Museo del Corallo (Coral Museum)
At the far end of Piazza Duomo, past the cathedral steps, a shop window full of coral catches the afternoon light. Step through the Camo workshop and keep walking — the museum is at the back, a compact collection that Giorgio Filocamo assembled from pieces handed down through his family.
What fills the cases here spans roughly two thousand years: Roman amphorae, a mid-16th-century Madonna carved from coral, cameos cut between the 17th and 19th centuries, tortoiseshell combs from the early 1800s, nativity figures, crucifixes, pearl and turquoise jewels. Every object was made by hand, and the tools used to make them are here too.
💛 What travellers fall for
Regulars suggest arriving when the workshop is active — you can watch coral being worked in real time, which gives the antique pieces behind glass an entirely different weight. The collection is free to enter, but the experience is not guaranteed: call ahead on +39 089 857 461 to confirm access on the day.
The story behind Museo del Corallo (Coral Museum)
Giorgio Filocamo founded the museum in 1986, attaching it directly to the Camo workshop he ran in Piazza Duomo. His intention was preservation as much as display: the coral and cameo tradition of the Amalfi Coast had sustained local craftspeople for generations, and the family collection — accumulated and passed down over time — needed a permanent home.
The museum now sits under the care of his daughter Tiffany Filocamo. The collection's range, from ancient Roman pieces to 20th-century jewellery, reflects both the longevity of coral craftsmanship in the region and the Filocamo family's role in keeping its techniques documented and visible.
Good to know
Reach Ravello by SITA bus from Amalfi — €1.50, roughly 25 minutes. The museum sits at Piazza Duomo 9, right beside the cathedral. Hours are limited and reportedly inconsistent; confirm before making it the centrepiece of your day. Budget around 30 to 45 minutes.
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What travellers say about Museo del Corallo (Coral Museum)
The Coral Museum (Museo del Corallo) in Ravello is a unique blend of a museum and artisan workshop located in Piazza Duomo, 9, near the town’s historic cathedral. Established by Giorgio Filocamo in 1986, it highlights the centuries-old tradition of coral carving on the Amalfi Coast. Features: • Exhibits: The museum displays intricate coral artifacts, including religious items like a coral crucifix and a Madonna, along with cameos, jewelry, and even a coral nativity scene. These pieces span from ancient Roman times to the modern era. • Historical Tools and Techniques: Visitors can see the tools and methods used by artisans over the years to craft these masterpieces. • Camo Workshop: The museum is also home to an operational workshop where craftsmen create bespoke coral items. The Camo family has produced pieces for notable figures like Pope John Paul II and President Clinton. Practical Information: • Opening Hours: The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. • Admission: Entry is free, but donations or purchases support the continuation of this heritage. It’s a small yet captivating destination for lovers of art, history, and fine craftsmanship, offering insight into a treasured aspect of local culture.
Giorgio has numerous antiquities some thousands of years old. In addition the cameos and other jewelry he has is beautiful. It is worth the time to look at his collection. Numerous celebrities have purchased is one of a kind creations. He has been a friend gor over 30 years.
A must in Ravello. Tucked away to the left of the Duomo in the main piazza. Giorgio is a master artisan of his craft and a wonderfully warm storyteller of the beautiful objet d’art in his small but stunning museum. He will explain to you the dying art of cameo and coral carving, (due to environmental changes resulting in extreme scarcity) which is made by carving one large, thick shell from outside in to achieve the color variations. Ask to see oxblood coral, which is very rare. Ask about the intricately carved Louis XIV snuff box with scenes from The Judgment of Paris, one of two in existence. Paul Getty Museum offered $600,000 to acquire it and was refused. The other resides in the Louvre museum.
Absolutely stunning place. I bought the most beautiful coral and silver earrings and the ladies were so helpful. A must visit!
Beautiful and amazing work. He took a liking to us and showed us his private collection in the back if the store. Priceless!!
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