Today is the day to visit Amalfi, the old and famous Amalfi, after which the Amalfi Coast is named.
We woke up a little late in Castellammare and went to Sorrento to catch the bus again, at the same place as in the previous article, but this time to Amalfi. As we already knew where to catch the bus, we went directly to buy the tickets and then to the right place to catch the bus.
How much is the ticket from Sorrento to Amalfi?
The ticket you buy is good for getting from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Salerno and Agerolla. It’s a day ticket, so if you buy it one day, you can’t use it the next. Also, if you buy it early in the morning and go to Amalfi, you can return on the last bus to Sorrento, as we did. Unlike Positano, in Amalfi the bus goes all the way down and drops you off in front of the restaurants.
The bus ticket from Sorrento to Amalfi costs €10 and is called ‘biglietto giornaliero’, valid for one day only.
First impressions of Amalfi
Arriving in Amalfi, we went to explore the little town. It’s very pretty and similar to Positano. The bus stops right in the center of Amalfi, so you don’t have to climb any stairs.
We went to take pictures and walk around a bit. Discovering a new town just by walking around it is an incredible experience, and in the villages of the Amalfi Coast that’s what you should do, arrive early, and walk around the streets to explore things, the architecture, the local food and whatever else you can.
Sant’Andrea Cathedral
We soon came across the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, Amalfi’s main cathedral.
The Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea, or Cathedral of Saint Andrew, is a prominent and historic landmark located in the heart of Amalfi, a picturesque town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Here are some key details about this magnificent cathedral:
- Location:
- The cathedral is situated in the Piazza del Duomo, the central square of Amalfi. It is a focal point in the town and a key attraction for visitors.
- Dedication to Saint Andrew:
- The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Andrew, who is the patron saint of Amalfi. According to legend, the relics of Saint Andrew were brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in the 13th century, and the cathedral was built to house these sacred remains.
- Architectural Style:
- The Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea reflects a mix of architectural styles, including Arab-Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Its diverse influences are a testament to the historical and cultural richness of the Amalfi Coast.
- Exterior Features:
- The cathedral’s façade is adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures. The bronze doors are notable for their depictions of biblical scenes and figures. The staircase leading up to the entrance adds to the grandeur of the exterior.
- Bell Tower:
- Adjacent to the cathedral is a striking bell tower. The tower offers panoramic views of Amalfi and the surrounding coastline, providing a unique vantage point for visitors.
- Interior Highlights:
- The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive. Visitors can explore the nave, side chapels, and the crypt where the relics of Saint Andrew are kept.
- Notable features include the Baroque-style Cappella del Crocefisso and the Chapel of Saint Andrew, which houses the saint’s relics.
- The cathedral’s interior is adorned with frescoes, marble sculptures, and religious artworks that span different periods.
- Ceramic Tiles and Cloister:
- The cathedral complex includes a beautiful Moorish-style cloister known as the Chiostro del Paradiso. The cloister is adorned with vibrant ceramic tiles and features a well at its center.
- Historical Significance:
- The Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea has played a significant role in the history of Amalfi. It served as the seat of the Archbishop of Amalfi and was a focal point for the maritime republic of Amalfi during its period of prominence in the Middle Ages.
- Tourism and Religious Significance:
- Today, the cathedral attracts both tourists and pilgrims. Its historical and architectural significance, coupled with its religious importance, make it a must-visit destination in Amalfi.
We went for pizza for lunch right next door, we paid 15 euros for pizza, it had to be pizza, didn’t it? After all, this is Italy.
Ravello
We had pizza for lunch and then looked for a scooter rental. It was already 3pm and we rented the scooter for 50 euros until the end of the day.
We went to Ravello, a town just above Amalfi. If you want to refuel your bike, the only gas station nearby is in Ravello. As soon as we arrived in Ravello, it started to rain, but the rain passed quickly. It’s important to note that you can’t enter Ravello on a motorcycle unless you’re a resident, so we left the bike near the main entrance and walked to the town center.
The town is beautiful, full of small streets. For sure the best way to get there, for willing tourists, is by renting a scooter, about 30 minutes by motorcycle. The motorcycle route to get there is very beautiful, in the middle of the mountains, with incredible scenery and a photo is easily taken here.
Cathedral of Ravello
The main cathedral in Ravello is the Cathedral of Ravello, dedicated to San Pantaleone. It is also known as the Duomo di Ravello or the Cathedral of Saint Pantaleon. The cathedral is situated in the central square of Ravello, and it dates back to the 11th century, with subsequent renovations and additions over the centuries.
The Ravello Annual Festival
The Ravello Festival is an annual summer event held in the town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. Known as the “Wagner Festival,” it features a diverse program of music and arts. The 2023 edition boasts a celebratory concert directed by Juraj Valčuha, honoring the festival’s 70th anniversary. The festival encompasses various events, with a full program available on their official website here.
The Ravello Festival has a rich history, dating back to the 6th century, and continues to be a significant cultural highlight in the region. For updates and further details, one can follow the festival on social media platforms like Facebook. Back in the village, we went for a walk and were enchanted by the little town. There was a moment when we split up in Ravello. Ingrid sat in a café drinking an orange juice, while I went for a walk and discovered the town.
At one point Ingrid stayed in a café and I went to walk around to film, when it started raining again.
What was different about Ravello?
I realized that certain things, products and services, are very select in Ravello, as if certain things there were very restricted to a few people. Everything there is very select, the climate of the city is different, and I don’t mean the weather, but the atmosphere and energy of the city. I don’t know if it was a misconception or a forethought before I actually discovered Ravello, but I do intend to stay there for a few days so that I can explore more of the town’s trails. I also realized that nature is very different there, for sure those mountains hold many secrets, there must be countless trails there and for sure I will use Alltrails to explore more of the nature of this region, very soon, and I will bring updates here.
A stroll through the Giardini Principessa di Piemonte, a beautiful little garden with an incredible view of Ravello and the valley below.
You can also visit the Church of Saint John the Apostle of the Toro, known in Italian as Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro.
Following to the right of the Church of Saint John the Apostle of the Toro, there’s a small street which, at the end, leads to a beautiful view of Ravello, where I took some beautiful photos and I’ll leave them below. After the rain came a beautiful rainbow.
Around 7pm we decided to return to Amalfi to drop off the scooter. We left it in front of the place where we first picked it up and went to the bus stop to catch the last bus to Sorrento.
Arriving in Sorrento, we took the train to Castellammare and when we got there, we went straight to eat pizza. I was very tired, we spent the whole day walking, but it was a very good day. I would recommend that anyone planning to visit the Amalfi Coast go to Ravello and spend some time walking around the streets, have lunch there and then go back to Amalfi, it’s worth it. After eating the pizza, which by the way was family size, huge, we went to the hotel to sleep.
