AmalfiThe first Maritime Republic of Italy

Amalfi was a Maritime Republic, the first in Italy. In fact, after the fall of the Roman Empire, it was the first city to re-establish commercial relations with the East and, in this way, was able to import exotic goods such as carpets, paper and coffee.

It was the birthplace of Flavio Gioia, the inventor of the mariners' compass who gave navigators the famous maritime law known as "Tabula de Amalpha". Amalfi funded a magnificent hospital in Jerusalem. In 1112, Frà Gerardo Sasso di Scala, born in the neighbouring eponymous little town, gave the citizens of Amalfi the military and religious order which still exists today, "I cavalieri di Malta" (The Knights of Malta). Before settling on this name, the order had been known as "I cavalieri di San Giovanni", "I cavalieri di Cipro" and "I cavalieri di Rodi". Many battles were fought between the Cavalieri and the Saracens and, in 849, they were called upon to defend Rome and the Church in the famous battle of Ostia. Today, Amalfi is a peaceful, picturesque seaside town, blessed with a mild climate and set in an environment of outstanding natural beauty. Just some of the many noteworthy buildings of historical interest are the Duomo, the Arsenal and the old paper mills that still to this day produce the luxurious paper famous throughout the world.