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Visit Ravello

Ravello is a little way east of Amalfi, in the eastern half of the spectacular Amalfi Coast (which runs along the southern edge of the Sorrento peninsula).

It is a well established tourist destination - poised high on a hillside, although there are a few particlular highlights such as the 11th century cathedral, it is above all for the views that people remember Ravello.

In the town there are two well known villas - the Villa Rufolo and the Villa Cimbrone - and each offers extremely impressive and far-reaching views along the Amalfi Coast. Indeed the view from the terrace at Villa Cimbrone was described by Gore Vidal as 'the most beautiful place that I had ever seen in all my travels' (talking of the view in winter). I can confirm it is very special indeed!

Both villas also have formal gardens liberally sprinkled with statuary and ornaments and are a further highlight of your visit.

Artistic associations

Ravello has very strong artistic and literary connections stretching back over 120 years. This started with Richard Wagner who was apparently inspired by Villa Rufolo when working on Parsifal; D H lawrence came here to write part of Lady Chattersly's Lover; continuing through Escher (it is said his 'endless staircase' pictures came to mind after a visit to the towns of the Amalfi coast) and on to Virginia Woolf...and many others.