From its prestigious past Amalfi keeps some important testimonies: on the cliff there is the former Monastery of Benedictine nuns, founded in the 10th century and turned into cemetery in the 19th century. At the entrance to the town there is the beautiful Torre di San Francesco (St.Francis' Tower) today called Saracena and upside is the ancient convent founded by St.Francis himself in 1222. Suppressed during the French Decade, it keeps a precious cloister. Annexed to the convent is the church of Sant'Antonio (St.Anthony) beautiful building right over the sea: with single nave, in the crypt there are some valuable frescos from 13th century. At the begnning of Viale delle Regioni (Regions' Promenade) there is the wonderful panel in ceramics by Cossa, monument for the achievements of Amalfi. Inside the Town Hall, a palace from the 16th century and formerly a monastery, are exhibited some remarkable antiques: the ancient coins (tarì), some nautical instruments, among which the compass (by tradition invented by Flavio Gioia from Amalfi); a rare copy of the Tabule Amalpphitane (Amalfi's Laws); the ancient banner and the clothes for the Historical Regatta, a contest among the rawing boats from the Four Ancient Maritime Republics.

The heart of the town, 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). It was built in 9th century and received many restorations during following centuries which modified its original structure. The actual facade is the result of a Neogothic intervention done in the 19th century. 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.  [ More...]