Ravello: Gardens, Art and Architecture

Ravello: Gardens, Art and Architecture

Ravello combines sacred art, historic gardens and architecture. For those interested in culture, the specific highlights range from the bronze doors of the Duomo di Ravello and the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone to the Museo del Duomo and the Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer. The Ravello Festival complements these themes during the summer months. In this way, sacred art, garden spaces, museum collections, architecture and a seasonal festival come together in one place.

Gardens and Sacred Art

The bronze doors of the Duomo di Ravello were donated to the cathedral by Sergio Muscettola in 1179 and created by Barisano from Trani.

The garden of Villa Rufolo bears the Italian name Giardino dell’Anima and extends over two levels. The two levels must be taken into account when planning the layout of the grounds.

The history of the garden of Villa Cimbrone began in 1904. At that time, Ernest William Beckett transformed an old country house into a romantic English-style manor and added elements inspired by Mediterranean architecture.

The garden of Villa Cimbrone includes the Belvedere dell’Infinito. From there, the view opens out. For spatial orientation within the garden, the Belvedere dell’Infinito is therefore part of Villa Cimbrone.

Museum and Modern Architecture

The Museo del Duomo opened in 1983 in the ancient crypt of the basilica. It preserves classical and medieval works as well as urns, sarcophagi and sculptures. Mosaics, stone ornaments and silver artefacts complement the collections. The basilica’s ancient crypt gives the museum a clear historical setting.

The Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer in Ravello was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Ravello Festival and Travel Period

The Ravello Festival was established in 1953. Richard Wagner visited the gardens of Villa Rufolo in 1880 and referred to them as the “magic garden of Klingsor.” This visit and his words inspired the creation of the festival. It takes place every summer from July to September. For seasonal travel planning, this period falls entirely within the summer months of July to September.

Getting There and the Surrounding Area

From Amalfi, Ravello can be reached by taxi or SITA bus via a 7-kilometre route. The route from Amalfi to Ravello is therefore clearly defined; the available means of transport are taxi and SITA bus.

Palazzo Avino, a palace, is located in the immediate vicinity of Ravello. Terrazza Dell'infinito, a viewpoint, is also nearby. One nearby point of interest is therefore a palace, while the other is a viewpoint.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip to Italy

Lustra, Ispani, Capizzo, Aquara, Mezzatorre Di San Mauro Cilento, Acerno, Omignano and San Marzano Sul Sarno

For the higher-level travel overview: Salerno.