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Originally Roman, Amalfi was the first marittime repubic of Italy; it minted its own money (the tari) and from Amalfi came Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the compass.
The Republic gave navigators the famous code of maritime law know as 'Tabulae Amalfitanae'.
The port gradually shrank in size and in the end completely disappeared, swallowed up by erosion along the coast. In the main square we found the Cathedral, built in the VI century and dedicated to St. Andrew, the Apostle, whose relics are preserved in the crypt; the Cloister of Paradise adjoining the Cathedral.
The Emerald Grotto ( Grotta dello Smeraldo ) situated in the enchanting bay of Conca dei Marini, takes its name from the brilliant green reflections in the water when the sun filters through inside.
Unfortunately little remains of the original town of Amalfi, for it was almost razed to ground by tidal waves that struck in 1013 and in 1343.
All that is left of its antique magnificence is the Duomo, the Cloister, The Arsenal of the Republic and the convent of the Cappuccini. |
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Amalfi photo tour |
