Cathedral of Amalfi: history, what to see and how to visit
The Cathedral of Amalfi, dedicated to Sant’Andrea Apostolo, is the most recognizable monument of the city and one of the symbols of the Amalfi Coast.
Its large staircase dominates Piazza Duomo and leads to the characteristic facade decorated with mosaics, while inside the monumental complex there are the Cathedral, the Crypt of Sant’Andrea, the Basilica of the Crucifix and the Paradise cloister.
Visiting the Cathedral means entering a complex that tells centuries of history of Amalfi, from its era of great maritime power to the architectural transformations of the following centuries.
Where is the Cathedral of Amalfi?
The Cathedral is located in Piazza Duomo, right in the heart of the historic center of Amalfi.
It is practically impossible to visit Amalfi without passing by the Cathedral: the staircase and the façade are one of the most characteristic elements of the square.
The square itself has an ancient history. In medieval times it was known as Platea Nova and was built after the cover of the Canneto River in the last quarter of the 13th century.
From the port, the promenade or the parking area, the Duomo is easily reachable on foot.
Read also our guides:
The facade of the Cathedral of Amalfi
The first thing that hits arriving in Piazza Duomo is the polychrome facade of the Cathedral.
The present façade was completed in 1891 after the collapse of the previous Baroque façade in 1861. The project involved architects Enrico Alvino and Guglielmo Raimondi.
The mosaics were made on the basis of the drawings of Domenico Morelli and depict, in the upper part, a scene of the Apocalypse of St. John with Christ on the throne and the symbols of the four Evangelists. The twelve Apostles are represented in the below.
The mosaics of the facade
The facade is particularly suggestive when it is struck by the sunlight.
The Municipality of Amalfi signals the first hours of the afternoon as a moment in which light creates particular effects on mosaics.
The large staircase of the Duomo
To reach the entrance of the Cathedral you have to climb the characteristic staircase that dominates Piazza Duomo.
It is one of the most photographed points of Amalfi and is probably the first real impact with the monumental complex.
Before entering, it is worth stopping a few minutes on the square to observe the facade as a whole and the bell tower located next to the Cathedral.
The bell tower of the Cathedral of Amalfi
The bell tower is one of the oldest and most recognizable parts of the complex.
The construction developed between 1180 and 1276 and features Romanesque elements, bifores and trifores, while the upper part decorated with yellow and green majolica shows a strong Moorish influence.
What to see within the Cathedral of Amalfi
Once the façade is over, the visit allows you to discover an interior deeply different from the external image.
Over the centuries the Cathedral has been modified several times and today preserves elements of different eras and styles.
Inside there are marble decorations, ancient columns, works of art and the large ceiling decorated with episodes of the life of St. Andrew. The architectural tradition of the complex is the result of numerous interventions over the centuries.
Do you want to discover the Cathedral of Amalfi with a guide?
A guided tour allows you to know the history of the Cathedral, the Marinara Republic and the monuments of the old town without limiting yourself to the autonomous visit.
The Crypt of Saint Andrew
One of the most important environments of the complex is Crypt of Saint Andrew, built under the Cathedral to guard the relics of the patron saint of Amalfi.
The relics of Sant’Andrea arrived in Amalfi in 1208 and the crypt became one of the most important religious places in the city.
In the middle of the crypt is the monumental altar with the bronze statue of Sant’Andrea made by Michelangelo Naccherino. There are also works attributed to Pietro Bernini and important pictorial decorations.
The Cloister of Paradise
Next to the Cathedral is the Paradise cloister, one of the most suggestive spaces of the entire monumental complex.
It was built between 1266 and 1268 by the will of Archbishop Filippo Augustariccio and was originally conceived as a cemetery for the noble families of Amalfi.
Its Arabic-Norman style is characterized by the interlaced arches and binate columns surrounding the inner courtyard.
Is it worth visiting the Cloister of Paradise?
Yes, especially if it is the first time you visit Amalfi.
The Cloister offers a completely different atmosphere than the lively Piazza Duomo: it is more collected, quiet and allows you to observe the medieval architecture of the complex.
For this reason I would not limit the visit to the only facade of the Cathedral.
Do you want to visit Amalfi with a group tour?
There are excursions organized by Naples and Salerno that include a stop in Amalfi, with free time to visit the center and see the Cathedral.
The Basilica of the Crucifix and the Diocesan Museum
The complex also includes the Basilica of the Crucifix, today connected to the path of the Diocesan Museum.
The museum preserves works from the Cathedral and the territory of the diocese and includes sections dedicated to the Cloister, mural paintings, the Treasury of the Cathedral, paintings and sculptures.
This part of the visit is particularly interesting for those who want to deepen the religious and artistic history of Amalfi, in addition to the simple monumental visit.
How long does it take to visit the Cathedral of Amalfi?
For a quiet visit to the monumental complex I would consider about an hour, increasing time if you want to dwell on the works, on the Cloister of Paradise and on the Crypt.
If you are visiting Amalfi in a wider itinerary of the Coast, you can still enter the Cathedral without spending half a day.
The council is of not limited to a photograph from the square: the true interest of the monument lies in the inner path.
When to visit the Cathedral of Amalfi?
If you want to photograph the facade, the central hours of the afternoon can offer an interesting light on the mosaics, as well as the official tourist portal of Amalfi.
In order to avoid the hours of more crowding, it can be convenient to schedule the visit in the early hours of the day or in the afternoon, compatibly with the opening hours of the period.
Access times and modes can change during the year: before the visit it is therefore advisable to check the updated information.
Do you want to discover Amalfi beyond the Duomo?
Choose a guided tour or an organized experience to learn about the history, monuments and traditions of the city along with a local guide.
How much does it cost to visit the Cathedral of Amalfi?
The cost and access arrangements may vary throughout the year and depending on the areas included in the visit.
The information available online contains specific rates for access to the Cathedral, but I would not enter into the text a fixed figure without direct verification at the time of publication, because we risk turning an evergreen page into a rapidly outdated page.
The important thing to know is that the path can understand more complex environments, so you should check what is included in the ticket before entering.
How to get to the Cathedral of Amalfi
The Duomo is located directly in Piazza Duomo, so once you arrive in Amalfi you just have to reach the historic centre.
Read also our guides:
From the port the center is easily reachable on foot.
Can you reach the Cathedral on foot from the port?
Yes. The Cathedral is located in the centre of Amalfi and the route from the port directly crosses the main streets of the city.
Visit the Cathedral of Amalfi: is it worth it?
Yes, absolutely.
The Cathedral is one of those monuments that is worth seeing not only because it is famous, but because it concentrates in a few meters an important part of the history of Amalfi.
The facade, the staircase, the bell tower, the Cathedral, the Crypt of Sant’Andrea and the Cloister of Paradise tell in fact different epochs of the city.
If you have little time in Amalfi, Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral complex should be among the first stages of your itinerary.
What's the name of the Cathedral of Amalfi?
The Cathedral of Amalfi is the Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle, dedicated to the patron of the city.
Where is the Cathedral of Amalfi?
It is located in Piazza Duomo, in the historic centre of Amalfi.
What to see in the Cathedral of Amalfi?
The visit includes the Cathedral and, depending on the access route, the other environments of the complex such as the Crypt of St. Andrew, the Cloister of Paradise and the Basilica of the Crucifix.
How long does it take to visit the Cathedral?
For a quiet visit consider about an hour, but you can spend more time at the complex if you want to deepen the works and the monumental environments.
Is the Cathedral of Amalfi open with a guide?
Yes, you can choose a guided tour or an organized tour that includes Amalfi. Several group experiences are currently available on GetYourGuide.
What to see after the Cathedral of Amalfi?
Once you finish your visit, you are already in the heart of the old town.
You can continue to organize your route by following our guides:
🔗 What to see in Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Where to eat in Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Where to sleep in Amalfi ➡️
🔗 How to get to Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Where to park in Amalfi ➡️
Have you decided what to see in Amalfi?
Complete your day with a guided tour, a tour of the Coast or an experience on the sea.
