuries for mastery of the Tyrrhenian Sea and was at the peak of its splendour around 1000. Iit was sacked and destroyed by the Pisans in 1135 and this marked the beginning of its decline. It passed thereafter into the power of various feudal lordships and eventually became part of the kingdom of Naples whose fate it followed.
You can visit the Cathedral which was built in the eleventh century, rebuilt in the Arab-Norman style in the twelfth and further altered in the eighteenth.

The bell tower was built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The thirteenth century “Paradise” cloisters, surrounded by an elegant portico with pointed, interwoven arches and supporting columns, was built by Archbishop Filippo Augustariccio as a sepulchre for illustrious people of the town. You can also visit the arsenal of the Republic which is a grandiose Gothic construction, the Cappuccini Hotel which was a thirteenth century convent with cloisters and a loggia, the Civic Museum containing the Tabula Amalphitana which is the oldest navigational manual in the world, and the map museum.
Getting there
By train: Vietri sul Mare Station, 19 km
By car: A 3 motorway, exit at Vietri toll booths (20 km)
By ferry: from Salerno (the port is located at 20 minutes by bus from the Hotel Olimpico)

The Archdiocese of Amalfi, directly dependent on the Holy See, has its seat at Amalfi, not far from Naples. This was a populous city between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. An independent republic from the seventh century until 1075, it rivalled Pisa and Genoa in its domestic prosperity and maritime importance. A prey to the Normans who encamped in the south of Italy, it became one of their principal posts. The Emperor Lothair, fighting in favour of Pope Innocent II against King Roger of Sicily, who sided with the Antipope Anacletus, took him prisoner in 1133, assisted by forty-six Pisan ships. The city was sacked, and Lothair claimed as part of the booty a copy of the Pandects of Justinian which was found there. But the early beginnings of Amalfi are very obscure; it is not known when it was founded, or when Christianity reached it. That it was early is a reasonable conjecture, considering the facilities for communication with the East which the South of Italy possessed. The first positive indication that Amalfi was a Christian community, however, is supplied by Gregory the Great, who, writing in January, 596, to the Subdeacon Antemius, his legate and administrator in Campania, ordered him to constrain within a monastery Primenus, Bishop of Amalfi, because he did not remain in his diocese, but roamed about (Reg., V, xiv; cf. Jaffé, RR.PP., 1403). Amalfi was founded by Primenus in A.D. 596; the regular list of bishops began in 829; it was raised to an archbishopric by John XV in 987. In 1206, after the completion of the cathedral of St. Andrew, the body of the Apostle of that name, patron of Amalfi, was brought there from Constantinople by Pietro, cardinal of Capua, an Amalfian. There are about 36,000 inhabitants, 54 parishes, and 279 secular priests. Amalfi occupied a high position in medieval architecture; its cathedral of Sant' Andrea, of the eleventh century, the campanile, the convent of the Capuccini, founded by Cardinal Capuanor, richly represent the artistic movement prevailing in Southern Italy at the time of the Normans, with its tendency to blend the Byzantine style with the forms and sharp lines of the northern architecture.

In medieval culture Amalfi vindicated a worthy place for herself, especially by flourishing schools of law and mathematics. Flavio Gioia, who made the first mariner's compasses known to Europe, is said to be a native of Amalfi. But Gioia was not the inventor of the compass, which was invented in the East and brought to Europe by the Arabs. In honour of Charles II, a Capetian king then ruling Naples, Gioia put a fleur-de-lis instead of an N, to indicate the north.

When you come to Amalfi, the panorama is wonderful. White houses clinged on the rocks are opposed to the big Saint Andrew Church, located in the middle of the town. Amalfi is full of steps and to arrive to the Cattedrale di S.Andrea there is a long way with 57 steps. On the right side of the Cathedral, we find the church tower(XII century) while above we discover the chiostro del Paradiso and the chiesa del Crocifisso. Here the visitor can discover the historical religious past of the Amalfi Church.
From the Atrium of the Cathedral, which hoverhangs the square, we discover little streets that go to discover new places of Amalfi.

Every street hides a square, where in the past people used to sell his merchandise.  Through one of this street we discover Piazza dei Dogi, still called Piazza dei Ferrari, because there were smith’s shop. From here, other streets go everywhere; one of these takes us to the sea, where  we find the entrance of the Antichi Arsenali. Another street takes us to the Vagliendola quarter, with its tower houses. This street gets to the Hotel dei Cappuccini. It was a monastry called San Pietro della Canonica and founded in the XIII century. From Piazza dei Dogi we get to Piazza dello Spirito Santo. It was the last square inside the wall of Amalfi, but the city isn't just here. Through the northern gate we go in the Valle dei Mulini.  Here, we find the Museo della Carta, with its old machines, called “ingegni”, to produce paper. Beyond we discover the last paper mill, belonged to Amatruda family, that still produce the old paper. Near the "Cartiera Amatruda", there is the Museo dell'Agricoltura, where we can see rudimental  machines and various instruments of the last four centuries. With  these intruments, for century the amalphitain farmer produced  the famous lemon called “sfusato amalfitano ”.  Who wants a little adventure there is the Valle delle Ferriere, where you’ll find a natural Reserve (where there are some ferns as the Woodwardia Radicans). Long the way, you'll find many paper mills ruins.  Coming back to the seaside, you can discover many old buildings. There is the monastry of "S.Benedetto", today place of the Amalfi’s Municipality and the place of the Museo Civico. In this museum, we'll find  the “Tabula de Amalpha” and the Foscariniano Code and  some nautical instruments.  

Amalfi, originally Roman, was the first Sea Republic of Italy. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was the first city to re-establish relationships between East and West by transporting and introducing into Italy exotic merchandise such as carpets, coffee and paper. Amalfi had its own coin (the Tarì), was the home of Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the compass and gave the navigators the famous maritime law known as "Tabula de Amalpha". Amalfi founded an imposing hospital in Jerusalem which could contain 2000 beds and which gave birth, in 1112, thanks to Brother Gerardo Sasso from Scala, to the first military and religious Order called at first the Knights of St.John, then the Knights of Cyprus, of Rhodes and, in 1530, of Malta, still existing today. The Knights fought repeatedly against the Saracens and, in 849, they defended Rome and the Church in the famous battle of Ostia. Amalfi is a quiet and pictoresque seaside resort with a temperate climate and incomparable natural beauties. It has some of the holdest hotels in Italy as well as many modern ones. TO VISIT: The Duomo built about the 6th century and dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle whose remains are kept in the crypt Its present facade, brilliant with mosaics, is in Oriental style; its bronze doors, the first ones to appear in Italy, were given to Amalfi by Pantaleone di Mauro Comite, a noble man from Amalfi who melted them in the 11th century in Constantinople where he lived and led the Imperial Party. The Cloister of Paradise set beside the Duomo was built the 13th century in Arabian style. lt holds ancient sarcophagi, marble sculptures and mosaics. The Ancient Armouries of the Amalfi Republic, dating back to the 9th century, witness a glorious maritime past The Salone Morelli where you can admire the 14 paintings by Domenico Morelli, reproduced in mosaic on the fronton of the Duomo; some paintings and sketches by the Amalfitan painter Pietro Scoppetta and the artistic pluteus holding the only existing specimen of the "Tabula de Amalpha", the costumes for the Regattas.

Occupying the southern side of the Sorrento peninsula, the Amalfi coast lays claim to be Italy’s most beautiful stretch of coast. Don’t miss its corniche road winding around the towering cliffs – an incredible ride. The most famous location along this coastline is possibly Positano with its pyramid high above the water, that has inspired a thousand picture postcards. But for food and accommodation we do recommend the more unexpensive and bigger town of Amalfi, an established seaside resort since Edwardian times, when the British upper class spent their winters here.

Once an independant republic in Byzantine times, Amalfi was one of the four great naval powers (others were Genoa, Venice and Pisa) with a population of some seventy thousand. Vanquished by the Normans in 1131, it was devastated by an earthquake in 1343. A few remnants of its past glories survived suc has the Duomo. Today Amalfi survives as a fanciful and mollified town, attracting passive lingerers who stroll along the beautiful bayside promenades.

It's enough just to say the word "coastline" and immediately the most celebrated stretch of the Mediterranean springs to mind. Leaving Vietri headed for Positano, you'll follow along a length of coastline as well preserved as any religious relic.

The only way to do it justice is to take the only coast road, opened in the mid-eighteenth century by the Bourbon King Ferdinand II's carriages. Now, as then, this roadway passes white villages, churches with majolica cupolas, sudden rocky protrusions and terraced groves swollen with lemons. Every curve reveals a fishing cove nestled in the rocks, a quick glimpse of blue or a Bouganvilla-draped villa worthy of Hollywood. La Costiera, immortalized in the gouaches of a thousand painters and the films of several dozen film directors, never fails to provoke strong emotions in habitués as well as those seeing it for the first time.

The Amalfi coastline lies between Positano and the starting point of our journey, Salerno, spread along a gulf busy with passenger and commercial ships. Rent a car or better yet, a motorcycle (it comes in handy on those narrow roads) and head north. How to get to the Amalfi Coast? Coming from the north (Napoli, for example), you'll leave the highway A3 at Vietri. From a southerly direction (Salerno for example), turn off into the state highway in the direction of Vietri.

AMALFI, THE GLORIOUS “REPUBBLICA MARINARA”

Amalfi is an internationally known tourist town thanks to its natural beauties and its mild climate. Its history, its landscapes, the sea, the monuments are a wonderful and unique cocktail.
Situated between the Lattari mounts, rich of citrus groves, and the sea, Amalfi is the pearl of the coast to which it gives the name. The town is made of white houses on the rocks, with narrow streets and staircases, and it is situated in the valley of Canneto river. The solar and wonderful nature creates a magic atmosphere.
The tourist port is very well equipped to allow visitors to go to the beautiful beaches of Amalfi, such as that of Santa Croce. Between ‘900 and 1100 Amalfi traded with the most important ports of Mediterranean sea and was a very important Republic. Sailors from Amalfi knew the use of the compass and they had real statutes to regulate navigation that represent an example of the modern law of navigation. The most important monument in Amalfi is the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Andrew, with the great staircase made of 57 steps, the dreamed destination of all the lovers of the world.
The port is the place from where all the excursions to Capri and Sorrent leave. Each four years, in June, the port is the theatre of the traditional boat-race “Regata Storica delle Repubbliche Marinare”, in Middle Ages costumes. The Museo della Carta (a paper museum) is very interesting, paper is still produced using techniques of XVIII century. During the summer, Amalfi is the reign of entertainment with many events, such as Lemon Festival that celebrates the most famous fruit of its cultivations, the lemon, and the tasteful liqueur, Limoncello.

SOME VALID REASONS IN ORDER TO PASS ONE VACATION TO AMALFI...

1. In the wonderful scenario of Amalfitana Coast, many tourists come in the elegant and nice hotels, residences and bed & breakfasts. Its history, the beauty of the landscape, the sea, monuments are a charming cocktail.
2. The visitors that go to the Amalfitana Coast can admire the architectural beauties from their hotels, from an elegant resort, a comfortable residence or a nice bed & breakfast.
3. Amalfitana Coast gives the possibility to spend a customized holiday: the comfortable hotels for those who look for a comfortable holiday, or a residence or bed & breakfast for those who like to be more independent.
4. Amalfitana Coast gives the possibility to live any kinds of holiday: the rich and elegant hotels, the cheaper residences and bed & breakfasts.
5. Amalfitana Coast has always been a perfect elegant destination for rich people looking for luxury in elegant hotel, but also for those who prefer cheaper accommodations in residences and bed & breakfasts.
6. Bed & breakfasts are loved in Amalfitana Coast by all those people that prefer to have a more familiar relationship with people in the place where they travel.
7. Bed & breakfast owners in Amalfitana Coast have a close relationship with all their clients that can live a perfect “amalfitana” life thanks to them.
8. To enjoy all the beauties of Amalfitana Coast, it is important to leave any problems at home, in the hotel room, in the residence or in the bed & breakfast and focus only on the natural beauties of the Coast, on its colours.
9. Visitors arriving to Amalfitana Coast live a unique experience that will be never forgotten: they will never forget the landscapes, the flavours, the colours and also the names of hotels, residences, bed & breakfasts and restaurants.

The Amalfi Coast

For those who have not ever visited it may be difficult to understand; sometimes words are not enough to describe the feelings and emotions provoked by the Amalfi Coast. An exaggeration? It could be, but the area is so extraordinary that you need to see it with your own eyes to fully comprehend its beauty. A first glance is enough to see its uniqueness. Rocks, sea, sheer drops and sheltered, cliff-side villages make up its rich tapestry. Following one single road (Highway 163) that, after every turn, provides an ever different and evocative panorama. Amongst the many communities, we have chosen four – Amalfi, Positano, Atrani and Praiano -, each one of them with it’s own character, and representative of the best towns and villages charmingly known as “nativity villages”.

Amalfi, Amalfi Coast

Proud of its beautiful and glorious past, although not pretentious, Amalfi is the oldest of the Maritime Republics and is situated more or less in the centre of the coastline to which it gives its name. Once in the town, your visit should start with the historical sites and monuments, like the ancient armouries that still seem to echo the frantic work of the axe masters. It was here, in fact, that they made a famous galley with over 100 oars, destined for trading with the Orient.
A few steps on and you are struck by the size of the Duomo (dedicated to Sant’Andrea) located at the top of a flight of steps, bustling, especially in the evenings, with young people. When visiting the cathedral, despite the reconstruction and restoration works, you can admire various architectural styles (the most evident being the Gothic, the Roman-Amalfitano and the Moorish that characterise the whole city). Then, don’t forget, alongside the Duomo, the Cloister of Paradise, the jewel of 1268. In order to capture the true spirit of Amalfi it is recommended to leave the main roads, that are always full of tourists, and zigzag your way through the small, narrow streets between the houses, winding your way through the little squares and covered passages. The unique atmosphere of the city will surprise you. Finally it is worthwhile enjoying the walk to the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills), which you can reach by taking the central street via Lorenzo d’Amalfi.

Positano Amalfi Coast

Perhaps the best example of a “nativity village”, with its distinctiveness that strikes both the heart and the eyes. Extended along the slopes of the mountains Comune and Sant’Angelo a Tré Pizzi and uniting by the sea. Positano is a sort of open-air museum, enriched by its liveliness, colours, history and character. From the first decade of the 1900’s, painters, writers, musicians, bohemian artists and members of the international jet-set have continued to frequent the area, resulting in its cosmopolitan atmosphere becoming known all over the world. The residences of Positano, white, pink and yellow houses, weave themselves, spiralling, around terraces shaded by palms, lemon-trees, flower-filled gardens and cascading, multi-coloured bougainvillaea. In a picturesque winding path, made up of passageways, stairs and steps, you follow a maze of intricate alleyways and little squares, filled with a myriad of colourful shops and arty boutiques. With regards to the shopping, the foremost thing on offer is clothing, famously known internationally as “Positano fashion”.
In this vibrant kaleidoscope of colours and noise sits, above the Marina Grande, the great majolica mosaic dome of the Santa Maria Assunta church. Inside, baroque alters and a table dating back to the 12th Century. The parish is a world away from everything else, where silence and contemplation reigns supreme.

Atrani, Amalfi Coast

Among the focal points of the coastline is perhaps the village that best shows the local architectural characteristics. A close distance, almost attached, to Amalfi, it was, at the time of the Republic of Amalfi, the residence of nobility, in fact it was here that they crowned and buried the doges. In the “nativity village”, sheltered within a small passageway, barricaded by houses along steep, rocky walls, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena stands proud in a prominent position on the Golf. Constructed in 1274, it boasts a baroque façade with a majolica dome and an impressive bell tower.
Also of particular interest is, the church of San Salvatore de‘Bireto, founded in 940, it is where the doges of Amalfi received their official decree with the presentation of the doges cap (bireto). The only other recommendation to visitors to this charming village is, to stroll through the intricate labyrinth of streets, stairs, arches, courtyards and terraces. The scenery that is offered everywhere you look won’t disappoint you.

Praiano, Amalfi Coast

Between Positano and Amalfi lays this quiet fishing village, whose houses enliven the rugged coastline of Monte Sant’Angelo a Tré Pizzi, which ends at the seafront with Capo Sottile. With regards to the artistic-monumental aspect, it is worth visiting the church of San Luca (that is custodian to a silver bust of the saint and paintings by Giovanni Bernardo Lama) in the upper section of the village, and in the residential centre, the church of San Giovanni (inside, it is possible to admire a beautiful majolica tiled floor that is still in exceptional condition). At the village gates you will find Praiano beach, the Marina di Praia, a delightful little cove stretched out between houses and fishing boats.

AMALFI COAST ATTRACTION

The Duomo - Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral is named after Sant'Andrea, who's remains are buried inside the crypt. It dates back to the 11th century, but since then was rebuilt. Its bronze doors were made in Constantinople and its bell tower is from the 13th century. The cathedral is characterized by its black and white facade and mosaics. This is a sight not to be missed.

Civic Museum - Town Hall Piazza Municipio. This museum of Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, has a few interesting exhibits, including original manuscripts of the Tavoliere Amalfitane and relating to Flavio Gioia, Amalfi's most famous merchant adventurer. The museum is open Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm.

The Eerie Emerald Grotto - Located just out of Amalfi. This cavern, famouse for it's light effects, is a ceve filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This is an amazing sight to behold and is not to be missed when in Amalfi. You can visit the cave daily from 9am to 4pm, provided that the seas are calm enough for the boats to be able to land at the cave safely.

RESTAURANTS of the Amalfi Coast

La Caravella - Amalfi - Via Matteo Camera 12. This restaurant is housed in an old stone building, that was a boatyard and marine warehouse in the 1400s. It is one of the best restaurants in town and is popular with locals and tourists alike. They serve a wide range of Italian dishes, such as spaghetti Caravella with seafood sauce; Scaloppini alla Caravella; and scialatielli.

Ristorante Luna Convento - Via Pantaleone Comite 33. This is one of the most popular restaurants in town, with tourists and locals alike. It is a grerat place to go for lunch and dinner, it's a good idea to reserve a table for dinner as it tends to get very busy. They serve a range of local dishes, concentrating on seafood dishes.

Da Gemma - Located near the cathedral. This is one of Amalfi's best restaurants , and has been in the Grimaldi family for many generations. This is the place to go if you want to sample some of the traditional local cuisine, they serve dishes like the house speciality zuppa di pesce.

BARS of the Amalfi Coast

L'Africana - Located near the centre of town, this is one of the best night clubs in Amalfi. It is popular with a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. They play a range of music from dance to pop, you dance and have a great time. This is a good place to go and start sampling the night life on offer in Amalfi.

Il Pirata - Located near the waterfront. This is one of the most popular disco's in town, with it's lighted beach and great atmosphere. It is frequented by a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, who are looking for a good time. This is the place to go if you're looking to dnace and have fun, while meeting some of the locals.

Amalfi's beach

Spiaggia Fornillo - This is the best beach in Amalfi and is very popular in summer with people from Italy and all over the world. The soft sandy beaches of Amalfi Coast are a perfect place to relax and catch a tan, or go for a swim and take a boat ride. There are some cafes and restaurants near the beach, so you can go and grab a bite to eat or have drink.

Amalfi, the heart of the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Olimpico located at few km from the Amalfi Coast.