A Visit to the Amalfi Cathedral

Each village along the iconic Amalfi Coast has its own unique charm, often centered around magnificent churches that reflect the region’s deep-rooted history and religious significance. Among the most striking sites is the Amalfi Cathedral, that captivates travelers with its architectural splendor and storied past.

A Brief History of Amalfi Cathedral

The Amalfi Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, was originally built in the 9th century and underwent several renovations over the centuries, blending different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque, and Byzantine. Indeed, this church reflects the town’s cultural exchanges with the Eastern Mediterranean in the Middle Ages, which were particularly prominent during the Duchy of Amalfi, a period in which the town reached the height of its maritime prowess .

Dedicated to St. Andrew the Apostle, whose relics are housed within the cathedral, the site has been a center of pilgrimage and devotion for centuries. Today it is one of the most visited places by tourists and is at the heart of celebrations such as the Feast of St. Andrew, held twice a year, or Christmas.

What to See in Amalfi Cathedral

The Amalfi Cathedral dominates the town’s Piazza del Duomo, perched dramatically atop a wide staircase that elevates its presence.
When visiting the church you are greeted by its imposing bronze doors, crafted in Constantinople in 1066, and its striking Arab-Norman façade, adorned with a triangular pediment featuring golden mosaics depicting Christ enthroned, surrounded by saints and angels. Layers of striped black and white stonework lend a dramatic, graphic quality to the structure, while the ornamental arches and decorative details highlight an Eastern Mediterranean influence.

The Cathedral features a Baroque interior with a spacious nave divided from the aisles by towering Corinthian columns, salvaged from ancient Roman and early Christian structures. Above, you can admire a gilded coffered ceiling, painted with intricate frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Andrew and other biblical narratives. Marble inlays and elaborately carved pulpits contribute to the grandeur of the space.

The focal point of the cathedral is the high altar, which stands beneath the richly decorated apse.

Other interesting features of the Amalfi Cathedral

The cathedral complex includes the Cloister of Paradise (Chiostro del Paradiso), a serene courtyard surrounded by white marble columns and arches, which once served as a burial ground for Amalfi’s elite. The Crypt of St. Andrew is another highlight, where the apostle’s relics are enshrined beneath a beautiful altar. To the side of the church is a stunning bell tower, the Torre Campanaria. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture with Arab-Norman influences. It is adorned with decorative elements, including mosaic tiles and richly colored majolica, and was restored in the 20th century to preserve its historical and architectural integrity.