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Among the most famous vacation spots on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is worthy of a guided visit, for its fascinating villas and ancient palaces, surrounded by enchanted gardens overlooking the sea.
Legend says that Romans founded Ravello, but the first historic information about the town dates back to the 9th century, when it was recorded as part of the Sea Republic of Amalfi. In the 13th century, which was the period of greatest affluence, thanks to local rich families, Ravello was embellished with splendid churches, sumptuous palaces and villas.
Gore Vidal arrived here in 1948 in a jeep driven by Tennessee Williams who drove ‘like a dog’. It was love at first sight, he never went far from Ravello anymore. He used to live here six months a year, in the refuge of the Rondinaia, the golden prison of unhappy Virginia Grimthorpe. The American writer is the last one of a long series of travelers ‘in love with beauty’.
A few minutes strolling from the bus or car terminal is the charming Piazza Vescovado, which is the heart of town. We will visit the Medieval Duomo of Saint Pantaleone (1086), where the precious bronze door (1179), a 12th century ambo and an impressive pulpit (1272) with refined mosaics, are well preserved.
On the main square is also facing the Villa Rufolo (XIII-XIV c.): impressive towers and a Moorish courtyard, immersed in exotic gardens overlooking the Coast, will give you the chance to live an atmosphere of medieval time.
A charming path weaving among gardens, residences and hotels, will take you to the Villa Cimbrone (19th c.) with its famous “infinity terrace“, whose breathtaking view on the sea is widely said the best in the world.
Walk back to the main square and pop into a quaint café to mix and mingle with the locals over a cold drink or frothy cappuccino.
Wedding stories of Rufolo family, anecdotes and tales on travellers as Richard Wagner, Virginia Woolf, D. H. Lawrence, Henrik Ibsen and then Greta Garbo and Jacqueline Kennedy, will leave you a nice remind.
Do not hesitate to contact me for any information and specific needs (shore excursion, transfer and so on), and book as soon as possible of course!
