Amalfi, Italy

Cathedral of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called

The decoration of Amalfi’s central square and a focal point for pilgrims from all over the world-the majestic ancient Cathedral of the Holy Apostle Andrew. The building, crafted in a Byzantine-Norman style, was constructed in the 9th-10th centuries and was later expanded. The cathedral is renowned for its astonishing beauty, but most of all-the reason pilgrims come-is the relics of the Apostle Andrew preserved in the cathedral. They are kept in the cathedral’s underground crypt beneath a marble sarcophagus. During services, priests use it as an altar. Weekly Catholic liturgies and Orthodox services are held over the invaluable relics for the entire Christian world.

Paradise Courtyard

A picturesque and quiet green corner called the “Paradise Courtyard” adjoins one of Amalfi’s main attractions - the Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called. This courtyard was built in 1266-1268 and is a small garden surrounded by a gallery with pointed carved arches that rest on paired columns. Once upon a time, the “Paradise Courtyard” served as a cemetery for the city’s noble residents. From those times, a crypt of an unknown priest and several other tombs have been preserved here. The “Paradise Courtyard” is surrounded by six chapels, where you can see well-preserved ancient frescoes and mosaics. In the 17th century, the “Paradise Courtyard” fell into disuse. It was restored and opened to visitors only in 1908.

Beaches

Amalfi itself cannot boast of great beaches. But literally one kilometer from the city, in the small village of Atrani, there is its own beach, Atrani Castiglione, which is considered cleaner and less crowded than in Amalfi. There is a paid area with sun loungers and an umbrella, as well as a free one. Santa Croce Beach is a decent, scenic beach in the outskirts of Amalfi. As it should be, it is divided into a paid and a free area; both are quite clean, with showers and a rental service for sun loungers and umbrellas. When entering the water, there are many large stones from which you can dive excellently. In the coastal cliffs, a small cave chapel is hidden, after which the beach got its name.

Emerald Grotto

A must-see sight in Amalfi above all is the famous Emerald Grotto, located in the picturesque bay of Conca dei Marini. The Emerald Grotto is a wonderful and magnificent creation of nature. It is a large cave 24 meters high, with an entrance located underwater. Apparently, that is why it was discovered only in 1932 by the local fisherman Luigi Buoncorre. Inside the cave, there are many stalactites and stalagmites that, when hit by light, shimmer with emerald-colored lights reflected in the clean, crystal-clear sea. To see this beauty, you need to descend into the cave by a special elevator, and then travel some distance further by boat. But believe me: what you will see is absolutely worth it.

Mill Valley and the Paper Museum

The Valley of Mills is located in the hills just above Amalfi itself. The rushing mountain rivers flowing through it provided energy for flour mills, and later for the paper-making industry, which the Amalfitans learned from the Arabs. Many paper manufactories were built in the valley in the 12th century and continued to operate until the middle of the 20th century, when a terrible flood damaged most of the buildings. But one of them has been fully preserved. Here, the descendants of the ancient dynasty of paper-makers opened a museum showcasing mechanisms and tools, and demonstrating the process of producing paper by hand from linen and cotton. Vintage paper samples are also collected here, and there is even a small library. The museum tour lasts just 20 minutes, but it’s very interesting.

Amalfi Coast Promenade

The city’s main street, the local Broadway-the Lungomare promenade. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops here; from this spot you can enjoy magnificent sea views and admire picturesque buildings preserved from the Middle Ages. And once a year, from the promenade, it’s very convenient to watch the historic sailing regatta. During the velvet season, the area is full of celebrities strolling about-people who love to vacation at villas tucked away among lemon and orange groves. Among the many who have been spotted here are John Kennedy with his wife and Italy’s most famous actress, Sophia Loren.

Villa Roma Antiques

This castle on the coastline is located in the small area of Minori, 4 km northeast of Amalfi. The magnificent 1st-century villa is a typical example of the buildings of that era. The house was built as a holiday home in the period before the eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79 A.D. The surviving parts of the villa are surrounded by a lush garden. Today, the villa houses a museum with a variety of artifacts, including collections of items dating from the 6th century BC.

Amalfi Coast Excursion

The Amalfi Coast is the jewel of southern Italy, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. More often than not, people call it “divine,” and it lives up to that name. The purest turquoise sea, fragrant lemon and orange groves, proud rocks thrusting up toward the sky, and small towns, like swallow nests, snugly settled among the cliffs-everything that makes the Amalfi Coast unique. During the excursion, you’ll be able to see all the most beautiful and interesting sights this region has to offer.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view in your “Client Personal Account” after booking your cruise.