Its foundation is traditionally attributed to the Romans (its coat of arms bears the inscription Descendit ex patribus Romanorum – “It descends from Roman fathers”).
In the 9th century, Amalfi became one of the Maritime Republics, rivaling Pisa, Venice, and Genoa for control over the Mediterranean Sea. The Maritime Code of Amalfi, better known as the Amalfi Tables, had great influence until the 17th century.
Amalfi reached its peak of splendor in the 11th century, after which it went into rapid decline: in 1131, it was conquered by the Normans, and in 1135 and 1137, it was plundered by the Pisans. Later, in 1343, a violent storm and resulting tsunami destroyed much of the city.
The most famous monument in Amalfi is undoubtedly its Cathedral, in Arab-Norman style, dedicated to Saint Andrew, the city’s patron saint. Its construction began in the 11th century and was completed with many later additions. The cathedral is known for its imposing façade, the bronze doors cast in Constantinople in 1066, the beautiful Cloister of Paradise, and its famous grand staircase.
By tradition, every year, a team of rowers from Amalfi participates in the Regatta of the Maritime Republics, competing against the crews of the other three historic cities.
Due to a misinterpretation of a Latin text, the philologist Giambattista Pio claimed that the compass had been invented by an Amalfitan named Flavio Gioia. However, the Latin text (Amalphi in Campania veteri magnetis usus inventus a Flavio traditur) merely attributes the report to Flavio, not the invention itself.
Nevertheless, it seems likely that Amalfitan navigators were among the first to use the instrument.
Particularly important in Amalfi’s history—and still active today—is the paper-making industry, especially the production of the renowned Amalfi paper.
