Villa Rufolo
One of the most important places in Ravello is Villa Rufolo, a historic 13th century villa with beautiful gardens. Villa Rufolo was home to a wealthy family that became famous for its cultural influence. Today, the villa is famous not only for its architecture but also as the venue for the Ravello Music Festival, which attracts musicians and audiences from all over the world. The villa's gardens offer breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding countryside, while the villa itself is a gem of historic architecture.
In addition to the gardens, there is an impressive tower that once served as a defensive feature of the building. The whole complex is steeped in history and its atmosphere inspired the famous composer Richard Wagner, who found the motifs for his opera Parsifal here.
Villa Cimbrone
Another irresistible place in Ravello is Villa Cimbrone, famous for its panoramic gardens and impressive sculptures. Today, it is a luxury hotel, but the public can also enter and enjoy the atmosphere of the gardens that stretch out on top of the cliff. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast and the islands in the sea.
Every corner of the garden hides ancient columns, marble statues and floral ornaments, which together form a perfect harmony. The site is also associated with many famous personalities - visitors have included Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo.
If you take a walk along the "Terrace of Infinity", as one of the viewpoints is locally called, you will understand why Ravello is called "the city of art and romance".
Ravello Cathedral
It's not only the natural beauty that makes Ravello so special. The cathedral, known as the Duomo di Ravello, is a beautiful example of medieval architecture. It was built in the 11th century and still serves as the spiritual centre of the town. The cathedral is famous for its impressive mosaic on the floor and its history that dates back to the early Middle Ages. In addition, it is possible to admire the interior decoration, which includes magnificent frescoes and sculptures.
One of the most precious elements of the cathedral is the pulpit, which is supported by marble columns carried by statues of lions, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture. The adjacent cathedral museum displays historical relics and works of art that illustrate the importance of Ravello in the history of the area.
Ravello Music Festival
Every summer Ravello hosts the famous Ravello Music Festival, which attracts world-class musicians and audiences. This festival is an opportunity for visitors to the city to enjoy classical music in beautiful historic spaces such as the Villa Rufolo or the Church of San Giovanni del Toro. Many musicians and composers, including Richard Wagner, have been impressed by the beauty of the city, leading Ravello to become a symbol of music and art in Italy.
What you must try in Ravello
Ravello boasts delicious Italian cuisine that combines traditional Amalfi recipes with modern gastronomic trends. Typical dishes include "scialatielli", a local type of pasta, often served with seafood. Don't forget to try the "delizia al limone", a delicious lemon-flavoured cake typical of the area, as the Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemon cultivation. And for wine lovers, there is a selection of local wines to complement the culinary experience.
