Amalfi is a seaside town in the province of Salerno. In addition to being a resort, it is also home to architectural monuments recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
History of the city
The city of Amalfi (Italy), according to historians, was founded in the IV century AD by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. In the era of the Lombards (an ancient Germanic tribe) – VI-VII centuries – it was already a developed and rich territory, thanks to trade through the sea routes. At that time, it was a powerful community with a republican system, and it was led by princes who were elected for life.
At first, princes were also called consuls, then counts, and then dukes. In the ninth century, one of the oldest ducal families, the Amalfi, began to rule here. The first of this family was Manzus Fusulus, who ruled from 892 to 908.
After his termination of office, the reign passed to Duke Guiseppe II, Prince of Salerno. In 1077, Amalfi (Italy) was annexed by Duke Robert Guiscard to his possessions of Calabria and Puglia.
The Amalfi Maritime Law (a code of maritime law) ruled the coasts of Italy until 1570.
The city of Amalfi (Italy) is located on a cliffside. In ancient times, the houses that were located nearby were connected to each other by stairs carved into the rock, and the roofs of the houses were adapted for gardening.
Among these labyrinths, which consist of stairs, bridges and passages, even nowadays, there is a gorgeous flora everywhere, consisting of orange, lemon, grape and olive trees. The city is now home to about five and a half thousand people.
Almost all roads lead to the city center or the coast in one way or another. There are many attractions in the city center, on the Duomo Square. Museums, souvenir shops, small shops and cafes can be found here in large numbers. The beach area is mostly restaurants, bars and hotels.
City attractions
The sights in Amalfi (Italy) have an interesting and long history. One of the decorations of the Duomo Square is St. Andrew’s Cathedral. It was built in the Byzantine-Norman style around the IX-X centuries, and later was gradually completed.
Every year, pilgrims from all over the world come to the cathedral to venerate the relics of the Apostle Andrew, which are located in the church. The relics emit myrrh, which is considered by believers to be healing. From the church you can get into its courtyard, which is striking in its beauty.
One of the museums here houses the Code of Maritime Laws, which was revered throughout Italy until the mid-16th century. Nearby is the Museum of Paper, dedicated to its production in the city-republic in the Middle Ages.
Admission to the museums will cost you from 2.5 to 4 euros (1 euro is ≈75 r.), some can be visited for free. The city has long been famous for its ceramics, which you can buy in one of the many shops. You can also buy various marine-themed souvenirs. Tired of walking around the city center, many people go straight to the