The Cathedral of St Andrew, Amalfi

[endlessrarities]

Back to the magnificent Cathedral of St Andrew in Amalfi now, and a post devoted to the Chiostro del Paradiso - The Cloister of Paradise.

Built in1266, the Arab influences are clearly apparent in the style of the arches:

 

There's a good view of the campanile from this cloister:-

 

Much of the interior has been whitewashed, but some frescoes still survive.  According to Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast, by Conti et. al. (Bonechi, 2009), these date to the 14th century.
 

 

Sadly, time and human agency have taken their toll on these artworks, which have been extensively mutilated throughout the centuries.  But some fragments survive which indicate just how colourful the structure would have been in its heyday.

And then there's the mosaics.  Not Roman mosaics, but medieval ones, which in my opinion are even better:-

 

There, I told you it got even better!! Never has a Chiostro del Paradiso been more aptly named...  Once again, I'm seriously impressed!

Comments

[clairehawthorn.livejournal.com]

When my eye caught the word "whitewashed" I braced myself and expected the worst......but I love the surviving frescos with their worn beauty and the mosaics are an absolute joy - I want that yellow one with the exotic birds!

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

Isn't it gorgeous?? I looked at that and thought 'WOW!!!!!'