Amalfi Cathedral

Amalfi Cathedral, known in Italian as the Duomo di Amalfi and Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea, stands as a prominent medieval Roman Catholic cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo of Amalfi, Italy. Its significance lies not only in its impressive architectural evolution but also as the repository for the relics of the Apostle Saint Andrew. Formerly the seat of the Archdiocese of Amalfi, it now serves as the cathedral for the Diocese of Amalfi-Cava de' Tirreni, continuing its role as a vital religious and historical center on the Amalfi Coast.

History and Evolution

The history of Amalfi Cathedral spans over a millennium, with its origins tracing back to the 9th century when the first church was erected on the foundations of an ancient temple. This was followed by a second church built to the south in the 10th century, which eventually became the core of the present cathedral. By the 12th century, these structures had coalesced into a single six-aisle Romanesque church, later reduced to five aisles in the 13th century to accommodate the construction of the Paradise Cloister, a notable example of Arab-Norman design. A pivotal event in its history was the reported arrival of the remains of Saint Andrew from Constantinople in 1206, following the Fourth Crusade. These relics were enshrined in the crypt, completed in 1208, and are central to the cathedral's religious importance, with local legends speaking of a miraculous 'manna' that issues from them.

The cathedral's architectural character is a testament to its long construction and renovation periods. The bell tower, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, is a distinguished example of the Arab-Norman style, adorned with marble and majolica. Interior chapels exhibit Gothic and Renaissance influences, while the nave was embellished in the Baroque style during the 18th century. A significant structural event occurred in 1861 when part of the facade collapsed. This led to the comprehensive rebuilding of the entire front of the church by architect Errico Alvino, completed in 1891. The new facade masterfully incorporated Italian Gothic and particularly Arab-Norman motifs, creating a design that, while inspired by the original, is more ornate.

Architectural Features and Notable Elements

The exterior of Amalfi Cathedral is characterized by its late 19th-century facade, constructed of striped marble and stone. It features a high pediment adorned with mosaics depicting 'The Triumph of Christ,' with original designs preserved in the Town Hall. A deep porch with delicate Arab-Moorish tracery windows leads to the main entrance. Sixty-two wide, steep steps ascend to the cathedral doors, which are themselves historically significant. Cast in Constantinople before 1066 and signed by Simeon of Syria, these bronze doors represent the earliest example of post-Roman manufacture in Italy.

The bell tower, a Romanesque structure begun in 1180 and completed over a century later, is topped by a distinctive cluster of towers decorated with vibrant majolica tiles and interlaced Gothic arches in the Arab-Norman style. This bell tower is considered the most ornate of its kind, a type found exclusively in southern Italy, and historically served a defensive purpose during times of conflict. The cathedral's interior houses a 13th-century wooden Crucifix and another made of mother-of-pearl, brought from the Holy Land. The high altar is formed from the sarcophagus of Peter of Capua, who died in 1214. The boxed ceiling, dating to 1702, contains artwork by Andrea dell'Asta, including scenes of the Flagellation, the Crucifixion of the Apostle, and the 1710 Miracle of the Manna. The triumphal arch is supported by ancient Egyptian granite columns, complemented by additional twisted columns and pulpits from the 12th-century ambo, showcasing remnants of the original Romanesque structure.