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Cathedral · Amalfi, Campânia
Duomo di Amalfi
The cathedral of Sant'Andrea, at the top of a staircase above the Piazza Duomo, with a striped façade, a tiled campanile, the crypt of the apostle Andrew and the Chiostro del Paradiso beside it.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Duomo di Amalfi
The Duomo di Amalfi, the cathedral of Sant'Andrea, dominates the Piazza Duomo from the top of a long staircase. Construction began in the year 987 by order of Duke Mansone I, next to an older 9th-century church. The two were eventually joined and then separated again: the older one is today the Basílica do Crucifixo, which serves as a diocesan museum.
The façade seen today, with bands of light and dark stone, arches and golden mosaics, was rebuilt in the 19th century by the architect Errico Alvino, after part of the old one collapsed in 1861. The campanile, constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries, is crowned with green and yellow ceramics. The bronze doors came from Constantinople in the 11th century, a sign of the trade of the old maritime republic.
In the crypt are the relics of the apostle Andrew, patron saint of Amalfi, brought from Constantinople at the beginning of the 13th century. Beside the cathedral is the Chiostro del Paradiso, a cloister built between 1266 and 1268 as a burial place for noble families: it has interlaced Moorish-style arches, about 120 columns and a palm garden in the center.
The tourist visit usually follows a single route: cloister, Basílica do Crucifixo, crypt and cathedral. During Mass the entrance is only for those attending to pray. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the cloister, the museum, the crypt and the nave. Climbing the staircase and viewing the façade takes only a few minutes.
Best time
At opening in the morning, before the groups arriving on boats and buses. In the late afternoon the façade is nicely lit by the sun and the square quiets down. Check the times before you go, as they change for Mass and religious festivals.
How to get there
It is located on the Piazza Duomo, a few minutes' walk from the port and the bus terminus at Piazza Flavio Gioia. From the boat pier, cross the Porta della Marina and go straight to the staircase.
Tip
Entrance via the main staircase leads to the cloister and museum route; the crypt is at the end. Bring something to cover your shoulders in summer. The feast of Sant'Andrea, the city's patron, takes place at the end of June and on November 30th, with a procession.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Duomo di Amalfi
Do you have to pay to enter the Cathedral of Amalfi?
The tourist visit to the cloister, the museum and the crypt is ticketed. During Mass times entry is free for worshippers, but they should not circulate as tourists. Check prices and times at the ticket office.
What is the Chiostro del Paradiso?
It is the cloister next to the cathedral, built in the 13th century as the cemetery for Amalfi's noble families. It has Moorish-style arches and a palm garden, and is part of the visiting route.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. As in many churches in Italy, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Is the staircase very steep?
There are a few dozen wide steps, with no elevator. Those with mobility difficulties should take it slowly and check at the ticket office whether there is an alternative access.