Before you start exploring Amalfi, it’s important to take a brief step into the fascinating history of the town that gives the Amalfi Coast its name.
Amalfi was founded around the 4th century AD by Roman refugees who had fled from Melfi, tormented by barbarian hordes. Right from the beginning, the inhabitants took advantage of the natural harbor that facilitated maritime trade.
The city later belonged to the Duchy of Naples for a long period, until the 9th century, when Amalfi became independent and founded an autonomous republic. This allowed the city to extend its commercial influence and to become one of the four most powerful maritime republics in the Mediterranean, thanks to an impressive merchant and military fleet.
However, Amalfi's fortunes took a turn for the worse in 1131, when it fell under the siege of the Norman king Roger II. This was followed by looting and a terrible storm that devastated the harbor in 1343 and hastened the city's decline.
Since the late 19th century, Amalfi has become a popular tourist destination, thanks to its extraordinary historical, cultural and scenic heritage.
Today, you can rediscover its extraordinary history by visiting the Ancient Arsenals of the Republic, where ships were built for trade with the East; the Vagliendola District, with its ancient aristocratic houses, known as "case turrite"; the charming Piazza dello Spirito Santo, and the Paper Museum, located in the old Capuchin Convent.
Don't miss the splendid Cathedral, the Paradise Cloister and the Basilica del Crocefisso, now home to the Diocesan Museum of Amalfi.
Of course, there’s more to Amalfi than history and culture. It also offers spectacular hiking trails, including the Valle delle Ferriere State Reserve, and quiet beaches such as Duoglio, Santa Croce and Le Marinelle.
An interesting fact: If you are interested in a more atmospheric experience, you might like to visit the Monumental Cemetery, which you can reach by climbing a long flight of steps from the back of the Cathedral. There are around 400 steps to climb, but your efforts will be rewarded by the incredible views. This monumental cemetery, once a Benedictine women's monastery, preserves a tufa stone colonnade made back in 1816.
