Amalfi is a charming, peaceful resort town on the scenic Amalfi Coast of Italy. It was once one of the four powerful Maritime Republics and has much historic interest. Narrow alleyways wind through the town up the slopes between the sea and mountains. Excellent examples of medieval architecture with Moorish influence include its ninth century cathedral, Duomo di Sant' Andrea and the Cloister of Paradise, Chiostro del Paradiso. Besides history and beauty, the town is noted for its good beaches and bathing establishments, historic resorts and hotels, lemons, and handmade paper. Weddings are also popular on the Amalfi Coast.
In this part of the world the gardens of the villages cohabit with a natural and typical vegetation of the Mediterranean area, a huge part of which is still untouched. Whoever sees this wonderful part of Italy with rich history, culture and folklore, popular sayings and gastronomical traditions is for sure going to be fascinated.
What to See and Do:
* Beaches - Amalfi's beaches are some of the best on the coast and there are several top rate bathing establishments that rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and changing rooms. The water is crystal clear and great for swimming, scuba diving, or boating.
* Duomo di Sant' Andrea and Cloister of Paradise - The duomo is reached by an impressive staircase of 62 steep steps leading up from the main piazza. Mosaics decorate the exterior of the church. It has impressive bronze doors made in 1066. Inside, the ninth century basilica has romanesque columns and frescoes but the duomo itself is mainly an 18th century baroque restoration although you can still see a lot of Arab-Norman influence. The duomo houses the richly decorated Crypt of St. Andrew. There's also a diocesan museum. The Cloister of Paradise, Chiostro del Paradiso, built in 1266, is a treasure of medieval architecture.
* Palazzo Morelli - Inside the palazzo is the Civic Museum. The Tavola Amalfitana, a book of maritime lawas that was adopted around the Mediterranean, was written in Amalfi in the tenth century and is housed in the museum.
* Paper Museum - At the top of town is the Paper Museum highlighting the history of paper making.
* Valley of the Mills - near the Paper Museum, the valley is set along a stream bed between the cliffs. There are mills that brought water to the paper workshops and some are still in operation. Continuing beyond the town, walks in the steep wooded hills take in waterfalls, springs, and occassional sea views.
* Shopping - Limoncello di Amalfi, a lemon liquor, is one of Amalfi's top products and can be found in local stores. High quality handmade paper from Amalfi has been famous for centuries and is even used in the Vatican. Amatruda is the oldest paper manufacturer in Europe. Handmade paper can be found in shops here.
* Festivals - Every four years the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics with historic vessels is held in Amalfi. The next time will be in June, 2012. Amalfi is also a good place for Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
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