On the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy lies a 50-kilometer stretch called the Amalfi Coast. This is best-known for the spectacular sight of its colorful buildings. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful area of Italy.
- The Amalfi Coast runs from Salerno to Sorrento, although Sorrento is not considered part of the Amalfi Coast.
- The Tabula Amalphitana is a maritime code that Amalfi sailors created in the 11th century.
- Each year in Amalfi, a miracle occurs when the image of Manna Sant’Andrea appears.
- Amalfi’s patron saint is Sant’Andrea and the annual feast days are celebrated on June 27 and November 30.
- A white eight-pointed cross is the symbol of Amalfi and this is also known as the Maltese Cross as it is also the symbol used for the Order of the Knights of Malta.
- This area of Italy is where some of the first paper was made in Europe.
- Between Amalfi’s piazza and the top of the Duomo there are 62 steps.
- Errico Alvino, a Neapolitan architect, designed the façade of the Duomo which was built in 1871-91. This is not the first façade as the original one collapsed in 1861 on Christmas Eve.
- On May 12, 1208, the relics of Sant’Andrea arrived in Amalfi.
- The fountain in Piazzo dello Spirito Santo and the fountain at Largo Scario are the locations of elaborate nativities that are constructed each year.
- Fictional race tracks in the Amalfi Coast Feature in Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport 3 and Forza Motorsport 4.
- The Amalfi Coast was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.
