Unveiling Amalfi’s Hidden Treasures: From Gothic Marvels to Paper-Making Traditions
Amalfi – A Coastal Gem
Historical Significance
Amalfi is like a gold nugget in a rich vein. It is one of the many wonders that dot the coast it is named for, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. The town of about 5,000 people in Campania, which is in the province of Salerno, was probably founded by the Romans. However, the 9th century was probably the most important time in Amalfi’s history, when it became one of the Maritime Republics, along with Pisa, Venice, and Genoa, which all wanted to control the Mediterranean.
A Coastal City
Even though it’s no longer a Maritime Republic, the sea is everywhere in the city and makes it very interesting. The houses in the port seem to be built on top of each other, clinging to the edge of the cliff and trying to get as high as possible, so that you can see the bright blue of the Mediterranean better. Below, a thin strip of gold, broken up into beaches and coves, separates the land from the sea and makes for a beautiful view. From Amalfi, boat trips are a great way to see all of the hidden parts of the Sorrento Peninsula and even the beautiful island of Capri.
Exploring Amalfi
The Duomo
After looking at the natural beauty of Amalfi, you should also pay close attention to the town center. The Duomo is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. It was built in an Arab-Sicilian style and is now dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Sant’Andrea. In reality, it’s not a single building, but rather a complex made up of many different churches that were built on top of each other over the centuries. The first stones of the building came from a Christian church that was built in the sixth century, probably to replace a pagan temple. The current church, which is dedicated to Sant’Andrea, was built in the 9th century. During the Middle Ages and the Baroque, it got many new parts, such as the bell tower, the altar, the gold-covered coffered ceiling, and the beautiful cloister of Paradise. The Cathedral is easily accessible due to a big stairway that goes up to it. This provides photographers with several shooting ideas..
The Cloister of Paradise
One of the most beautiful parts is the Cloister of Paradise, which is a unique mix of different styles and architectures. It is worth going to see. The style is typically Gothic, with a beautiful set of arches and thin columns made of marble.
The Paper Museum
Lastly, you shouldn’t miss the Paper Museum. It was set up in an old paper mill in 1969 at the request of Nicola Milano, who owned the building and came from a wealthy family with a long history of making paper. The exhibition is in the middle of the city, in a place called Valle dei Mulini. It has restored machines from the old paper mill that people can look at. An exhibition of photographs and a thematic library round out the exciting itinerary and show how important this production was to the maritime republic’s economic growth. The guided tour of the museum takes about twenty minutes. During that time, you can watch a sheet of “bambagina” paper, which is traditional to Amalfi, being made right in front of you.
Festivals and Celebrations
But the city’s traditions also include a desire to have fun and be with each other. For this reason, it’s worth going to the feast of Sant’Andrea on November 30 in honor of the city’s patron saint. On the night before the festival, the statue of the saint is carried through the streets of the town in a procession. On the morning of November 30, the celebrations start with the bells ringing and the band playing.
Also, on June 27, there is an event to remember the saint and the miracle he did in 1544 when he stopped the pirate Barbarossa from attacking the city by sea. On this day, his statue is taken to the sea, where it is celebrated with music, lights, and fireworks. So, every four years, between May and July, a special event takes place in Amalfi. This is the historical regatta of the ancient maritime republics, which also takes place in Genoa, Pisa, and Venice.
H3: Mediterranean Climate
In a city where the sea’s colors, smells, and sounds fill all of your senses, the weather could only be Mediterranean, with hot, sunny, but never muggy summers. The average temperature in July and August is between 18°C and 29°C, and it almost never rains in the summer. On the other hand, December is the wettest month, with 13 days of rain on average. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures between 4°C and 12°C.
Getting to Amalfi
There are many ways to get to Amalfi. If you fly, you can land at Naples Capodichino Airport, which is about 70 km away. From there, take the A3 motorway and follow the signs for Pompeii, Castellamare, Sorrento, and then Amalfi. Those driving from Salerno can take the SS 163 and follow the signs for the Amalfi Coast and Amalfi.