Things to see in Ravello

Sitting high in the Amalfi hills, Ravello is a refined, polished town entirely dedicated to tourism where a bohemian atmosphere reigns. It is no wonder why Wagner, David Lawrence and Virginia Woolf all spent a lot of time here. Today it is known for its entrancing gardens and stupendous panoramic views - certainly the most stunning on the Amalfi Coast. For those looking to stretch their legs on the beach, Atrani isn’t far away. In fact, it only takes about 40 minutes to walk down the hill. The three main attractions of interest in Ravello are noted below.

Villa Rufolo

The villa, marked by its entrance under the Torre Maggiore, was constructed in the 13th Century for the wealthy Rufolo family. Sold to Scotsman Francis Neville Reid in the 19th Century, he took care of a general restoration resulting in today's layout - the villa is famous for its unique gardens that he built in 1853. Between the exotic flora and the ruins of the old well, the gardens are a truly magnificent place to visit.

The Gardens of the Villa Cimbrone

The estate was built on the rocky outcrop known as Cimbronium in the 11th century. Now, the Vuilleumier family who has converted the structure into a luxury hotel owns the villa, which embodies four architectural styles. Staying on the Cimbrone estate is very expensive, but the gardens (the most beautiful in the region) are open to all. For information on prices, click here. Wander among the arbours and rose gardens with their statues, but do not forget to take in the Terrace of Infinity.

Cathedral (il Duomo)

The cathedral stands proudly in the Piazza del Duomo and is testament to San Pantaleone in whose honour it was constructed in the 11th century by Orso Papicio. Inside the Duomo, you will find preserved medieval frescoes, along with Venetian windows and a marbled entrance. There is also a wonderful piece of architecture in the form of the three-storey bell-tower. You will even find sarcophagi dating back to Roman times and paintings from the Renaissance era.