The Unique Coastal Town of Amalfi

On the southwestern coast of Italy lies the lovely port town of Amalfi. Situated only 24 miles south of the famous city of Naples, Amalfi is able to claim its own popularity among tourists and travelers to the country.

Amalfi has enjoyed a rich and diverse history. A potent maritime trading power it became a small, independent republic of its own, the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, from 839 to around 1200, but the port and shipping industry fell into decline during the late middle ages. Today the town is admired for its predominance of medieval architecture, including one of the most popular and regularly visited cites, the monumental complex housing the crypt of Saint Andrew, the Cloister of Paradise, and many famous frescoes and ancient chapels. A great many tourists and pilgrims attend the feast days of Saint Andrew which take place within these buildings, twice each year in Amalfi.

The area became an exclusive tourist destination for the British upper classes during the 1920s and 1930s, and today, the area is still visited for its picturesque and geographic beauty. Situated at the foot of Monte Cerreto on the Gulf of Salerno, the town is also known for the Emerald Grotto. This cavern retains the qualities of both an inland and marine grotto, making it unique even among such natural wonders. The cavern ceiling is full of stalactites which reflect the incredible jewel-like colors from the waters below. Visitors must pay a local agency to safely deliver them into the grotto, and all witnesses to the natural phenomenon inside agree it is worth the visit.

Some other notable facts about Amalfi are that it is associated with the production of a unique strain of lemons used to create the region's famous lemon liqueur 'limoncello'. This sweet alcoholic beverage is traditionally served after dinner, chilled and in small ceramic vessels handmade in the region.

Amalfi is also known for handmade paper. The papers of Amalfi are also known as 'bambagina' and are extremely elegant and thick sheets used for finer documents such as certificates and academic degrees, formal invitations, and very exclusive letterhead or business cards. The bambagina of Amalfi is also frequently used in precious or fine handmade books. Much of the paper made in Amalfi is exported to other European countries and to the United States where it finds popularity among artists and designers. The region views papermaking as an artisan trade and has even dedicated a museum to the processes and history of the craft - the Amalfi Paper Mill and Museum. Housing all of the historic and contemporary equipment used for this special product as well as a library of historical documents related to the trade and techniques of the industry, the Museum is well worth a visit.

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