Vacation rentals: villas and apartments in Amalfi

Stately, impressive Amalfi, originally Roman, was the first Sea Republic of Italy. After the fall of the Roman Empire Amalfi was the first city to re-establish commerce with the East and West by importing exotic goods. Aromatic coffee, colorful carpets and paper were transported to Italy and received with great interest. Amalfi had its own coin; the Tari. Merchants of Amalfi were using gold coins to purchase land in the 9th century while most of Italy worked in a barter economy. All of this took place while Venice was in its infancy. It was the home of Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the compass who influenced Maritime navigation.

Wild, romantic and dignified, Amalfi is characterized by majestic cliffs that drop, dramatically into the cool, aquamarine Mediterranean Sea. Quiet and picturesque, this vivid seaside resort is blessed with a temperate climate and incomparable natural beauty. Amidst sheer, perpendicular slopes, dizzying drops and precipitous cliffs await places where nature is still unspoiled.

The Duomo was built circa the 6th century. Its architecture is a complexity of styles, at once, grand and delicate. It is dedicated to St. Andrew the Apostle whose remains lay at rest forever in its crypt. The interior of the Duomo is adorned in a Baroque manner with a nave and two aisles divided by twenty columns. The gold ceiling is adorned with four large paintings. They depict the flagellation of St. Andrew, the miracle of Manna, the crucifixion of St. Andrew and the Saint on the Cross. Its present façade is brilliant with mosaics in an oriental style. The monumental Bronze doors of the Duomo are imposing. Cast in Constantinople in 1066; they were given to Amalfi by Pantaleone di Mauro Comite, a nobleman. The doors were the first of their kind to appear in Italy. The Cloister of Paradise situated along side the Duomo was built in the 13th century. It features Byzantine and Arabian style architecture. It holds ancient sarcophagi, marble sculptures and mosaics. It is home to the tombs of a number of prominent Italians from the Campania region. No less than One Hundred and Twenty separate columns bolster this remarkable landmark.

The Ancient Armories of the Amalfi Republic, dating back to the 9th century, were witness to a proud and celebrated past. The Salone Morelli contains the reproductions in mosaic of fourteen paintings by the noted artist, Domenico Morelli. The Amalfitan painter, Pietro Scoppetta is represented by the only existing specimen of the "Tabula de Amalpha". Observe, as well, the regal, colourful costumes representing the town of Amalfi as participants in local regattas.

Amalfi boasts some of the oldest hotels in Italy as well as many contemporary in style with every modern amenity. If you simply walk in Amalfi you will discover a treasure at every turn; Delightful café's, wonderful shops offering local spices, lemons, candies and pastries. Tiny alleys wend their way along side the main thoroughfare, it is an enchanting stroll. The Paper Museum in the upper part of the village centre is a jewel. Shop for beautiful paper and books and then take the tour of this ancient paper mill. The beaches of Amalfi are buzzing in Summer. Here you can bask in the warm golden glow of the sun and swim in the cooling, sapphire Sea. For lovers of nature, walk the rich, verdant trails of Amalfi. You will be astonished by the breathtaking vistas you will discover. Before you take leave, allow yourself a moment to gaze at the luminous Mediterranean Sea; look out over the bobbing fishing boats and replenish your senses through the magnificent history and beauty of Amalfi.