Do it yourself tour

HISTORY
It may not look it today, but Amalfi was once a powerful maritime republic with a population of 70,000. That was in the 11th century, when it was already trading with the Middle East and later provided transportation to the Holy Land for the Crusaders. Conquered by the Normans and then the Pisans, most of the town was destroyed by the sea in 1343. ft is now a popular resort, and a very lovely one at that. From the bus stop by the beach it is only a few steps into the Old Town.

SIGHTS TO SEE
Be sure to visit the almost Byzantine Cathedral of Sant’ Andrea ( Duomo), founded in the 9th century but rebuilt in the 13th. It's reached by climbing steep steps and is marked by its black and white facade and its mosaics. Its hours are 07,00 to 13,30 and 15,00 to 20,00.
Reached by a broad flight of steps from the Piazza del Duomo, just one block inland, it is famous for its fabulous Cloisters of Paradise ( Chiostro del Paradise), entered from the left side of the porch, originally a necropolis for members of the Amalfitan establishment.
This graveyard dates from the 1200s and contains the broken columns and statues, as well as sarcophagi, of a long-gone civilization. This is open from 09,00 to 13,30 and 15,00 to 20,00.
Near this is the Town Hall (Municipio), where you can see the original Tavole Amalfitane, a local 11th century set of maritime laws that governed all Mediterranean shipping until 1570.

	For your most scenic walk in Amalfi, start at Piazza del Duomo and head up via Geneva. This stroll will take you to the Valle dei Mulini ( the Valley of the Mills), so called because of the paper mills along its rocky reaches.

The seafaring republic is said to have acquainted Italy with the use of paper. You'll pass by fragrant gardens and scented citrus groves. And for the biggest attraction of all, head west to the Emerald Grotta ( Grotta dello Smeraldo). This ancient cavern, known for its light effects, is a millennia-old chamber of stalagmites and stalactites. Its hours are 09,00 to 17,00 March and April; 08,30 to 18,00 May through September, and 10,00 to 16,00 October through February. Beyond this, you will find many other hidden corners to poke around in, or perhaps just sit down at a cafe.