The small village of Ravello is known for its gardens from where you can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and across the Mediterranean. The village is perched high up in the hills, and its narrow cobblestone streets are best explored on foot.
Start your visit in the main square, the pretty Piazza Duomo. Drink coffee from cafés surrounding the square then venture into the cathedral of San Pantaleone. The cathedral was built here in 1086. Cast your eyes over the huge bronze doors at the entrance. Embossed panels from 1179 show Christ and various saints. Inside is just as impressive, with Renaissance paintings and a marble pulpit. Look for the vessel that’s said to contain the blood of St. Pantaleon. More treasures and religious artefacts await in the Museo del Duomo, a museum housed in the crypt. There’s a small fee to get into the museum but the rest of the church is free.
Ravello’s two main gardens are famous. Visit Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo to look out across the Bay of Salerno. Wander among exotic plants and Mediterranean flowers and rest under the shade of pergolas. The colourful terraces are at their best in spring and summer, although you’ll find plants here year-round.
Get active and go for a hike through the Scala Mountains that surround Ravello. Take the ancient staircase down to the small village of Minori. The easy downhill walk takes about an hour and is worth it for the views along the coast. Visit Ravello’s official website for details and maps of the different hikes.
Come to Ravello between June and October when an arts festival sees the town come alive with cultural performances. See music, dance and art in venues throughout the town.
Ravello lies in the hills above Amalfi, about 7 kilometres (4 miles) along the coast road. A SITA bus runs frequently between the two. Drive the 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Salerno. The steep and narrow streets of Ravello aren’t suitable for cars, so you’ll need to park near the cathedral and explore the town on foot.
