A Journey through the Amalfi Coast: Ravello
Duomo di Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 200, 24 mm, f/4.0, 1/2000 s)
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**This post is the 1st of a 8-post series discussing what to see in this town of the Amalfi Coast (You can check out the other parts in the list below, separated by each specific town. Everything is also summarized in another post here.**
The Amalfi Coast is one of the premier destinations in not just Italy, but the whole of Europe. Situated on the South side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, it is a collection of village towns that bear fine churches, plentiful beaches, and stunning coastlines. The entire area is named after the town of Amalfi which is the main historical and political center, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each town has a different vibe so it worth checking out multiple ones on your visit. I personally was able to see Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Amalfi, Atrani, Fiordo di Furore (the beach), and Positano, but I hope to come back someday to also check out Praiano and Conca dei Marini.
In this blog post, I will cover the town of Ravello. The town of Ravello is located on the Amalfi Coast on the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy. It was founded in the 5th Century as a shelter against barbarian incursions at the end of the Roman Empire. The town is nestled in the Amalfi Coast cliffside and has been a popular destination for artists. A Google Map of the places I will talk about can be seen at the end of this article.
Check out my drone video of the Amalfi Coast, Italy below!
You can see all my Amalfi Coast related blog posts below:
Ravello (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Ravello)
Minori ( A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Minori)
Maiori (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Maiori)
Amalfi (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Amalfi)
Atrani (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Atrani)
Fiordo di Furore (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Fiordo di Furore)
Positano (A Journey Through the Amalfi Coast: Positano)
Summary (A Guide to the Towns of the Amalfi Coast in Italy)
Villa Rufolo, Ravello, Italy (ISO 200, 24 mm, f/4.0, 1/1000 s)
How to get to Ravello
In order to get to Ravello, you will have to get yourself to Italy and then to the Amalfi Coast first. The best airport to fly into is Naples Airport (NAP), followed by taking a train to the city of Salerno. If you want a cheaper option, you can go by bus.
Take the SITA 5000 bus to Salerno from Naples City Center
Take the SITA 5003 bus to Salerno from Naples Airport
*There is also a Direct Bus that goes from Naples to Amalfi, however it runs 1-2 times daily and takes 2 hours. Just look for SITA bus 5020.*
Then from Salerno, you can:
Take a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi (the ferry also stops at Vietri Sul Mare, Cetara, Minori, Maiori, and Positano).
Take SITA bus number 5120 from Salerno bus station to Amalfi.
Take a taxi direct to Ravello.
Option #2 is the cheapest option and the one we ended up doing. We rarely take taxis if public transport is available. You can get bus tickets at any Tabacchi in Italy, but usually only with cash.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes, including Italy, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
Duomo di Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 200, 24 mm, f/4.0, 1/1000 s)
Here are some places to check out while you’re in Ravello:
Piazza Vescovado
This is the main square of Ravello. Here you will find a range of cafes and small shops, usually selling lemon related decor, and is seemingly where the locals congregate. Just across the courtyard, you will find great spots that provide views of the surrounding cliffsides and the small villages that dot the landscape. We stopped at a cafe here to get a morning tea and the calmness was palpable.
Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 200, 24 mm, f/4.0, 1/500 s)
Duomo di Ravello
Perched in the center of the village, the Ravello Cathedral, otherwise known as the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and San Pantaleone, is the center of Catholic worship in Ravello. The cathedral was built in the 11th century which was financed by the Rufolo family (of which a Villa is named after). For those who love architecture, the Duomo combines both Baroque and Romanesque styles and was last restored in 1931.
It’s in pretty good condition for being built 900 years ago. I found that while sitting at a local cafe, the duomo was a common natural meeting place for people and some even hung out, sitting on the church stairs.
Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 200, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/40 s)
Villa Rufolo
Named after one of the most prominent and generous families in the Ravello’s history, Villa Rufolo is a villa property located in the center of Ravello, dating back to the 13th century. The Rufolo family, whose wealth came from commerce, passed on the villa to other families over the years (Confalone, Muscettola, and d’Afflitto families). Later, the Villa was sold to Sir Francis Nevile Reid, a Scotsman. Even though the building was not fit for habitation, Sir Reid restored the villa to its former glory by rearranging the garden terraces which are now viewable by the public, with a small entrance fee of course.
Villa Cimbrone
When it comes to Villas though, Villa Cimbrone was hands down our favorite. The name comes from the part of the rocky landscape the Villa is located on, called ‘Cimbronium’. It was suggested we go here by our Italian friend, to which he described the grounds as some of the most beautiful he has ever seen. Getting to Villa Cimbrone requires meandering through some alleyways of Ravello, further away from the center (expect a 5-10 minute walk).
This 11th century Villa is also host to a lavish garden landscape, but with impeccable taste. It was altered heavily in the early 20th century whereby many architectural features of the property were kept intact. Today, Villa Cimbrone serves as a hotel and wedding venue.
If you love gardening, have a decent green thumb, or just appreciate nature, I would highly recommend paying the entrance fee and taking in the sights of this villa. One of the viewpoints, with various busts on its perimeter feels like it is up in the clouds as you look over the entire Amalfi coastline.
Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer
This auditorium is located on the hillside outside the Ravello center, on the way towards Minori. It is named after the prominent architect Oscar Niemeyer and features a panoramic view of the Amalfi coast hillside below. The shape of the auditorium is to enhance acoustics but is also an homage to Ravello’s historical roots as it resembles a medieval helmet. The hall can accommodate 400 people and hosts various acts throughout the year.
Path to Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy (ISO 200, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/40 s)
Church of Saint Mary to Gradillo (Chiesa di Santa Maria a Gradillo)
While walking through the town and taking in the sights, we saw this church and were curious about its facade, namely the rounded tower that make up its construction. The origin construction date is uncertain for this church but some evidence points to pre 18th century. You can’t miss it with its distinctive belltower and dome shape.
Walk to Minori
From Ravello, we wanted to continue our day by seeing the next village in the chain, which happened to be Minori. Instead of taking a bus back down to Amalfi, and then taking another one to Minori, we walked directly to Minori. Have no fear, no severe hiking is needed for this trek as you first head out from the center of Ravello towards the Oscar Niemayer Auditorium where you will find signs and staircases leading you down the slope towards Minori. The walk is gorgeous so be sure to enjoy the journey itself and you will be in Minori in 20 minutes time.
If you intend on doing the same journey, take some time to check out my blog post on what to see and do in Minori and be sure to look at my other posts on villages of the Amalfi Coast.
