RAVELLO
Another gem of the Amalfi coast is without any doubt, Ravello, 350 metres above sea level, where the light effects and magical architecture create a vision of rare intensity. It is not a surprise that the composer Wagner, DH Lawrence and Virginia Woolf were frequent visitors to Ravello and loved to spend time here.
Typical life in Ravello.
Local ceramics.
Lifestyle in Ravello.
One of the places to visit here is the Cathedral. Dated from the 11th century and dedicated to Saint Pantaleone, it is an elegant cathedral containing many medieval treasures, like the grand bronze door and the marble pulpit with fine mosaic decorations.
The main square with the Cathedral at the centre.
The marble "pulpit of the gosples" created in 1272 by Nicolò di Bartolomeowith elegant mosaic decorations.
Mosaics.
Details of the bronze door dated 1179.
Next to the cathedral, there is Villa Rufolo, an elegant 13th century structure with arab-sicilian decorations and an impressive park with exotic and mediterranean flora, lime trees and cypresses. Cascades of flowers define the features of the villa.
The Villa, thanks to the breathtaking view on the terrace, hosts each summer the Ravello Festival, which has concerts and opera performances against the backdrop of the Mediterranean sea. The gardens inspired Wagner for the Klingsor Garden in his opera the Parsifal. Find info, the program and tickets of the Ravello Festival here on the official website.
Entrance to Villa Rufolo.
The tower of the villa.
Gardens of the villa.
Open air stage seating area.
The stage with breathtaking view.
View from the terrace of Villa Rufolo.
Going up to the hill there is Villa Cimbrone. Built as simple hut, it was bought by Ernest William Beckett in 1904, who changed it drastically transforming the villa into an elegant residence. The Villa attracted many personalities, from Winston Churchill to Greta Garbo. The villa is today open to the public, for private events and weddings. In the park of the villa there is also a five star hotel.
Entrance to Villa Cimbrone.
Gardens at Villa Cimbrone.
The outstanding gardens and the belvedere terrace is a real gem like no other in the world.
Villa Cimbrone is open to the public every day, from 09.00 until sunset.
For further information or to book a guided tour, it is possible to contact this number +39 089 857459 or send an email to info@villacimbrone.com.
All the info about Villa Cimbrone and the hotel is here on the official website.
The stunning terrace.
Garden flower bed.
The entrance of the Hotel.
The romantic cloister.
The cloister in the villa.
HOW TO GET AROUND RAVELLO
Ravello is distant from Amalfi for about 5 km and because of its position on the hills, is only accessible with car or coaches.
Local coaches of the SITA company operate via Amalfi. For more info visit the official website of the SITA or calling at this number: +39 089 871016.
If you are coming with a car from North, you have to take the A30 motorway, theSalerno-Reggio Calabria. The exit is Pagani-Nocera and follow the indication for Valico di Chiunzi and Costiera amalfitana. From South, the motorway is the A3, exit at Salerno. Follow the indication for Vietri in direction Costiera Amalfitana and then exit for Ravello.
By train, you need to arrive at the Salerno station and from here continue with SITA coaches to Amalfi.
From Amalfi, there is the bus SITA directly to Ravello.
From the airport, you can take a taxi directly to Ravello.
You can also hire a car to visit others places around the Amalfi coast, which it might be the best solution to visit also the other towns. Visit the official website here for more info and prices.
For more info about Amalfi coast you can also visit the official website here.
Going to Ravello.