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Amalfi |
Amalfi environments |
Minori | Cetara |
Erchie | Positano |
Vietri sul Mare | History |
weekend in Amalfi
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Amalfi coast - Photo (c)
Uwe Stiens
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Amalfi
Amalfi was once a
seafaring Republic, rivaling Genoa, Venice and Pisa,
from the ninth to the eleventh centuries.
Today that
competitiveness is exemplified by their participation in
the Trophy of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics; a
Regatta held each May in Venice.
Near the waterfront is the piazza del
Duomo and the ninth century Cathedral of Saint Andreas
(St. Andrew), whose remains are said to be buried in the
crypt.
Extensively rebuilt last century and
superbly maintained, this fine Cathedral reflects
Amalfi's original importance.
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Starting at the Piazza del Duomo there is a pleasant
scenic walk to the Molini Valley (Valley of the Mills)
where paper mills were established in early times,
introducing paper to Italy.
From the Piazza, alleys lead under white
arches where curious little shops display ceramics
ranging from huge jars to small jugs, all glowing with
the appealing colors and designs of the region.
Exploring the Town
Near the sea there's
Flavio Gioia square with a monument for compass'
inventor. From here you can see the remains of the
arsenal in which were built the big galleys with 116
oars, the biggest of X - XI century. What you can see
today, it's just a part because it was destroyed by the
sea storm in 1343.
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In the Duomo square you can see the
baroque fountain said of S. Andrea or Popolo
built in 1760. In front of the fountain you can see the
cathedral. It's composed by two basilicas: the lower is
dedicated to the Assunta and then to the Crocefisso,
about the VI century, it has a aisle-less because the
left nave is a part of the Paradise cloister and the
right is just a storage; the high basilica, dedicated to
S. Andrea has the transept and the crypt, it's about 839
when it was violated by the prince Longobardo of Salerno, Sicardo.
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Chiostro Paradiso
Photo (c)
sangiopanza2000
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CHIOSTRO PARADISO: The atrium in the Duomo also leads to the
lovely Chiostro del Paradiso (Paradise Cloister) an elegant Arabian-style
structure built in 1266-68 and contains the broken columns and statues, as
well as sarcophagi, of a long-gone civilization. The aura here is definitely
Moorish, with a whitewashed quadrangle of interlaced arches. Once they
formed parts of columns and altars, a specialty of this region of Italy.
A minor attraction, good for that rainy day, is the Museo
Civico, Piazza Municipio, which displays original
manuscripts of the Tavoliere Amalfitane. This
was the maritime code that governed the entire
Mediterranean until 1570. Some exhibits relate to Flavio
Gioia, Amalfi's most famous merchant adventurer.
Amalfitani claim he invented the compass in the 12th
century. "The sun, the moon, the stars and Amalfi,"
locals used to say. What's lefts from the "attic" of
their once great power is preserved here. The museum is
free and open Monday to Saturday 9am to 1pm.
For
your most scenic walk in Amalfi, start at Piazza del
Duomo and head up Via Genova. The classic stroll will
take you to the Valle dei Mulini (the Valley of the
public is said to have acquainted Italy with the use of
paper). You'll pass by fragrant gardens and scented
citrus groves. If the subject interests you, you can
learn more details about the industry at the Museo della
Carta, Via Valle dei Mulini. It's filled with antique presses and yellowing
manuscripts from yesterday. It's open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday and
Sunday 9am to 1pm.
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Courtesy of
Hotel Onda Verde - Amalfi Coast
(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
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