Amalfi Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea)

With its Arab-Norman Romanesque architecture punctuated by Gothic, baroque, and Byzantine elements and soaring bell tower, the Amalfi Cathedral, often called the Duomo, cuts a magnificent figure above Piazza Duomo. Highlights inside include the ancient bronze doors, mother-of-pearl cross, two Egyptian columns, and the Crypt of St. Andrew, the town’s patron saint. Adjacent to the cathedral, the 13th-century Cloister of Paradise is a peaceful refuge with whitewashed Arabic-style arches encircling a lush garden of palm trees.

The cathedral, one of the main attractions in the center of Amalfi, is included in small-group Amalfi Coast tours or shore excursions from Rome, Naples, and Sorrento that also include stops in Positano and Ravello. You can combine day trips to the Amalfi Coast with a tour of Pompeii or the island of Capri.

• The cathedral is Amalfi’s main church, and its main staircase is a popular backdrop for couples taking wedding photos.

• Like all Catholic churches, you need cover your shoulders and knees to enter the cathedral.

• Day tours of the Amalfi Coast require a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

• The church is not accessible to wheelchair users.

The cathedral is located in the pedestrian-only center of Amalfi, along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. You can reach the coast by ferry from Naples in the summer, or by bus from Sorrento or Salerno year-round. Fearless drivers can tackle the beautiful coastal highway by car.

The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in Italy, making the coastal towns very crowded in the summer. Opt to explore the sights along this stretch of coastline in the spring and fall.

The Amalfi Cathedral’s imposing 11th-century bronze doors were cast in Constantinople and signed by Simeon of Syria, making them the earliest post-Roman bronze doors in Italy.