Many years ago I lived in a small village on the Amalfi Coast. I visited most of the other towns along this fabulous coast, but didn’t get as far south as Amalfi.
On the way back from Sicily earlier this year, I finally got to see this shining jewel at the foot of Monte Cerreto. Like the other coastal towns, Amalfi clings to the edge of the sea. In the 1920s and 1930s it became the place to be for the British upper class and aristocracy.
Now, it seems, Amalfi is popular with everyone. The town was crowded with eager tourists when we were there at the beginning of May.
Arriving by sea is an excellent way to get a great view of the town.
The entrance to the town from the water’s edge is via an old portal.
Piazza Duomo, the heart of the town, soon appears, with the magnificent cathedral of Sant’Andrea looking on from above. Between the 9th and 11th centuries Amalfi was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab/Norman cathedral with its striped Byzantine facade survives from this era.
The front door of the church is most impressive.
The interior is very elaborate.
Behind the church is the lovely Chiostro del Paradiso, Cloister of Paradise. It was built between 1266 and 1268 by Filippo Augustariccio and was used as a burial ground for noble families of Amalfi. The white columns and pointed arches reflect Arab influence. It is absolutely beautiful, with frescoes and views of the campanile.
The view from the church over the piazza is excellent.
We wandered down to explore the town. There is an interesting fountain in the square.
The main street is long and narrow.
The Amalfi Coast is famous for its huge lemons…and Limoncello, the delicious lemon liqueur. It is on sale in bottles of all shapes and sizes in shops all over town…along with lemons.
Shops are also full of beautiful ceramics and colourful beach clothes.
There is a very strange, and not particularly attractive, fountain in the street. It is called De Cape ‘e Ciucci, and refers to an old custom when donkeys (ciucci) came down from a village above laden with fruit, vegetables and wood to drink at the fountain.
Since 1974 the fountain has been a centre point for a nativity scene made from limestone and tufa.
We had a delicious lunch at a very busy restaurant, Locanda del Marinaio. Our friendly waiters were delighted when I told them used to live nearby and declared me an honorary local.
The weather was a bit patchy, with clouds and occasional sun. It began to rain just as we left, but it didn’t matter. I absolutely love the Amalfi Coast, all of it. I love the colour, the food, the shops, the people, the sea…everything. I can’t wait to return.
Love this post Debra! Your pictures as usual are amazing and it brought me right back there since I was in Amalfi not too long ago. I am so glad you finally got to see this amazing town …and thank you for the pictures of the cloister one place I have not yet seen …perhaps this fall
By: margieinitaly on July 6, 2016
at 12:58 pm
The cloister is beautiful! You must go on your next visit. We loved Amalfi as I love all the towns along the coast.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:12 pm
Excellent post. I too have been to amazing amalfi and it all brought it back
By: Francis on July 6, 2016
at 1:06 pm
Thank you. The coast is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:13 pm
Have never been able to get to Amalfi. That’s on my bucket list! I will get there one day! Last September I finally went to Cinque Terra, and loved it! Thanks for the wonderful pictures—they make me feel as if I’m there……
By: Diane P. on July 6, 2016
at 1:45 pm
Cinque Terre is fabulous too. There are some similarities with the Amalfi Coast.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:14 pm
while staying in Sorrento in 2009 my wife and I hired a driver to take us down the Amalfi Coast. to anyone who goes ask people in the shops in Sorrento if they know of any drivers. we were gone for about 7 hours and stopped in Amalfi. The best part was the driver explained what everything was on the drive from Sorrento to Amalfi and all points in between. it really is a beautiful place.All of Italy is very special. George Miori
By: Anonymous on July 6, 2016
at 3:06 pm
Driving along the coast is an experience all by itself, especially when someone else is doing it.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:15 pm
Debra, what type of camera do you use. This pics are outstanding 🙂
By: Gale Bates on July 6, 2016
at 4:25 pm
It is a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200. I love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:16 pm
That’s gorgeous! I’ve never been but would love to explore Italy 💕💕
By: Suvi on July 6, 2016
at 6:29 pm
It is only 3 hours flying time from Helsinki…you will love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:16 pm
The whole area is gorgeous! Beautiful photos!
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 6, 2016
at 6:33 pm
I love the Amalfi Coast…all of it.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:17 pm
Love the photo with the flowers peaking out from the long white columns, and the fountain is, as you say, interesting.
By: karenincalabria on July 6, 2016
at 6:42 pm
The fountain was certainly attracting a lot of attention.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:17 pm
What a delight
By: Mallee Stanley on July 6, 2016
at 8:24 pm
Amalfi is certainly delightful.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 6, 2016
at 10:18 pm
Looks fabulous….it is on the list!!
By: Kerry & Jim on July 6, 2016
at 11:57 pm
The Amalfi Coast is spectacular and each of the towns is worth a visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 1:10 pm
Love this post as all your posts Debra. I would love to see this part of Italy as well as so many others.
By: thirdeyemom on July 7, 2016
at 12:29 am
I feel very lucky to have spent a year of my life in this beautiful area.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 1:11 pm
Sigh…one day I’d love to visit there! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on July 7, 2016
at 6:05 am
I’m sure you will get there before too long.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 1:11 pm
Never been there on my trips to Italy, but now I feel like I have been there, thanks to your wonderful images and text. Thank you for sharing Debra
By: corneliaweberphotography on July 7, 2016
at 6:44 am
This is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Italy, no wonder I fell in love with the place all those years ago.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 1:12 pm
I wonder how the elderly, and those afflicted with arthritis get up all those steps to the Cathedral?
I adore those colourful clothes you spotted.
By: Yvonne on July 7, 2016
at 6:48 am
I imagine the steps could be quite difficult for some people.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 1:13 pm
Nice post, thanks for the memory nudge!
By: Andrew Petcher on July 7, 2016
at 11:16 am
Time for another visit?
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 1:13 pm
Thank you!
By: Catherine Leonardo on July 7, 2016
at 1:49 pm
It was my pleasure to share lovely Amalfi.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 7, 2016
at 2:05 pm
Ah … the Amalfi Coast …. the place I call The Most Beautiful Habitable Place I’ve Ever Seen. Thanks for the reminder.
By: aFrankAngle on July 8, 2016
at 2:25 am
That church is remarkably beautiful, inside and out. The exterior looks unique. I loved our drive along the coast. Amalfi Coast is one of the most “picturesque” places I’ve ever been to.
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at 3:00 am
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