What to do and what to see in Ravello
Ravello is one of the towns of the Amalfi coast that since 1997 is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is located 365 meters above sea level and it’s one of the few towns of the Amalfi Coast that is completely landlocked.
Ravello is 6 kilometers away from Amalfi, and you can easily reach it by car or by bus from Amalfi.
If you travel by bus, you can take the SITA bus from Amalfi, which will take you all the way to downtown Ravello.
Unfortunately, you cannot get to Ravello by train. The only city that has a train station along the Amalfi coast is Vietri sul mare. This means you have to get by car, bike, or bus.
You cannot get to Ravello by boat either, in contrast to Amalfi, Positano, Cetara, Maiori, Minori or Vietri sul Mare.
You can also go up by Bus and then come back by a pathway very panoramic and nice. From Ravello you can have a view on the all Amalfitana coast from the top.
Ravello is an ancient city, founded in the 5th Century, most likely as a safe haven for some high-society Amalfi families at a moment of internal turmoil between the most powerful families.This is why in the town there are some many beautiful and lavish Villas.
In the last century, Ravello resurfaced as a famous city and it is regarded as a Cultural spot, particularly by great artists, musicians, intellectuals and actors. Currently, it hosts the annual Ravello Festival, devoted to music, art, and culture.
Among the main tourist attractions to visit in Ravello are:
1.- Villa Rufolo
Villa Rufolo, the main attraction in Ravello, not just because it hosts the Ravello Festival, but for its beauty, and especially for the amazing scenic view of all the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
Villa Rufolo, located just across the Cathedral of Ravello, is an ancient Manor House owned by a powerful family of Ravello, a family of bankers and merchants: Rufolo. The Villa has two towers, two “suspended” terraces in the rock, from where you can admire all the Amalfi Coast, the Ravello Festival Auditorium, a small museum, a cloister, a chapel, several important venues, and magnificent gardens.
Villa Rufolo Entrance Prices
Admission is 7 €, with some group discounts.
Children up to 4 years old admitted for free.
Children from 5 to 12 years old pay 5€, as well as people older than 65 years old.
Villa Rufolo Open Hours
The Villa is open every day from 9 to 21 hours. (You can enter till 20.30).
The tower-museum inside can be visited every day from 11.00 to 16.00 hours.
2.- Cathedral of Ravello – Duomo di Ravello
The Cathedral of Ravello, Duomo di Ravello in Italian, is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta e San Pantaleone, a simple façade building with a beautiful door of the year 1179 crafted by Barisano da Trani. The Cathedral was built between 1086 and 1087.
Inside the Cathedral, you can admire the relic with the blood of San Pantaleone, that every year experiences the liquefaction phenomenon. The first thing to capture the attention is the Gospel marble lectern, created by Bartolomeo da Foggia (1272).
3.- Villa Ciambrone
Villa Ciambrone is an onther important Villa in Ravello. Now it has been transformed in an Hotel. it is famous for the Infinity Terrace and it is open to the pubblic. from there you can enjoy one of the most beautiful and famous scenic view of the Amalfitana coast.
4.- Church of Santa Maria a Gradillo
Church of Santa Maria a Gradillo, located down Via Roma and open to the public. It is simple yet reflects the beauty and strength of Ravello. In most important times it was the place where parliament met.
5.- San Giovanni del Toro Church
The Church of San Giovanni del Toro has an important past. It was built in the 11th Century by the patrician families of Ravello, among them: Muscettola, Pironti, Rogadeo, and Rufolo. Inside you can admire the frescoes and the pulpit decorated with Persian majolica from the 13th Century.
6.- Via Roma
Via Roma, one of the roads of the historic center where you can buy a souvenir, traditional products, paintings, wines, and the famous limoncello. You can also enjoy a coffee or eat in one of the restaurants of the zone.
Music & Arts Ravello Festival
Ravello is presently famous for the Ravello Festival, an international music, culture & arts festival, held annually in the summer.
For more information, visit the official website: http://www.ravellofestival.com/
Tours in Ravello: Ravello tours, attractions, and activities
Where to stay in Ravello
Ravello, as almost all the town of the Amalfi Coast, it’s a small town with a limited number of hotels. Thanks to its tourism vocation, it offers 3, 4 and 5-star hotels, although most hotels fall into the categories of “houses”, “hostels”, and “bed & breakfast”. During the same season, prices are usually a bit lower than hotels’ in Amalfi or Positano, but they may be equally high in the summer or during the Ravello Festival.
I recommend you to check if your hotel includes parking space service (in case you visit the Amalfi coast by car), because parking is quite expensive and scarce along the Amalfi coast.
It’s also recommended to check the location and directions to the hotel. Some of them are in rocky zones and going up with luggage may prove difficult.
I personally saw a couple climbing a ramp with a lot of luggage, can’t remember the name of the hotel, but in any case, it’s best to be prepared!
Hotels in Ravello. Book your hotel now!