Somewhat off the beaten track hides the small town with the long history and the splendour landscapes. which brought the tranquility and inspiration to many of great visitors
including Bocaccio, Greta Garbo, Gore Vidal and Richard Wagner.
Ravello
Ravello became the part of the Duchy of Amalfi in the 9th century, The trade with Oriental countries and Sicily thrived to get its peak in 13th century, to gradually decline to a provintional town in following centuries. The end of 19th century brings the British visitors to Amalfi Coast, one of them, an English lord Ernest Beckett builds Villa Cimbrone following the Moorish style popular once in the area of Ravello. A Scottsman rebuilds the 14th century former property of Rufolo family preserving the Arabic elements. The tropical plants from terraced gardens of Villa Rufolo once inspired Wagner to write his Parsifal. During most of the year the gardens and the rooms of Villa Rufolo became the site of numerous concerts of chamber music known as Wagner Festival.
The best time to listen to the music is Spring and Autumn, when there is enough sun for a comfortable retreat and without noise made by the Summer crowds of visitors, who admire the great views down to the Amalfi coast with its terraced gardens and layers of colorful buildings with endless sea in the background.
The central place in the town is occupied by the 11th century cathedral ( Duomo ) , which features 12th century bronze doors and 13th century pulpit with oriental style mosaics and twisted columns supported by four lions.The Duomo is dedicated to Ravello patron saint San Panleone, and preserves the blood of a local saint, the small museum in the crypts features some Roman and artifacts.
The other sacral buildings are the church of San Giovanni del Toro and cloister churches of Saint Francis and Saint Claire.
Located nearby the village Scala offers the marvelous views on the terraced road back to Ravello, and also the old church (13th century with later additions) with tombstone of Coppola family.
[ photo courtesy of Supriya O]
