Amalfi

Amalfi is a town and comune in the province of Salerno, in the region of Campania, Italy, on the Gulf of Salerno. It lies at the mouth of a deep ravine, at the foot of Monte Cerreto (1,315 meters, 4,314 feet), surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. The town of Amalfi was the capital of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, an important trading power in the Mediterranean between 839 and around 1200.

History

In the 1920s and 1930s, Amalfi was a popular holiday destination for the British upper class and aristocracy. Amalfi is the main town of the coast on which it is located, named Costiera Amalfitana, and is today an important tourist destination together with other towns on the same coast, such as Positano, Ravello and others.

Main Sights

Amalfi is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Amalfi Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, dominates the heart of the city with its impressive stairs made of 62 steps. The cathedral dates back to the 11th century; its interior is adorned in the late Baroque style with a nave and two aisles divided by 20 columns.

Culture

Amalfi is known for its production of limoncello, a digestif made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water, and sugar. Other agricultural production includes citrus fruits, wine, nuts and olives. The unique geography of the Amalfi coast, with its steep, terraced hillsides, contributes to the high quality of local produce, particularly lemons and grapes.

Transport

Amalfi is served by the SITA buses that connect it with Salerno, Sorrento and other towns on the Amalfi Coast. For long-distance travel, the nearest major train station is Salerno railway station.

See Also

• List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy
• Amalfi Coast
• Maritime Republics

External Links

• Official website