In
wonderful Amalfi, the 10th century Duomo
Sant’Andrea sits at the top of a long flight of stairs.
It has been renovated and remodeled repeatedly — it’s
gorgeous and dominates the city center. It’s worth the
climb up the stairs — so take your time and climb to the
entrance at the top of the stairway. Just to the left of the
duomo are the pretty Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloisters
of Paradise). Just up the main street of town (from the main
square head up Via Genova) and you’ll find a small paper
museum (it’s located in a former 13th century
paper mill). It’s interesting and appropriate as paper
was introduced to Italy by Amalfi. It is a bit of a climb so
pace yourself along the way. Just north of Amalfi is the Grotta
della Smeraldo (The Emerald Grotto). You get a bus or a
taxi to the elevator that takes you down to the sea, you pay
admission and then get in a boat and head for the green cave
— sounds touristy, but it’s a great way to spend time
on the water and you’re rewarded on sunny days by the colors
of the grotto. Market day in Amalfi is Wednesday.
