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High atop a promontory above the sea, Ravello is the most romantic spot along the Costiera, frequented by intellectuals and artists from Gore Vidal (ask anyone to point out his villa "La Rondinaia") to Tennessee Williams. The town's secret lies in the subtle intertwining of nature and culture, best witnessed by the many splendid gardens and historical villas. Villa Rufolo, for one, is that sublime blend of antique buildings and gardens which inspired D.H. Lawrence in his masterpiece "Lady Chatterley's Lover", and provided Richard Wagner, in 1880, with the setting for "Parsifal".
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As every corner hides another gem, Ravello is perhaps best visited on foot, taking time to notice the influence of Moorish architecture and hidden gardens, the palaces, the churches and the many unexpected glimpses of the sea which reveal themselves without warning. Another must-see is the Villa Cimbrone, which was rendered a haven for intellectuals under Lord Beckett, who enjoyed the enchanting panoramic view from the Belvedere (lookout).
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Ravello remains the most vehicle-free of any of its sister coastal towns. So what are the attractions of a small and ancient town, isolated from much of the hubbub of modern Italy? The answer lies exactly in the golden opportunity to unwind in this unhurried atmosphere. Whether your interest is architecture, food, film, music, horticulture, local crafts, or just basking away for a few days in the refined opulence of a renovated palazzo turned hotel, Ravello presents its own exquisite mixture of all this and lets you savor them at leisure and in your own measure.
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The town is of course an important historic and cultural center. Sites of interest include Vila Ruffolo, Villa Cimbrone, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta; Ravello is also the location for the internationally attended Ravello Music Festival, which takes place from March to December annually in the Villa Rufolo gardens. You can also make your way from Ravello to other nearby points of interest like the Pompeii and Herculaneum (Ercolano), the Greek temples of Paestum, or the coastal resort towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Praiano. But Ravello itself is a joy to wonder around, a pedestrian paradise (car horns and motorbikes are banned) where just taking your time to get to a destination is part of the day's pleasure. Along with your visits to churches, cathedrals, villas, fine shops, and restaurants, take time to punctuate your visit with al fresco cappuccinos in the main piazza and pause at the many opportunities to drink in the stunning vistas, sounds, and smells of this village that speak to you of centuries long gone.
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SCHEDULE
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No conference is currently scheduled.
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