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the city of the music

Ravello: a paradise for artists

Throughout the centuries, Ravello has welcomed artists from all over Europe to find inspiration in the beauty of this town. The renowned German composer Richard Wagner, for instance, wrote a significant portion of his masterpiece "Parsifal" here, and Roberto Rossellini, one of the greatest Italian directors of all time, found inspiration in the streets of Ravello to create his movies.

Villa Rufolo and the Arab culture in the architecture of Ravello

The original construction of this splendid villa dates back to 1200, and it has hosted the most powerful families in Ravello: from Rufolo to Confalone, before moving to Muscettola and D'Afflitto. It was later bought by the Scottish Francis Neville Reid.

The architectural style of the villa reflects a strong influence from Arab culture. The main building, spread across three floors, features a chapel and a stunning dining room separated by columns. Adjacent to this structure on the left stands a more imposing tower, reaching a height of 30 meters and adorned with two windows. However, the true gem of Villa Rufolo is the Moorish cloister, a beautifully designed space that overlooks the captivating coastal view with its light oriental style lodges. The garden of Villa Rufolo is the pinnacle of attraction, capturing the essence of Ravello in its most enchanting and immersive form. It was within this idyllic setting that Richard Wagner composed "Parsifal." Amid this fairy-tale backdrop, where diverse cultures converge to create an unforgettable visual spectacle, the renowned Wagner Festival takes place.
Villa Rufolo is open from 9 AM to 8 PM during the summer, and from 9 AM until dusk in the winter. Admission tickets are priced at €5, €4 for groups of over 15 individuals, and €3 for children and seniors.
For more information, visit their official website: http://www.villarufolo.it/
Villa Cimbrone
It is the remarkable creation of the visionary English nobleman Lord William Beckett, that, with the collaboration of Nicola Mansi, a skilled tailor involved in the design, transformed an old building into one of the most exquisite villas in history.The remarkable fusion of diverse cultures, styles, and historical periods imparts a truly distinctive character to Villa Cimbrone, as if Beckett's intention was to capture the intricate mosaic of world history within its very structure. The cloister, centered around a charming well-head, reflects the architectural grace of Ravello's prominent buildings, drawing inspiration from the Church of San Francesco.
Much like Villa Rufolo, the garden stands as the pinnacle of the complex's beauty. Fountains, natural grottoes, charming temples, and graceful statues embellish the lush green surroundings, leading to the "Terrace of Infinity," providing a sweeping panoramic view of breathtaking grandeur.
Villa Cimbrone extends a warm welcome to visitors from 9 AM to 8 PM during the summer and from 9 AM until dusk in the winter. Admission prices are €6, with a reduced rate of €5 for groups of 15 to 40 people, and €4 for larger groups exceeding 40 individuals, as well as for children.