Ravello, a stunning hillside town, is renowned for its heart-stirring views and musical heritage. The Cathedral, founded in 1086 and later transformed in the 18th century, boasts an original bell tower in magnificent Norman-Arab style. At its entrance are two important bronze doors, cast in 1179, leading into a nave adorned with a beautifully mosaic-covered pulpit and a 12th-century ambo depicting Jonah and the Whale.
The small museum in the crypt houses exquisite treasures, including a marble bust of Sicilgaida, a Norman princess, along with sculptural fragments, mosaics, and a stunning reliquary.
Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century by the Rufolo family, once served as the residence for Charles d’Anjou, the Angevine king. Richard Wagner fell in love with this villa and spent a year here composing “Parsifal.” The villa features a charming Moorish courtyard that was originally an 11th-century cloister, as well as an 11th-century tower that overlooks its lush gardens. The terraces offer breathtaking panoramas, and the gardens frequently host spectacular classical concerts.
Villa Cimbrone can be reached via a picturesque alley from the central square. After exploring the cloister and refectory near the entrance, visitors can stroll down a wide path leading to the Belvedere, lined with marble busts and offering one of the most celebrated views in the world. In Ravello, beauty and music come together in a truly unforgettable experience.
