Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Ravello
POP 2460
Sitting high in the hills above Amalfi, refined Ravello is a polished town almost entirely
dedicated to tourism. Boasting impeccable bohemian credentials - Wagner, DH Lawrence
and Virginia Woolf all lounged here - it's today known for its ravishing gardens and stu-
pendous views, the best in the world according to former resident Gore Vidal.
Most people visit on a day trip from Amalfi - a nerve-tingling 7km drive up the Valle
del Dragone - although to best enjoy Ravello's romantic otherworldly atmosphere you'll
need to stay overnight.
Sights & Activities
Villa Rufolo
( 089 85 76 21; Piazza Duomo; adult/reduced €5/3; 9am-sunset)
To the south of Ravello's cathed-
ral, a 14th-century tower marks the entrance to this villa, famed for its beautiful cascading
gardens. Created by a Scotsman, Scott Neville Reid, in 1853, they are truly magnificent,
commanding celestial panoramic views packed with exotic colours, artistically crumbling
towers and luxurious blooms.
The villa itself was built in the 13th century for the wealthy Rufolo dynasty and housed
several popes, as well as King Robert of Anjou. On seeing the gardens on 26 May 1880,
Wagner said he had finally found the enchanted garden of Klingsor (the setting for the
second act of the opera
Parsifal
). Today the gardens are used to stage concerts during the
town's celebrated festival.
GARDEN
Cathedral
(Piazza Duomo; museum admission €3; 8.30am-noon & 5.30-8.30pm)
Forming the eastern flank of
Piazza Duomo, Ravello's cathedral was originally built in 1086 but has since undergone
various makeovers. The facade is 16th century, even if the central bronze door, one of
only about two dozen in the country, is an 1179 original; the interior is a late-20th-century
interpretation of what the original must once have looked like.
Of particular interest is the striking pulpit, supported by six twisting columns set on
marble lions and decorated with flamboyant mosaics of peacocks, birds and dancing lions.
CATHEDRAL
