Discover mystique Ravello

Discover Ravello’s article will present you with the secret charm of why this little town has attracted so many celebrities in recent decades. Furthermore, we’ll explore its natural assets, cultural events, accommodation, etc. So, stay with us.

Streets of Ravello with splendid views

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“Twenty-five years ago, I was asked by an American magazine what was the most beautiful place that I had ever seen in all my travels, and I said the view from the belvedere of the Villa Cimbrone on a bright winter’s day when the sky and the sea were each so vividly blue that it was not possible to tell one from the other.”

Gore Vidal

Short introduction

Firstly, it has been named the City of Music. It is home to the Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo, and a vibrant cultural scene: Ravello Festival and Ravello Concert Society. Secondly, thousands of years of history, a stunning mountaintop location on Italy’s most captivating coastline. And most importantly because of the views that have captivated countless souls, inspired artists, and filled hearts with passion.

Discover Ravello

Ravello is the hidden treasure of the Amalfi Coast, far more peaceful than the neighboring Amalfi town and Positano, yet still immensely beautiful.

Its villas and vistas have enchanted visitors for centuries. Famous actors, authors, composers, and artists have come here for refuge and inspiration.

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Villa Rufolo – the entrance (Moorish Tower) from Piazza Vescovio

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Villa Rufolo

Villa is now most famous for its gardens and breathtaking views on the Amalfi coast. But firstly, let’s find out a bit more about its fascination and why it has attracted visitors for centuries.

Built by a wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, the villa has a rich past. Boccaccio, a famous Italian writer, wrote a story about the estate and its owner in his Decameron in the 14th century. When Richard Wagner, a German composer, stayed in the villa in 1880, he was so impressed that he exclaimed: “I have discovered Klingsor’s garden.”

In its prime, it was one of the most extensive and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast, and legends grew about hidden treasure on its premises.

The Infinity Terrace in Villa Cimbrone

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Infinity terrace in Villa Cimbrone

Villa’s roots date back to the 11th century. However, the villa and the gardens were considerably renovated by a British nobleman, Lord Grimthorpe, in the early 20th century. The estate is a private 5-star hotel (Hotel Villa Cimbrone). Still, the gardens are open to the public and rank as one of the most memorable vistas on the Amalfi Coast. With its expansive parks and dramatic views, a villa is popular for weddings, honeymoons, and receptions. Its main attraction is the Infinity Terrace, with the most spectacular vistas on the Amalfi coast.

Piazza Vescovio with the Cathedral

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Visit its Duomo and discover ceramic shops in its lanes.

After visiting its prime attraction (Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo), you should visit Ravello’s cathedral (Duomo in Italian), which blends Baroque and Romanesque architectural styles. After that, we recommend taking a coffee break at some square bars. Just sit back, drink delicious Italian coffee, and enjoy. After relaxing in the Piazza Duomo (also Piazza Centrale or Piazza Vescovio), you should take your time to wander the streets of Ravello and do some window shopping. Although Vietri Sul Mare is the king of ceramics in the area, Ravello also offers some fine shops. The most famous and also the best is Ceramiche d’Arte Carmela.

This town is relatively small; you can discover it on a day trip. You’ll be surprised as the streets wind through the hills, and you’ll be able to catch glimpses of the stunning views.

Ceramics shops in Ravello

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The “Oscar Niemeyer” Auditorium

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Ravello Festival

Since 1953 the city of Ravello has organized the Ravello Festival, which includes classical music, cinema, and literature events. Usually held between July and early September, it hosts events in various locations in the city, such as Villa Rufolo, Piazza Duomo, and the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.

Note: The “Oscar Niemeyer” Auditorium, in particular, is a place that offers an excellent view of the Amalfi Coast from its terrace. The building, designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on the occasion of the “Ravello Project,” was built in 2008-2010 and can accommodate around 400 people inside.

Where to Sleep in Ravello

Ravello offers accommodations, including splendid hotels, small B&Bs, and holiday homes, which provide a breathtaking view of the coast and can offer a very high quality of services. Many are ancient restored villas with unique gardens and belvedere terraces. And lastly, Ravello is a very high-end place where several famous people take refuge for a stay in the name of privacy. Therefore, the prices are higher.

Villages around Ravello

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Going on a hiking trip

If you are in good shape, consider a hiking tour from Ravello to Amalfi or Atrani and vice versa. You could admire the splendid view, watch local vineyards, or even visit some of the smaller villages and their wineries. What do you think?

Where to Sleep in Ravello

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How to get to Ravello

The nearest international airport is Naples-Capodichino, about 60 km from the town.

By car or by scooter
One of the ways to reach Ravello is to use the car. For those arriving in Ravello from other towns on the coast, it will be necessary to take the SS 163 state road, a panoramic road that offers breathtaking landscapes but is very busy in summer. That’s why we recommend renting a scooter.

Taxi or private transfer

This option is the most stress-free; however, it comes together with a high price.

Public transportation

You can arrive directly from Naples airport by bus (Pintours) or indirectly by train-bus-ferry combination from Naples, Sorrento, or Salerno.

Getting it is easy if you are based in Naples, Sorrento, or Salerno. But there are no direct buses or ferries to Ravello. The good thing is that it is only 7 km from Amalfi town. So, once you get to Amalfi town, you take another bus to Ravello, which will take only a few minutes.

For more info on how to get to the Amalfi Coast and how to move around the Amalfi Coast, we suggest reading our guides (click on highlighted links).

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed reading our article, Discover Ravello, and that we have inspired you to visit this enchanting little town. We can say it is similar to Santorini; it’s not all about the views. It’s much more than that. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.