Amalfi is a small town on the south-western coast of Italy. It was founded in the Roman times at the junction of three trade routes - the Byzantine, Arab and West European, thanks to which it soon developed as the most important trading center on the Italian Peninsula. The first Italian written commercial and maritime code was created here. Splendor of the town was ended by the Norman conquest that was supported by the Pisans competing with Amalfi. Since then the town has not regained its former power, however, the buildings created in the times of prosperity and its beautiful location make it one of the most beautiful towns of the Italian coast.
