Europe > Italy > Campania > Ravello
Ravello sits 350 metres above the Amalfi Coast on a ridge between two deep valleys, looking out over the Gulf of Salerno. It is quieter and more aristocratic than the coastal towns below — no beach, no crowds pressing past souvenir stalls, just narrow streets between medieval walls and gardens that have been extraordinary for nine centuries.
The town's two great villas are the main reason to make the climb. Villa Rufolo (11th century, now municipally owned) has gardens with views that Wagner described as the inspiration for Klingsor's magic garden in Parsifal. In summer the garden terrace is used as a concert stage for the Ravello Festival, with the sea behind the orchestra 300 metres below. Villa Cimbrone (early 20th century, now a hotel) has the famous Belvedere of Infinity — a terrace with busts and an unobstructed view that is one of the most dramatic in Italy.
The 11th-century Duomo at the centre of town has a bronze door from 1179 and a pulpit supported by columns resting on marble lions.
Getting to Ravello: SITA buses run from Amalfi (about 25 minutes, every hour or so). The road is narrow and buses fill up in summer — arrive early or walk up from Amalfi on the mule path (about 45 minutes).