"Mostly shut.........." a Amalfi Travel Page by leics

I had no great desire to visit Amalfi itself (little of historical interest remains, much of the town having been deposited into the sea by an earthquake in 1343), but I did fancy 'doing' the Amalfi coast road. So this is a tiny page about Amalfi itself (which was, as the title suggests, mostly closed out of season) which gives me chance to make a travelogue or two about the rather good bus journey to and from Sorrento.

It's a pretty place, even on a chilly February day, and not big (although at one time it was a vastly important capital). A tiny main square, a rather swish cathedral (closed, sadly) and some fascinating alleyways to explore (including some which run underneath the cathedral steps). To behonest, there's not a huge amount to do or see, but that's ok; I think most peple visit or stay there simply because of its beautiful landscape.

so I wandered abit, had a (rather expensive) tiramisu gelati, wandered through some of the alleyways (must admit they were hugely atmospheric), pootled along the teeny tiny grey sand beach, wandered with a friendly dog along the promenade and then caught the bus back. to sorento in time to see the sun set over the sea. Which was nice.

The Cathedrale di Sant'Andrea would be worth visiting, Ithink. I liked its Italianate stripiness, and its golden mosaic, and the bell-tower with evidence of Roman pillaging in the base. There were several Roman maritime villas in these parts (no doubt lost in the earthquake) and I was pleased to find the odd bit of re-used Roman masonry in the Medieval buildings. It's an old cathedral (dates from 10th century, with more recent additions)and is a mixture of architectural styles.

All in all, Amalfi seems to be very much a seaside town. More or less closed out of season, catering (and mainly living on) its tourist trade, with prices to match. My gelati, although pleasant enough, was expensive............I suspect most things are.

A case of enjoying the journey more than the arrival, I think. But the journey is so much worth doing that you will, inevitably, end up spending an hour or two wandering Amalfi town. Do look in the cathedral, and explore an alleyway or two rather than spend all your time in the souvenir shops!