Incoming Amalfi Coast

The heart of the town of Amalfi is adorned with the prestigious Fontana del Popolo (People's Fountain) copy of the original one taken by a tempest, is overhung by the imposing stairway of the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea (St.Andrew). Beside is the belltower, not aligned with the church, in a discrete state of maintainance. The interior of the church is in baroque style, with plenty of polychrome marbles, silver manufats and precious paintings. Spectacular is the wooden coffered ceiling decorated with gold and richly painted. A narrow marble staircase leads to the crypt from 13th century, with two cross-vaulted naves richly decorated. On the altar there is the imposive bronze statue of St.Andrew, under which is the precious urn that keeps the venerated relics of the patron saint. From the cathedral we get into the ancient Basilica of the Crucifix, the former cathedral of Amalfi, which keeps inestimable frescos from 14th century among the imposing columns. Nowadays is seat for conferences, congresses and concerts. I hosts also the treasure of Amalfi Diocese.

From the Cathedral's steps, crossing the square and then a pictoresque archade, we arrive to the remains of ancient arsenals of the republic, consisting of two large pointed arches.The building is on a small square where there were also the merchants' stores (called Fondaci) and the Customs. Going on there is the suggestive Piazza dei Dogi (Dukes' Square) and from there, through sheer steps, to the ancient district of Vagliendola. Then there is the ancient Convent of Cappuccini from 1212.

Finally you cannot forget to visit the renowned Valle dei Mulini (Mills' Valley), considered by the Romantic travellers one of the most beautiful places in the world.