The cathedral of Amalfi is located in the city's main square. As with many churches in Italy, it has ancient origins but has been rebuilt or renovated countless times throughout the centuries. This building, however, is one of the most memorable churches you will visit in the country. Approached by a sweeping stone stair and with a polychromatic Arabic-inspired exterior, which speaks to the heritage of the area, it has an immediate impact on the viewer. If you are a fan of architectural gems perched by the sea, then Amalfi is just the place for you.
Find a holiday home on the Amalfi Coast and have you breath taken away by the sights and surroundings.
Find a holiday home on the Amalfi Coast and have you breath taken away by the sights and surroundings.
The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Amalfi was built in the early 1200s but there has been a church on the site since 596AD. Another incarnation from the 9th century still stands today but is now a small museum.
The present cathedral was added alongside the old one to provide a suitable resting place for the relics of St. Andrew. The older cathedral was not demolished, strangely enough, and was left adjacent to the newer one.
While, the two were originally joined to form a single, six-nave Romanesque cathedral, they have since been separated.
The present cathedral was added alongside the old one to provide a suitable resting place for the relics of St. Andrew. The older cathedral was not demolished, strangely enough, and was left adjacent to the newer one.
While, the two were originally joined to form a single, six-nave Romanesque cathedral, they have since been separated.
During the Fourth Crusade, Cardinal Pietro Capuano stole the relics of St Andrew from Constantinople and brought them to Amalfi. The relics arrived in 1208 and were placed in the cathedral's crypt, where they remain today. The relics of other saints in the cathedral, however, are housed in the Chapel of the Relics. Miracles and miraculous events have been attributed to the relics, the most common of which is the appearance of a mysterious dense liquid called "Manna" on St Andrew's tomb.
During the Baroque period, extensive changes were made, including the separation of the cathedral back into two churches.
The interiors were redecorated lavishly in the style of the time and beautiful frescoes donated by King Philip III of Spain were executed in the crypt in 1660. In 1994, the old basilica was restored to its medieval appearance but the main cathedral and crypt still bear the Baroque alterations. The façade, though mimicking its original appearance, is also a later restoration from the 1800s. However, this intervention tried to retain the unique flavour of the church instead of imposing the tastes of their own time. It is a rich exterior, and the first thing that draws your eye in the piazza with Arab-inspired ogee arches, stripes, mosaics, an elaborate bell-tower with a central cupola surrounded by four turrets at the corners, all decorated with green and yellow tiles, and a striking set of medieval bronze doors at the main entrance.
Beautiful, scenic, stuffed with art and pilfered treasures, Amalfi's Duomo is particularly special. Be sure to visit if you holiday in Amalfi or the larger Campania area.
During the Baroque period, extensive changes were made, including the separation of the cathedral back into two churches.
The interiors were redecorated lavishly in the style of the time and beautiful frescoes donated by King Philip III of Spain were executed in the crypt in 1660. In 1994, the old basilica was restored to its medieval appearance but the main cathedral and crypt still bear the Baroque alterations. The façade, though mimicking its original appearance, is also a later restoration from the 1800s. However, this intervention tried to retain the unique flavour of the church instead of imposing the tastes of their own time. It is a rich exterior, and the first thing that draws your eye in the piazza with Arab-inspired ogee arches, stripes, mosaics, an elaborate bell-tower with a central cupola surrounded by four turrets at the corners, all decorated with green and yellow tiles, and a striking set of medieval bronze doors at the main entrance.
Beautiful, scenic, stuffed with art and pilfered treasures, Amalfi's Duomo is particularly special. Be sure to visit if you holiday in Amalfi or the larger Campania area.