Duomo di Sant'Andrea

About

The Duomo di Sant'Andrea – often simply called the Amalfi Cathedral – crowns the historic piazza that gives the town its name. Set on the heart of Amalfi in Campania, the cathedral’s rose‑shaped square is a gathering point for locals and tourists alike, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline. First erected in the 9th and 10th centuries on the site of an earlier Roman‑esque church, the cathedral has absorbed successive architectural layers. A 12th‑century nave was expanded into a five‑aisle complex, then transformed in the 18th century into a sumptuous Baroque masterpiece. The 19th‑century façade added by architect Errico Alvino wrapped the old structure in a richly decorated Arab‑Norman style, while the interior showcases the opulence of the Baroque period. The cathedral also houses the adjoining 9th‑century Basilica of the Crucifix, which leads to the crypt where the relics of St. Andrew – brought from Constantinople in 1206 – are kept. Inside, the high metal‑cased ceiling – a gilt “casket” – displays four monumental paintings by Andrea D'Aste, depicting the Flagellation, the Miracle of the Manna, the Crucifixion, and the Deposition. Elegant frescoes, marble sculptures by Pietro Bernini, and the bronze statue of St. Andrew by Michelangelo Naccherino accentuate the sacred atmosphere. The nave’s polished marble floors and the richly carved altar underscore the cathedral’s spiritual grandeur. Visitors to the Duomo can explore both its architectural evolution and its artistic treasures, and can also attend the festive parish celebrations, notably the Feast of St. Andrew in late June and the patronal day on 30 November. Whether seeking a quiet moment of reflection or an appreciation of medieval and Baroque artistry, the cathedral remains a must‑visit landmark on the Amalfi Coast.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes