Perched 350m above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is a serene hilltop village renowned for its spectacular gardens and sweeping sea views. Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone both feature terraced gardens with viewpoints that have inspired artists and musicians for centuries.
Ravello is a small hilltop town of approximately 2,500 residents perched 350 metres above the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, accessible by a switchback road from Amalfi town below. Long celebrated as a retreat for artists, composers, and intellectuals—Richard Wagner, Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, and Gore Vidal were all drawn here—Ravello offers a serenity and elevation distinctly different from the busier coastal towns below. The town is compact enough to explore entirely on foot within a few hours. The central Piazza Duomo contains the Cathedral of San Pantaleone (Duomo di Ravello), founded in 1086, which holds ampoules of the blood of the martyr San Pantaleone said to liquefy annually. The cathedral's magnificent 12th-century pulpit decorated with mosaic work and supported by carved lions is one of the finest examples of medieval decorative art in southern Italy. The principal attractions are the two garden villas. Villa Rufolo, entered from the main piazza, was built in the 13th century by a wealthy Ravello merchant family and features a Moorish-influenced tower, a Norman courtyard, and terraced gardens that Wagner visited in 1880, finding inspiration for Klingsor's Magic Garden in Parsifal. The gardens serve as the open-air stage of the Ravello Festival, which has run annually since 1953. Villa Cimbrone, a 15-minute walk from the piazza along a cypress-lined path, offers the Belvedere Cimbrone (Terrace of Infinity), where a line of classical stone busts overlooks a sheer 350-metre drop to the Mediterranean—repeatedly cited as one of the most beautiful views in the world.
Good to know
- Hours
- Always accessible
- Best time
- afternoon
- Best for
- couples, music lovers, photography
Location
Ravello, 84010 SA
40.6469, 14.6117 View on map
Highlights
- Visit Villa Rufolo's terraced garden, Wagner's inspiration for Klingsor's Magic Garden in Parsifal
- Walk to Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity for what is widely cited as one of Italy's finest views
- See the 12th-century mosaic pulpit in Ravello Cathedral, a masterpiece of southern Italian medieval art
- Attend an outdoor concert at the Ravello Festival, held annually from spring through autumn
- Explore the quiet lanes, independent shops, and ceramic studios of the hilltop village
Tips for visiting
- Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity has the best views at sunset
- Visit on a weekday to avoid tour bus crowds
- The annual Ravello Festival features classical concerts
When to visit
Late afternoon visits allow exploration of both villas and culminate at the Terrace of Infinity at sunset, which is particularly dramatic. Weekday visits at any time of year avoid the day-trip coach parties that peak on weekends. The Ravello Festival season from June to September adds a cultural dimension worth planning around.
Accessibility
The town of Ravello involves uneven stone lanes and some steps between levels, but the main piazza and both Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are partially accessible. Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity is reachable on a relatively level path from the entrance. The bus from Amalfi serves the town's main bus stop near the piazza.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Ravello from Amalfi?
SITA buses run regularly between Amalfi and Ravello, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes on steep switchback roads. The last bus back to Amalfi should be checked before arriving, as services reduce in the evening. Parking in Ravello is very limited.
Is it worth combining Ravello with another Amalfi Coast town?
Ravello pairs well with Amalfi town for a full day. Spending the morning in Amalfi visiting the Cathedral and waterfront, then taking the midday bus to Ravello to explore the gardens in the afternoon and at sunset, makes a well-structured combined visit.
What is the Ravello Festival?
The Ravello Festival is an annual classical music and arts festival held primarily between June and September, using Villa Rufolo's terrace garden as its dramatic open-air stage. The orchestra performs with the Mediterranean as backdrop. Tickets sell out quickly for headline concerts.