Guide to Ravello

'Views the likes of which you've never seen before. Open-air classical concerts inspired by Wagner. Al fresco meals out beneath the stars. Sounds perfect? It is…'

Beauty spot? Not even close. Jaw-dropping? You're getting there. Out of this world? And then some. It's difficult to sum up just how bewitching Ravello is. Even the celebrated American writer, Gore Vidal, was lost for words. All he could muster was 'the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen'. A simple description, yes. But one that's one hundred per cent spot on. Ravello is one of those rare places where you actually catch your breath. It rivets you to the spot, transfixed. But why? What's so special about this place? Well it's all about location, location, location. Perched high above the sea, Ravello hugs a dramatic cliff-side. In short, it offers up arguably the best views on the Amalfi Coast. Views that are the stuff of postcards. Glittering blue seas. Honey-coloured cliffs. And candy-coloured towns. Ravello itself is home to some interesting sights, too. The 11th-century Duomo is well worth a look, with its eye-boggling pulpit held aloft by six spiral columns. And San Pantaleone church is home to a phial of blood belonging its 4th-century namesake that's said to miraculously liquefy every May and August. However, Ravello's star attractions are actually two resplendent villas. Or rather their gardens. The grounds of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are the best vantage points for spellbinding coastal views. The latter actually inspired the classical composer Wagner to put pen to paper in the form of 'Parsifal'. In fact, his works are performed at an annual music festival each June. As such, Ravello is the place for open air concerts and has a lively cultural scene going on. But views and concerts aside, the look and feel of the town itself is just gorgeous. Mellow, weathered facades. Old, dreamy palazzos veiled in ivy. Vibrant blooms and shrubs bursting from ancient stone walls. Even in the heart of the town you'll stumble across little vineyards and citrus groves. Added to this, Ravello is traffic-free, making the perfect retreat to get away from it all. It's especially lovely in the evenings – a gentle buzz descends on the bars and restaurants that set out their tables and chairs on the pretty Piazza del Duomo. Simply magical.

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