Thursday Doors – January 10, 2019

Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world. Feel free to join in on the fun by creating your own Thursday Doors post each week and then sharing it, between Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time), by using the blue link-up button below. 

Cathedral of Saint Andrew – Amalfi

From its imposing position at the top of a long set of steps, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew looks out over the village of Amalfi.

Construction of the first cathedral began in the 9th century AD. It was built on the ruins of a previous temple dating back to 560 AD.

Dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew it consists of several structures done over a number of centuries in various architectural styles including Arab-Norman, Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque.

The main bronze doors of the original cathedral date back to 1061 and were a gift to the church from a wealthy Amalfi merchant.

I believe these are the oldest doors I have ever photographed.

The original structure now referred to as the Basilica of the Crucifix, is a museum containing an impressive collection of religious artifacts.

From murals and frescoes,

to mitres, chalices, and even an old sedan used by high ranking bishops to get around the town in style.

A 13th century version of the Pope-Mobile

Leading from the basilica are steps that take the visitor down into the Crypt of St. Andrew.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Amalfi and his remains were brought here from Constantinople in 1206 during the fourth Crusade.

The crypt is opulently adorned with elaborate carvings, gold leaf everything, and stunning religious paintings and statues.

 

The Cloisters of Paradise sits between the old cathedral and the newer one.

The simple courtyard offers a quiet outdoor respite from the bustling touristy town just outside the walls of the cathedral.

The Cloisters connects to the ‘newer’ cathedral which was built in 1208, then renovated and redesigned a number of times over the years, including as recently as the early 1800’s.

Of course I had to include a Catholic penalty box 😉

If Amalfi is ever on your destination list, I’d strongly suggest that the Cathedral of Saint Andrew should be near the top of your must-see places to visit while you’re there.

As always, thanks so much for looking 🙂

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