After Ravello, Amalfi paled into insignificance – it simply seemed like and ordinary but extremely busy town, packed with small shops brimming with stock aimed at tourists like us. Driving to Amalfi, the coastal town promises more – it is picturesque from above but we didn’t find it quite as enticing as we expected. Perhaps Positano spoiled it for us – for me there was no comparison between the two – Positano is colourful and alluring, but Amalfi held little allure for us.
We parked in a carpark with an adjacent pedestrian tunnel leading into the main part of the town which was full of visitors milling around in the mid-afternoon sun, with many people still packing out the sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
While we found Amalfi town itself a little underwhelming, for me there were two outstanding sights. The huge Cathedral dedicated to Saint Andrew which looms over the main Piazza is impressive, and I was pleased to capture a photo of yet another beautiful Italian bride as Domenico and I ascended the stairs.
Beside the Cathedral (Duomo) is the outstanding Museo Diosecano di Amalfi which Domenico insisted I see while the others went in search of lemons (and guess what – in a coast famous for lemons they were very difficult to find). The Museum is housed within the Basilica del Crocifisso di Amalfi and contains superb religious treasurs and art.
We began by walking through The Cloister of Paradise where well-preserved medieval frescoes are on view – some very eye-catching:
The museum itself contains stunning art, clothing, and even a bishop’s sedan chair…
The Crypt of Saint Andrew in the Basilica is breathtaking – literally:
The Duomo itself is enormous and ornate but we had spent a long time in the Crypt so I didn’t linger :
On completing my tour with Domenico he insisted I should have a photo standing on the steep stairs leading to the Cathedral and also one with Frances at the base in the Piazza del Duomo.
We managed to find the boys who had been on an unsuccesful search for both a Bancomat and lemons and decided afternoon tea was in order. Domenico took us to the wonderful olde-world Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi where we had mouth-watering cakes and excellent coffees, served by the relations of the original founders:
After our coffee-break we continued the lemon search and finally we found a place willing to sell us some rather than make us lemon slushy or lemonade…
It was late afternoon by this time and we decided it was time to return to Praiano – it was a day of two halves – we had been enchanted with Ravello but somewhat disappointed with Amalfi – however we did return (but that is another story)… today we wandered back to the car through the busy streets, stopping to investigate whatever took our fancy …
On the way back to the villa , we stopped so we could view the nativity scenes placed on the roadside near the entrance to the Praiano – we had seen the nativities for sale in Naples and now we could see them as they are meant to be –
Arriving back at the villa we had another home-cooked meal and watched a truly beautiful sunset….
Next Post- the best laid plans ….
Whatever takes my fancy ... 
Wonderful photos! The Cathedral and the courtyard of Paradise look stunning! It looks as though you used your time well in Amalfi. Good to have Domenico as a guide to make sure you see the important things – and eat at the nicest places.
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