DK Travel : Naples & the Amalfi Coast : Ravello

Ravello

3.5 /5 (2 votes)

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

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

Top 10 Sights

1. Villa Cimbrone

1. Villa Cimbrone

The 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 Rufolo

The 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 Gradillo

This 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. Scala

This 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. Minuta

Even 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.

Practical Information

Ravello requires a lot of steep walking so bring walking shoes and a maximum dose of energy. The entire town is likely to be a challenge for disabled visitors. Villa Cimbrone: Via Santa Chiara 26; 089 85 74 59; Open 9am– 30 min before sunset daily; Adm €5 Villa Rufolo: Piazza del Duomo; 089 85 70 96; Open 9am–30 min before sunset daily; Adm €4.00 Duomo: Piazza del Duomo; 089 85 83 11; Church: Open 8:30am– 1pm, 3–8pm daily; Free Museum: Open 9am–1pm, 3–7pm daily (Nov–Mar Sat–Sun only); Adm €1.50 San Giovanni al Toro: No regular hours; Free Santa Maria a Gradillo: Open 9am–1pm, 3–6pm daily; Free Duomo di Scala: Open 8am–noon, 5–7pm daily; Free

Reviews

athinaeos

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