Cloister of Paradise
A 13th-century Moorish-style cloister in Amalfi, featuring a serene garden, 120 carved columns, and religious frescoes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Cloister of Paradise
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 13th-century Moorish-style cloister in Amalfi, featuring a serene garden, 120 carved columns, and religious frescoes.
"A sanctuary of the soul, transcending mere architectural marvel to become a place of tranquil beauty."
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get a single ticket for the Cathedral, Cloister, and Museum to save time and money.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
This is a sanctuary; keep voices low and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Central Garden
Courtyard
A lush oasis with citrus trees, roses, and vibrant bougainvillea, offering a peaceful escape.

Intricate Columns & Capitals
Cloister Walkways
Marvel at the 120 slender columns, each topped with unique foliage and geometric carvings.

Frescoes and Archways
Vaulted Ceilings
Gaze up at celestial frescoes adorning the vaulted ceilings, telling stories of saints and miracles.

Fountain of Serenity
Garden Center
Listen to the soothing murmur of the crystal-clear fountain, a perfect spot for quiet reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get a single ticket for the Cathedral, Cloister, and Museum to save time and money.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
This is a sanctuary; keep voices low and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Wander and Wonder
Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the details and tranquility.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The light is magical in the morning and late afternoon for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get a single ticket for the Cathedral, Cloister, and Museum to save time and money.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
This is a sanctuary; keep voices low and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Wander and Wonder
Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the details and tranquility.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The light is magical in the morning and late afternoon for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cloister of Paradise as a tranquil sanctuary and a highlight of their Amalfi visit, appreciating its beautiful architecture, serene garden, and spiritual atmosphere. While some note it can get crowded, the overall experience is described as peaceful and awe-inspiring, offering a perfect escape.
"The highlight of the entire cathedral visit. Beautiful chapels with frescos, the perfect white-arch architecture and the green interior amount to the closter being the nicest thing of the entire cathedral tour."
Constantin Jacob
"Cathedral of St. Andrew, Cloister of Paradise, Crypt, and Diocesan Museum all in one place and with one ticket. It wouldn't take you longer than 1hr to explore"
Fadila El Masoudi
"In the heart of Amalfi, a hidden gem of tranquil beauty emerges—the Chiostro del Paradiso, a cloister that transcends mere architectural marvel to become a sanctuary of the soul. As we enter this sacred oasis, let us explore its intricate details, where the technical and the poetic converge in a harmonious dance.
Design and Layout:
The Chiostro del Paradiso is a cloister of graceful proportion, an architectural symphony of symmetry and serenity. It follows the classic form of a quadrilateral, with a central courtyard graced by a lush garden. Cloister walkways, supported by slender columns, envelop the garden like loving arms, offering both shelter and an open embrace to visitors.
Columns and Capitals:
The cloister's columns are carved from the same local limestone that characterizes Amalfi's architecture. Each column rises with a slender grace, their capitals adorned with intricate foliage and geometric patterns, akin to a choir of voices singing in stone. These capitals, like botanical manuscripts, whisper secrets of the natural world.
Archways and Vaults:
As one walks through the cloister, the archways form a rhythmic procession, guiding the eye and the soul. Above, the vaulted ceilings, adorned with delicate frescoes, are a celestial canvas that tells stories of saints and miracles. The arches and vaults create a sense of harmony and balance, inviting contemplation and reflection.
Garden and Flora:
The central garden is a verdant paradise, a microcosm of the natural world's splendor. Here, citrus trees, fragrant with blossoms, offer shade and a gentle fragrance that lingers in the air. Roses, like the blush of youth, climb trellises, and vibrant bougainvillea spills over the walls, creating a palette of colors that mirror the Mediterranean.
Fountain and Waterscape:
At the heart of the garden, a serene fountain glistens with crystal-clear waters. Its soothing murmur is a backdrop to quiet contemplation, a symphony of liquid notes that dances in the air. The play of sunlight on the water's surface creates a shimmering mosaic of reflections.
Statuary and Sculpture:
Amidst the greenery, sculpted saints and biblical figures stand sentinel. Their faces bear expressions of serenity and grace, their forms a testament to the skill of the craftsmen. These statues seem to come alive in the dappled light, as if they, too, partake in the cloister's timeless reverie.
The Chiostro del Paradiso is more than an architectural wonder; it is a sanctuary of the senses, where the technical and the poetic converge to create a place of serenity and spiritual awakening. It is a testament to the enduring power of design, nature, and the human spirit to create spaces that transcend the ordinary and touch the divine. In its tranquil embrace, we find not just a cloister, but a glimpse of paradise itself—a testament to the harmonious coexistence of art, architecture, and the natural world."
Ugo Terzi (Golfo di Salerno)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cloister of Paradise is located in the heart of Amalfi, easily accessible by foot from the main piazza. If arriving by ferry or bus, it's a short walk through the charming streets.
Parking in Amalfi can be challenging. It's best to use public parking garages like Luna Rossa or use public transport if possible.
Yes, regular SITA buses connect Amalfi to other towns like Positano and Sorrento. Ferries also offer a scenic route to Amalfi.
Wander through the narrow streets, visit the Duomo di Sant'Andrea, and enjoy the local atmosphere before heading to the cloister.
Many guided tours of Amalfi include a visit to the Cloister of Paradise as part of a larger itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but it's generally open daily from morning until early evening. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
There is an admission fee, often included in a combined ticket with the Cathedral and Diocesan Museum. Check current prices online.
While not always mandatory, booking a combined ticket in advance can save time, especially during peak season.
Typically, a ticket grants access to the Cloister, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, its crypt, and the Diocesan Museum.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Inquire at the ticket office or check the official website.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 1 hour exploring the cloister, garden, and surrounding areas.
Key attractions include the central garden, the 120 intricately carved columns, the vaulted ceilings with frescoes, and the serene fountain.
Yes, children can enjoy the beautiful garden and the unique architecture. It's a peaceful environment for them to explore.
Restroom facilities are usually available within the complex, often near the museum or ticket area.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in certain areas, especially near frescoes.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting the architectural details.
The central garden, the archways framing the courtyard, and the detailed column capitals are particularly picturesque.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash, especially near frescoes, and be respectful of other visitors' experience.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens will work well to capture the architecture and garden.
Try capturing reflections in the fountain, framing shots through the archways, or focusing on the intricate details of the capitals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the combined ticket which includes the Cathedral and Museum, as these can offer further points of interest for curious young minds. The relatively short visit time (around an hour) is also ideal for keeping children entertained. Remember to bring water and snacks, and encourage them to appreciate the quiet beauty of this historical gem.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
It's a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with yourself. The historical significance and the sheer beauty of the architecture provide ample inspiration. Don't rush your visit; allow yourself to be fully present in this tranquil sanctuary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of the Cloister
The most striking feature is the 120 slender columns that support the graceful archways of the cloister walkways. Each column is unique, topped with intricately carved capitals that depict a variety of motifs, from delicate foliage and geometric patterns to more symbolic representations. These capitals are like stone manuscripts, whispering tales of nature and artistry. Walking along the shaded walkways, visitors are enveloped by a sense of peace and timelessness, with the gentle murmur of the central fountain providing a soothing soundtrack.
Above, the vaulted ceilings are adorned with delicate frescoes that add a celestial dimension to the space. These painted narratives of saints and miracles draw the eye upward, inviting contemplation and spiritual reflection. The interplay of light and shadow across the arches and frescoes creates a dynamic visual experience throughout the day. The Cloister of Paradise is more than just a historical site; it's a sanctuary where art, architecture, and nature converge to create a truly divine atmosphere.
A Sanctuary of History and Spirituality
Visiting the Cloister also provides access to the Diocesan Museum, which houses a collection of religious artifacts, artworks, and historical documents that further illuminate the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This museum offers a deeper understanding of the art and devotion that have shaped Amalfi over the centuries. The combined ticket allows for a comprehensive exploration of these interconnected sites, offering a holistic experience of Amalfi's historical and religious significance.
Many visitors describe the Cloister as a highlight of their cathedral visit, noting its tranquil beauty and the perfect harmony of its architecture and greenery. It's a place where one can feel a sense of connection to the past and find a moment of profound peace amidst the bustling town. The experience is often described as transcending mere architectural marvel to become a sanctuary for the soul.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit