Amalfi Landmarks and Monuments

(Amalfi, Campania, Italy)

Although for many it is the Amalfi Coast that is the main draw card here, the town does contain a number of important landmarks and historical monuments. Amalfi has become known for its rich medieval architecture and this is reflected within the town oldest landmarks and buildings, which often surround central squares, such as the Piazza del Duomo, the Piazza Flavio Gioia and the Piazza Municipio.

St. Andrew's Cathedral (Duomo) is without doubt one of the most striking landmarks in Amalfi and this dramatic sight stands at the top of a very long and wide flight of steps. Other significant monuments to the past include the Chiostro del Paradiso, the waterfront Arsenal, and the rather elevated Benedictine Monastery, which is almost 1,000 years old.

St. Andrew's Cathedral / Duomo (Sant'Andrea Cathedral)

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 089 871 059
St. Andrew's Cathedral is steeped in history and believed to originate from as far back as the 10th century. Many people describe the exterior of this famous landmark as being like a humbug sweet, due to its black and white striped archways and intricate mosaic work. Over the years, the Duomo has been rebuilt and remodelled a number of times, the most recent being in the latter part of the 19th century, with the current appearance being distinctly Arabic-Norman in style. Inside, the cathedral's namesake Sant'Andrea (St. Andrew) is buried in the crypt.
Open hours: daily, April to June - 09:00 to 19:00; July to September - 09:00 to 21:00; October and March - 09:30 to 17:15; November to February - 10:00 to 13:00, 14:30 to 16:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso)

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Amalfi, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 089 871 059
The Cloister of Paradise is known locally in Amalfi as the Chiostro del Paradiso and is situated right next to St. Andrew's Cathedral, on the Piazza del Duomo. Built during the 13th century, the Cloister of Paradise features Arabic-style architecture and is home to the tombs of a number of prominent Italians from the Campania region. This landmark is supported by no less than 120 individual columns, which is quite a sight to behold. Inside is a central courtyard, complete with large palm trees and formal planting.
Open hours: daily, April to June - 09:00 to 19:00; July to September - 09:00 to 21:00; October and March - 09:30 to 17:15; November to February - 10:00 to 13:00, 14:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Arsenal

Address: Via Matteo Camera, Amalfi, Italy, IT
Located along the Via Matteo Camera and on the waterfront, the 9th-century Arsenal is a prominent local landmark and serves as a strong reminder of the military force of the Amalfi Republic. Now fully restored, the Arsenal is actually Italy's one and only ship-building depot from this era still in existence. The historic interior is of particular interest and features a dramatic vaulted ceiling, housing a series of visiting art exhibitions. There were actually more than 20 of these arched Arsenals along the Amalfi Coast, although today there are just 12 still standing.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Benedictine Monastery

A historic building perched on a nearby mountain and located high above Amalfi, the Benedictine Monastery dates back to the very end of the 10th century and was constructed at the request of the Doge Mansone III. Its original use was to house single, virtuous women from the town, although by the middle of the 19th century, the usage changed to a rather grand cemetery. Today, the Benedictine Monastery serves as the seat of the municipality and is well worth a look.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: charge