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The Saga of Amalfi

Writer's picture: Gabriele SerrauGabriele Serrau

Amalfi's history is as captivating as its scenic beauty, a blend of myth, pivotal historical events, and cultural renaissance that has shaped this magnificent town over the centuries.


A vintage black and white photograph presenting a panoramic view of Amalfi’s bustling port, with moored boats and a backdrop of terraced hills, illustrating the town's historical connection to the sea.

Legends and Myths

Amalfi's origins are shrouded in mythology. One legend narrates that the hero Hercules founded the town in honor of his beloved, Amalfi, a nymph with sea-colored eyes, whom he buried on this very shore.

This blend of divine intervention and earthly beauty sets the stage for Amalfi's mystical allure, a narrative that adds a layer of enchantment to its already breathtaking vistas.


A black and white photograph from the Grand Hotel dei Cappuccini in Amalfi, featuring a robed figure sitting on a terrace overlooking the dramatic coastline and the sparkling sea.

Historical Foundation

The transition from legend to reality reveals that Amalfi was actually established by the inhabitants of Scala in the 6th century. By December 839, the Free Republic of Amalfi was proclaimed, marking the beginning of a period of independence and prosperity that lasted until 1137. The republic's emblem, "a shield of silver, banded with red," symbolized its dominion over a vast territory that extended across the region, showcasing Amalfi's emerging significance as a maritime power.

 

An old black and white photo of the Amalfi coastline, showing the rugged cliffs and winding roads of the Grand Hotel dei Cappuccini area, dating back to December 1899.

Golden Era

The zenith of Amalfi's historical importance unfolded in less than two centuries when it evolved into a major commercial and military force in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Described by the Arab traveler Ibn Havcal in 977 as a "prosperous, noble, and illustrious city," Amalfi became a cosmopolitan hub where renowned navigators and merchants from across the known world converged. Its influence spread far and wide, establishing colonies and embassies in diverse locales like Alexandria, Tunis, and Byzantium, and its currency, the Tarì, was recognized internationally.

 

This ivory plaque depicts Mary, Joseph, and one of his sons from a previous wife on their way to Bethlehem. The scene is set within an architectural frame that combines Byzantine decorative elements (such as the acanthus leaf column capitals) with Islamic architectural motifs (most notably, the distinctively rounded arches). The blending of Byzantine, Islamic, and Western iconographic elements and decorative motifs is typical for the art produced in the city of Amalfi, a prosperous merchant town near Naples in South Italy.
Plaque: The Journey to Bethlehem - South Italy, Amalfi, Romanesque period, 12th century ¬- Cleveland Museum of Art

Recent History

The allure of Amalfi underwent a renaissance in the late 18th century when it captured the imagination of Romantic voyagers, particularly from Germany and England, drawn by its pristine nature and rich cultural tapestry.


A historic painting capturing an imposing cliffside fortress in Amalfi, set against the deep blue sea with rocky terrain in the foreground, conveying the strategic maritime importance of Amalfi.
Ernst Fries - San Francesco bei Amalfi - 1828

This renewed interest set the stage for Amalfi's modern era, which peaked during the "Dolce Vita" years of the 1950s and 60s. The town, along with neighboring Positano and Capri, became a playground for actors, filmmakers, and artists, attracting global celebrities and fostering a vibrant artistic community.

Filmmaker Roberto Rossellini was among those who celebrated the region's charm, integrating local landscapes and residents into his films. 


an evening view of the amalfi's coast, with the tiny lights of the houses

Today, Amalfi stands not just as a testament to its glorious past but as a beacon of cultural and historical richness, continuing to enchant visitors with its timeless beauty and storied legacy.


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