Amalfi Things to Do

The church is free to enter but there is a small charge to visit the cloister and crypt. We ummed and ah'd about paying when it was such a nice day outside but I'm glad we eventually did. The cloister was a beautiful oasis from the crowds and the heat of the day well worth the time spent there so don't miss out on it.

The cloister, commissioned by arcibishop Filippo Augustariccio, was built between 1266 and 1268. It was named Paradise Cloister for its function of cemetery for the noble men of Amalfi. The rays of sunlight amongst the whitewashed quadrangle interlaces arabesque arches resting on 120 marble columns was a special sight.

The cloister was surrounded by six chapels from the 13-14th century decorated with frescos. Five of these chapels are still well kept and contain the ancient coffins of noble Amalfitans of the past, such as decurione Publio Ottavio Rufo (IV century). The coffins are decorated with bassorilievo sculptures.

The Bell tower on the the left of the cathedral has kept its original style and structure despite many renovations. A mixture of norman and arabic styles with its double and triple light windows, topped with majolica domes, it was built between 1180-1276. It was once used as a defensive tower in 1389.

Peep through the bronze doors from the back of the central nave for an overall view of the cathedral. If a mass or a wedding is not taking place then the cathedral can be entered - provided you are dressed respectfully.

The liturgical area is dominated by an 13th century wooden crucifix whilst above the altar is painting by Andrea Dell'Asta from 1715 of the martydon of St Andrew. This same artist painted the splendid boxed ceiling (1702) depicting the "flagellation", the "crucifixion of St Andrrew" and the "miracle of the manna".

Half the fun of going to Amalfi is the trip itself. With Sorrento as our home base, we took a day trip south along the Amalfi Coast to Ravello. From Ravello we returned down to Amalfi before heading back to Sorrento in time for dinner. This is one incredibly beautiful bus ride. We made sure we sat on the right side of the bus to get the best views of the Mediterranean from the road on the cliff, 5oo feet above the water. Those on the other side of the bus really missed out!

Amalfi's Duomo rises grandly from the Piazza floor. Redone in 1203 in a Sicilian Arab-Norman style, the church is adorned with eye-catching mosaics.

This Piazzale is the center of the buzz in Amalfi, offering a break from the sand and a variety of restaurants and shops.

View from my restaurant seat, Amalfi. It was soooooooooooo hot that I could easily have gone in to the water fully clothed and enjoyed it until I would have come out drenched and uncomfortable. Ah well, next time I will be prepared.

Despite the hair-raising closeness of the cliff when travelling south along the Amalfi coast in a bus, I was pretty busy most of the time clicking scenes like this out of the bus window and more whenever we stopped.

I have a few showing the cliff's top half too so that you can get an idea of feeling stuck out there.