Villa Rufolo is a lavish cliff-top estate with terraced gardens, towers and exotic plants and stunning views of the Gulf of Salerno. The villa was built for the powerful Rufolo family in the 13th century and has since hosted popes and royalty. Today the villa is a historic building with impressive architecture and stunning gardens.
Enter the villa under the Torre d’Ingresso, the grand tower, and look up to see the domed roof where the arches interlock. The design motif you see here is used throughout the villa. Walk into the gardens and along the tree-lined avenue to the cloister, where you can relax in a Moorish square enclosed by arches.
Stroll around the villa and appreciate the Norman, gothic and Arabic influences in the architectural structures and decorations. Visit the Balnea, the archaeological ruin which was once a Turkish and mineral bath, and see the remnants of the ribbed domed ceiling and the water ducts.
One of the most breath-taking aspects of Villa Rufolo is the colours and scents of the thousands of flowers in the tiered gardens. Richard Wagner, the famed German composer, was so captivated by the gardens that he was inspired to create the magic garden of Klingsor in his Parsifal opera.
Meander through the manicured flowerbeds at the Belvedere, an English-style garden and look out to the views of the sea. If you are visiting during the summer, the renowned Ravello Festival hosts many of its music concerts and dance events in these gardens. See world-renowned artists perform with a breath-taking backdrop of the sea and surrounding mountains. You can also see art exhibitions that are held throughout the year.
Villa Rufolo is located in Ravello. It is adjacent to the cathedral and near the Piazza del Vescovado. Check the villa’s official website for details about cultural activities and events. There is an admission fee to enter and the villa and gardens are open daily.
