Ravello

Ravello is located on a rock that separates Valle del Dragone from Valle della Regina. Ravello thrones on the top of this rock just as it does over the Coast of Amalfi.

Its origins go back to the 9th century. For some time it was part of the Republic of Amalfi. However, Ravello takes great pride in its independant achievements and periods of prosperity.

Just like Scala, it was chosen for its location - an elevated place perfect for defence from attacks by sea.

Scala and Ravello were the last in the Duchy of Amalfi to resist the Norman attacks. In 1137 the people of Pisa conquered Scala. However, untill today the magnificent medieval sacred and nobile constructions testify the wealth of Ravello's merchants.

Families like the Rufolo, the Rogadei, the Muscettola and the Confalone doned the town its artistic masterpieces. Even the many modifications during the Baroque period could not hide the dominant medieval characteristics. Once the splendor of the maritime merchants passed away, Ravello was rediscovered again only during the 17th and 18th century by artists who gave her an important place among the touristic highlights of Italy. It was here that Wagner gained the inspiration for some of his best known compositions. Every summer the traditional Wagner-Concerts take place in the villa of the Rufolo family.

The little "only-pedestrian" streets of Ravello are marked by the traditional architecture of the houses of the Coast of Amalfi. Some of the main sights are the cathedral, Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, the churches of S. Giovanni del Toro and S. Maria a Gradillo.

When you arrive at Ravello it is best to leave the car at the parking and take the stairs that lead to the town center. It is in the main square where you can find the cathedrale and its bronce doors made by Barisano da Traniin in 1179. On the right of the cathedral you see the bell tower from the 12th century. The original layout of the fassade was a porticus with four columns which could be reached by two staircases on the side. This desciption goes back to a sketch made before it was destroyed in the 18th century.

Villa Rufolo

The entrance to villa Rufolo is at Vescovado square. Inside, continue along the alley untill you reach the cloister in Arab style. On the left hand side one can find a lovely garden from which the Tower Maggiore (the castle of Klingsor) can be seen. To the right of Tower Maggiore the vast amount of plants in various colours offer a rare spectacle. From the belvedere you see the beach of Maiori and the two domes of the church of SS. Annunziata, dating from 1281.

Villa Cimbrone

The cloister is similar to the one of the church of San Francesco. Rather important are the two reliefs showing the "Nine warriors" and the "Seven deadly sins".
The crypt is to be reached from the cloister. In the little garden half way between the entrance and the belvedere a small temple with statues and fountains can be visited.

Further along this alley one sees another temple with doric columns and in its centre a statue of the Godess Ceres. This belvedere offers a beautiful view over the Coast of Amalfi. If you continue a bit further you will find the temple of Bacchus. Also there is a statue representing Bacchus as a child with grapes.

Along this path you will find a cave completely hidden by plants. In it is placed the marble statue of Venus. Ravello is without a doubt the most fascinating place along the Coast of Amalfi. Big compliments go to the citizens and administrators of the town, who have done everything to preserve its ancient beauty.

WEB SITE TOWN HALL OF RAVELLO: www.comune.ravello.sa.it