Legend has it that Hercules fell in love with a nymph called Amalfi, a love which was cruelly ended by her death. The nymph was then buried in this, the most beautiful place in the world, and the city which was built here was named after her.
It is not by chance that Amalfi, an ancient maritime Republic, is the heart of this stretch of coast, and an International tourist destination, attracting those lured by its uniquely colored sea.
The town hosts many traditional celebrations and events, including the descent of the comet from Monte Tabor, the Festa of St. Giuseppe, the Festa of St.Antonio, the historic sailing regatta contested by the four maritime republics, the lemon fair, St.Andrea patron saint of Amalfi, the underwater procession to the Grotta dello Smeraldo held at Christmas, the firework display of New Year's Eve and the traditional Via Crucis. To see: the Church of St Antonio, the Convent of St Francesco, the Paper Museum, the Chapel of St. Giuseppe del Castrista and Amalfi Cathedral.
The most important of the town's craft traditions is that of paper making, which began in the 1700's.