Ravello
-
The magnetic beauty of Ravello probably has to do with its many exhilarating contrasts, both visual and cultural. Built boldly upon a rocky spur, separating the Valle del Dragone from the Valle di Maiori, this remarkable city is suspended 350 m (1,150 ft) directly above the azure and turquoise sea of the Gulf of Salerno. From here you can take in the entire Amalfi Coast and its famously picturesque towns in one sweeping glance – and remain transfixed indefinitely by the thoughts of infinity such an awesome view conjures up. A wide range of poetic and artistic souls have taken one look at the place and decided to stay, among them Boccaccio, Wagner, Grieg, Greta Garbo, Leopold Stokowski and, most recently, Gore Vidal.
Ravello Music Festival runs from March to November. For details visit the website www.ravelloarts.org
-
1. Villa Cimbrone
1. Villa CimbroneThe creation of an English lord, Ernest Beckett, the house imitates the Moorish style that predominates in Ravello, while its gardens are set about with Classical temples.
-
2. Chiostro de San Francesco
This cloister dates from 1222, when it was jewel of Gothic art. The space was altered in the 18th century but it still retains ancient columns.
-
3. Villa Rufolo
3. Villa RufoloThe 800-year-old Arab-style palace and its terraced gardens have inspired many visitors. The terrace is used in summer for staging concerts.
-
4. Duomo di Ravello
The 11th-century cathedral is a treasure-trove of works. Its beautiful pulpit (1272) has twisted columns resting on sculpted lions at the base.
-
5. Museo del Duomo
In the crypt is a collection of Roman and medieval artifacts. Other treasures include a 14th-century marble sarcophagus.
-
6. Santa Maria a Gradillo
6. Santa Maria a GradilloThis Romanesque church has a belltower in Arab-Sicilian style – in the 12th century Sicily and the Middle East were trading partners with Ravello.
-
7. San Giovanni al Toro
This church has a mosaic pulpit adorned with birds and saints, and supported by Corinthian columns.
-
8. Scala
8. ScalaThis tiny hamlet, built on a succession of terraces, is worth a visit for the views it affords when you look back at its larger neighbour, Ravello.
-
9. Duomo di Scala
Scala’s cathedral dates from the 13th century. Despite Baroque restructuring, the original wooden crucifix over the main altar and the tomb of the Coppola family have been preserved.
-
10. Minuta
10. MinutaEven higher than Scala, Minuta has a pretty 12th-century church with 10 ancient granite columns in the nave and some fine frescoes in the crypt.
Advertisement
-
-
Scotland guide
mcwajd
-
Davids Venice guide
dbryso
-
stoduk's San Francisco guide
stoduk
-
Dublin guide
frankj
-
HolidayRome's Rome guide
Holida
-
Barcelona guide
jonnyw
-
-
-
Mariaj1993's Amsterdam guide
Mariaj
-
Odd H.'s Hong Kong guide
Odd H.
-
New York guide
jdjass
-
signals1's Toronto guide
signal
-
Odd H.'s Cyprus guide
Odd H.
-
Hala's little Prague Book
haladr
-




Get DK Top Ten Travel Guides on your iPhone & iPod Touch!




symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
Driving to get there is an adrenaline booster that tops the excitement of the place itself. Villa Rufolo is the place to go, and admire the views of the Costiera Amalfitana!
about a year ago
This is a really picturesque village with lovely gardens in the Villa Rufolo. Well worth a visit.
about 2 years ago
If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.