The extraordinary beauty of Amalfi Cathedral, named after St. Andrew, is the result of numerous architectural transformations over a millennium.
Its history is rooted in the 10th century, when a new basilica was erected next to the existing Basilica del Crocefisso. In time, the two structures merged to form the cathedral, with the complex also comprising a lower crypt, the splendid bell tower, and the Paradise Cloister, built by demolishing one of the naves of the older core.
The entrance to the cathedral lies at the top of a majestic flight of 62 steps, leading to an extraordinary polychrome façade graced by a magnificent atrium. The external appearance of the complex is the result of major restoration work carried out on the façade in the second half of the 19th century, and further restoration in the 20th century.
One of the most striking features is the bronze door. Cast in Constantinople, it is adorned with sacred figures such as Christ, the Virgin, St. Peter and St. Andrew.
The atrium of the cathedral connects the bell tower, the Paradise Cloister and the Basilica del Crocefisso.
Take a moment to admire the stunning beauty of the bell tower, built between 1108 and 1276! The Romanesque-style two-and three-light openings are embellished with classical columns and capitals that create a Moorish-style structure reminiscent of Islamic art, with interlinking arches in polychrome majolica.
Make sure you also visit the Paradise Cloister, connected to the archbishop's palace. It was built in 1266, at the behest of Archbishop Filippo Augustariccio, as a cemetery for the city's most distinguished citizens, to whom six chapels were dedicated. Today only five major sarcophagi remain, embellished with scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.
An interesting fact: The relics of St. Andrew, kept in the cathedral, have a troubled history. The apostle, who died in Patras in 60 AD, was initially buried in Constantinople. In 1208, his remains were brought to Amalfi by Cardinal Pietro Capuano. Two centuries later, his head was taken to Rome, and it was not until 1964 that part of it was returned to Patras. An Odyssey indeed!
