Duomo (Cathedral of Sant' Andrea)

Description:

• This superb example of Arab-Norman architecture goes back to the 9th century, when the Republic of Amalfi was just gaining success. The majestic facade is decorated with a mosaic of gold leaf and majolica, with a magnificent 11th-century bronze door made in Constantinople closing the main portal. The lovely Romanesque bell tower was finished in 1276. The Duomo was enlarged between the 16th and 18th centuries, when it was also given a baroque interior together with the majestic, imposing staircase leading to a beautiful atrium in black-and-white marble. It was renovated in 1891 and further restored in 1929, with respect for the 13th-century structures.

  To the left of the Duomo is the breathtakingly beautiful cloister, the Chiostro del Paradiso, dating from 1266. The cloister, in Arab-Sicilian style, is decorated with interlaced arches over double columns, and was originally built as the cemetery for the city's religious and political elite. The site now holds a small museum with ancient Roman and medieval artifacts. Among the best pieces are the Roman sarcophagus of Ottavio Rufo, richly carved, and two other sarcophagi, also decorated with bas-reliefs. From the cloister you can gain access to the Chiesa del Crocifisso, the original cathedral of Amalfi dating from the 10th century, where other artworks are conserved. July through September, concerts are held in the cloister on Friday nights (later in this chapter).

  From the right nave of this church you can descend to the Crypt, the repository for the remains of the apostle St. Andrew, the protector saint of Amalfi. The crypt was built in the 13th century, when the remains of the saint were brought back from the 4th Crusade; it was redecorated in 1719. An interesting detail is that Andrew's face is missing -- it was donated to the church of St. Andrew's in Patras, Greece. Over the main altar is the beautiful bronze Statue of Sant'Andrea by Michelangelo Naccherino.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010