Amalfi

Amalfi is located at the mouth of a deep ravine and surrounded by the sea and mountains.  First mentioned in the 6th century, it was always considered a major maritime power until a tsunami in 1343 destroyed the port and lower town from which it never recovered.   Amalfi is a beautiful seaside town that has been a popular tourist destination since the early 1800's but it started attracting international tourists in the early 1900's when it became popular with the British upper classes.  And it has not looked back since.

Amalfi is about a 10 minute walk from Atrani, and the difference in crowds is astounding.  While Atrani was very quiet and peaceful, Amalfi was humming with thousands of day trippers and their guides pocking into every corner of the town.  We walked to onto one of several piers to look back at the houses stacked up upon one another as they made their way up the side of the cliffs.

Looking at old town with Mt.Cerreto in the background.  Just above the water is the parking area for tour buses that bring thousands of tourists in for the day.

 Amalfi Cathedral overlooks Piazza del Duomo in the heart of old town.  The original church was built in the 9th century and sits between the bell tower and the new church.  The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Andrew, who's remains were reportedly brought here in 1206 from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade and interred in the crypt of the new cathedral in 1208.  The facade of the new cathedral is Byzantine in style with a large mosaic fresco of St. Andrew at the top.  The Romanesque Bell Tower was started in 1180 and took over 100 years to complete and is off-center.   

A couple of unique structures found in the less touristy part of old town Amalfi



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