Discover the Enchanting Amalfi Coast

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [graht-zee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un dottore!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Le dieci e mezza
  [leh dee-eh-chee eh meht-sah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-yet-toh pehr]

Amalfi was one of the first maritime republics in Italy, rising to prominence in the 9th century. It played a crucial role in Mediterranean trade, establishing commercial bases in North Africa, Byzantium, and the Levant. The Amalfitan merchants were known for their prowess in trade, dominating the seas and establishing a powerful navy.

In the 12th century, Amalfi produced the 'Tabula Amalphitana,' a code of maritime law that influenced naval legislation across the Mediterranean. This document regulated issues such as ship ownership, the crew's rights, and maritime insurance, reflecting the city’s advanced understanding of naval commerce and legal frameworks.

Constructed in the 9th century, the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea is a landmark in Amalfi. It houses relics of Saint Andrew, brought to the city in 1208. The cathedral's stunning Arab-Norman architecture, bronze doors from Constantinople, and the Cloister of Paradise, an elegant Arabic-style courtyard, are testaments to Amalfi's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Amalfi played a vital role during the Crusades, providing ships and support to the Christian armies. The city's strategic position and maritime strength enabled it to supply and transport crusaders to the Holy Land. Many Amalfitan knights distinguished themselves during these campaigns, further enhancing the city's prestige.

Amalfi's decline began in the late 11th century, exacerbated by the Norman conquest in 1137. The city was sacked and incorporated into the Kingdom of Sicily. Despite this, Amalfi maintained a degree of autonomy and continued to thrive as a trading center, albeit not at the same level of dominance it once enjoyed.

Lemons have been cultivated in Amalfi since the 10th century, integral to the region's agriculture and cuisine. The 'sfusato amalfitano,' a unique variety, is renowned for its aromatic zest and sweet flavor. Lemon cultivation shaped the terraced landscape and contributed to the local economy, with products like Limoncello becoming iconic symbols of the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi's medieval architecture and urban layout reflect its historical importance. Narrow, winding streets, arched alleyways, and ancient stone buildings characterize the town. The Arsenal of the Maritime Republic, a medieval shipyard, showcases the city's naval prowess, while the Paper Museum highlights Amalfi's early papermaking industry, which dates back to the 13th century.

Today, Amalfi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors worldwide. Its historical sites, stunning coastal views, and vibrant culture make it a top tourist destination. The preservation of its historical buildings and traditions ensures that visitors can experience the rich history and culture that define Amalfi.

Amalfi is located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, within the province of Salerno. The nearest major airport is Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino), approximately 70 kilometers away. From Naples, you can take a bus, train, or rent a car to reach Amalfi. The most scenic route is the coastal road (SS163), which offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Another option is to take a ferry from Naples or Salerno to Amalfi, which provides a unique perspective of the coastline.

Amalfi is a compact town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips along the Amalfi Coast, local SITA buses are available and connect to nearby towns like Positano and Ravello. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Renting a scooter or a car is an option, but parking can be challenging. During the summer months, ferries and boats operate between Amalfi and other coastal towns, offering a scenic and convenient mode of transportation.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Amalfi. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases, local markets, and in case you visit more remote areas. ATMs are readily available throughout Amalfi, but be mindful of potential fees when withdrawing cash.

Amalfi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist area, it is essential to be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like markets and busier streets. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. The town is relatively free of high-crime neighborhoods, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number. There is a local police station (Carabinieri) and a medical clinic in Amalfi. For more serious medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Salerno. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (Farmacia) are available in town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but modestly, especially when visiting churches. Avoid beachwear outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including covering shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient on public transport. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be open to culinary experiences. Don't rush meals; Italians value leisurely dining.

To experience Amalfi like a local, visit the town's small markets and buy fresh produce and local specialties like limoncello. Engage with locals and ask for their recommendations; they are usually friendly and proud of their heritage. Don't miss the chance to explore the lesser-known paths and trails around Amalfi for stunning views. For an authentic experience, attend local festivals and events, such as the Festival of St. Andrew in June and November, which celebrates the town's patron saint.