Amalfi Cathedral
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 21 January 2024
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Certainly one of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast and one of Italy's finest churches, Amalfi Cathedral is located in Piazza del Duomo in the centre of Amalfi.
The beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew whose remains are housed in the Crypt after being brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in 1206. |
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Rebuilt in the 9th century
As well as being the patron saint of Scotland and Russia, Saint Andrew is also the patron saint of Amalfi. The first church on this site was built in 596 but was completely rebuilt in the 9th century. In the 13th century, another church was built alongside, then the two churches were joined together to form a single church. Since then, the Cathedral has been added to several times including Romanesque, Gothic, Byzantine and Baroque styles.
Sixty-two steps lead up to the bronze doors of the Cathedral which were cast in Constantinople around 1066. Work began on the Romanesque-style bell tower in 1180 and took a hundred years to complete. It has four towers with arches and is covered with green and yellow majolica tiles. The original façade of Amalfi Cathedral collapsed and was rebuilt in 1891 using marble and stone to create an attractive striped effect.
Sixty-two steps lead up to the bronze doors of the Cathedral which were cast in Constantinople around 1066. Work began on the Romanesque-style bell tower in 1180 and took a hundred years to complete. It has four towers with arches and is covered with green and yellow majolica tiles. The original façade of Amalfi Cathedral collapsed and was rebuilt in 1891 using marble and stone to create an attractive striped effect.
The Cloister of Paradise
One of the most relaxing and interesting parts of the Cathedral is the Cloister of Paradise. Originally built around 1266 and restored in 1908, it has a garden surrounded by arches and sculptures of white marble, and other art work.
Inside the Cathedral, the High Altar is formed from the sarcophagus of the Archbishop Pietro Capuano and two Egyptian granite columns hold up the Triumphal Arch. The painting, The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew by Andrea dell’Asta, is above the altar. Other works of art adorn the ceiling which dates back to 1702 including another painting by dell’Asta, Miracle of the Manna.
The Basilica of the Crucifix, which dates back to the 9th century, is now a museum with steps into the Crypt of Saint Andrew. On special days, it’s said that the mortal remains of the Apostle exude a liquid called “Saint Andrew’s Manna” and many believe it has miraculous qualities.
Inside the Cathedral, the High Altar is formed from the sarcophagus of the Archbishop Pietro Capuano and two Egyptian granite columns hold up the Triumphal Arch. The painting, The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew by Andrea dell’Asta, is above the altar. Other works of art adorn the ceiling which dates back to 1702 including another painting by dell’Asta, Miracle of the Manna.
The Basilica of the Crucifix, which dates back to the 9th century, is now a museum with steps into the Crypt of Saint Andrew. On special days, it’s said that the mortal remains of the Apostle exude a liquid called “Saint Andrew’s Manna” and many believe it has miraculous qualities.
Duomo di Sant'Andrea - Amalfi
Town: Amalfi
Province: Salerno Region: Campania Built: 596 AD Architectural styles: Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque Close by: Piazza del Duomo, Marina Grande Recommended accommodation: Hotel Marina Riviera |