The town of Amalfi is situated in a beautiful corner of southern Italy and has an important past. The town was built above steep cliffs, so Amalfi has breathtaking views and an unforgettably romantic atmosphere.
A brief history of Amalfi
Amalfi is thought to have been built by the Romans, as the Latin inscription on the town's coat of arms shows, but it was in the ninth century that Amalfi acquired its importance and prestige, becoming one of the four maritime republics that were fighting for control of the Mediterranean. The Amalfi Tables or the Tavole Amalfitano were created around this time and were a maritime code of conduct for the city. It governed the exchange of goods and life onboard ships, it had a great influence and was also used by many other Christian port cities until the seventeenth century. After a period of great splendour, the town went into decline around 1130, when the Normans conquered the town. Subsequently, the Pisans abandoned it and then it was almost completely destroyed because of a tsunami.
Places to visit in Amalfi
We start with a visit to the Duomo, which is the most famous building in the town. It is built in an Arab-Sicilian style to honour Saint Andrew and incorporates a group of structures and churches from various historical periods. The streets of Amalfi are really beautiful and it's nice just to stroll around to enjoy the views. The Vagliendola district is a nice area with some beautiful houses that historically belonged to nobles and aristocrats.
Beaches around Amalfi
There are many beaches on the Amalfi coast, where you can bathe in clear water and enjoy the sun, but they are often very crowded and a little windy. The closest beaches to the centre are Lido degli Artisti and Lido delle Serene.