Duomo
This superb example of Arabo-Norman architecture dates to the 9th century, when the Republic of Amalfi was just rising to power. The majestic facade is decorated with a mosaic of gold leaf and majolica; the magnificent bronze doors were made in Constantinple in the 11th century, and the lovely Romanesque bell tower was finished in 1276. The Duomo was enlarged between the 16th and 18th centuries, when it was also given a baroque interior; the steep, imposing external staircase leading to the beautiful atrium in black-and-white marble also dates from this time. Restoration in 1929 removed the baroque excesses and restored the interior to something near its 13th-century state.
From the left-hand end of the porch, you enter the breathtakingly beautiful Chiostro del Paradiso, dating from 1266. The cloister, in Arab-Sicilian style, is decorated with interlaced arches over double columns and was originally built as the cemetery for the city's religious and political elite. The site now holds a small museum with ancient Roman and medieval artifacts. Among the best pieces are the Roman sarcophagus of Ottavio Rufo, richly carved with bas-reliefs, and two other sarcophagi. From the cloister, you enter the Cappella del Crocifisso, the original cathedral of Amalfi dating from the 10th century, where other artworks are preserved. July through September, concerts are held in the cloister on Friday nights.
From the right nave of the Cappella, you can climb down to the Crypt, the repository for the remains of the apostle St. Andrew, the protector saint of Amalfi. It was built in the 13th century, when the remains of the saint were brought back from the 4th Crusade; it was redecorated in 1719. Over the main altar is the beautiful bronze Statue of Sant'Andrea by Michelangelo Naccherino.
This superb example of Arabo-Norman architecture dates to the 9th century, when the Republic of Amalfi was just rising to power. The majestic facade is decorated with a mosaic of gold leaf and majolica; the magnificent bronze doors were made in Constantinple in the 11th century, and the lovely Romanesque bell tower was finished in 1276. The Duomo was enlarged between the 16th and 18th centuries, when it was also given a baroque interior; the steep, imposing external staircase leading to the beautiful atrium in black-and-white marble also dates from this time. Restoration in 1929 removed the baroque excesses and restored the interior to something near its 13th-century state.
From the left-hand end of the porch, you enter the breathtakingly beautiful Chiostro del Paradiso, dating from 1266. The cloister, in Arab-Sicilian style, is decorated with interlaced arches over double columns and was originally built as the cemetery for the city's religious and political elite. The site now holds a small museum with ancient Roman and medieval artifacts. Among the best pieces are the Roman sarcophagus of Ottavio Rufo, richly carved with bas-reliefs, and two other sarcophagi. From the cloister, you enter the Cappella del Crocifisso, the original cathedral of Amalfi dating from the 10th century, where other artworks are preserved. July through September, concerts are held in the cloister on Friday nights.
From the right nave of the Cappella, you can climb down to the Crypt, the repository for the remains of the apostle St. Andrew, the protector saint of Amalfi. It was built in the 13th century, when the remains of the saint were brought back from the 4th Crusade; it was redecorated in 1719. Over the main altar is the beautiful bronze Statue of Sant'Andrea by Michelangelo Naccherino.
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