Ravello, the shining jewel of the Amalfi Coast, is a destination that is not for the faint of heart. Set upon a rocky cliff that overlooks the shimmering sea, this quaint town that neighbors Positano is the perfect place to marvel at the world’s most picturesque coastline.
From villas to lush groves and vineyards, Ravello is truly a slice of heaven on earth. Whether it’s a week or just a day trip to this beautiful town, there are numerous things to see and do. If you are planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, here’s your all-encompassing guide to the wonderful things to do in Ravello.
Explore the Magnificent Villa Rufolo
The most famous sight of Ravello is the Villa Rufolo, which was built by the Roman Rufolo family in the 13th century and partially rebuilt in the 19th century. The rumors say that Giovanni Boccaccio used this magnificent villa as the setting for his collection of novels, Decameron. This beautiful villa has more than three hundred rooms on three floors, all richly decorated with arabesques.
Admire the Incredible Villa Cimbrone
One of the best sights in Ravello is the terrace gardens that offer incredible views of the Amalfi Coast and beyond. One of the two most famous gardens in the town is Villa Cimbrone. It is known for its elegance and opulence and holds a striking resemblance to the century-old palaces that are commonplace in cities like Vienna and Paris. Villa Cimbrone offers a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s larger cities like Florence and Rome.
The most famous spot at Villa Cimbrone is the Terrace of Infinity lined with Romanesque statues. As you stand atop the iconic terrace, you get to see the deep sea beneath you and the stone houses that dot the Amalfi cliffs.
Spend a Wonderful Time at Ravello’s Historic Center
Besides impressive villas, the historic center of Ravello is also a place where you can nicely spend your time. The main square, Piazza Centrale, looks a bit more well-kept and not quite as rustic as some other squares in towns on Amalfi Coast. This lovely square is the perfect place to relax with a delicious cake or a creamy espresso.
Particularly great highlights are the nearby streets Via Della Mara, Via Roma, and Via San Francesco. Just let yourself drift through the narrow streets, and you will find beautiful corners and hidden gardens.
Visit the Town Square- Piazza Vescovado
After a stroll through Ravello’s picturesque Villa takes a break at the town’s main square- Piazza Vescovado. It is a perfect place to people-watch and grabs a bite to eat or drink. You can even get some shopping done at the Piazza. Locally made ceramics, canvas paintings, and cloth handbags make for great souvenirs from Ravello.
The main square offers gorgeous views of the mountains that surround the region and serves as a backdrop to the ocean. The Piazza is also home to Ravello’s Cathedral, which was designed in Romanesque architecture and is definitely worth a visit.
Cruise Along the Amalfi Coast
A trip to Ravello is not complete without a cruise along the stunning Amalfi Coast. This coastal region is one of the most famous places in the world and is a popular summer destination among celebrities.
A cruise along the coastline will take you across the region’s famous towns like Ravello and Positano. It’s the best way to get a bird’s eye view of the coastal towns and capture those coveted seaside cliff pictures. After sailing the Amalfi coastline, you can end your day with a hearty Italian meal at Ravello or one of the neighboring towns. There are also a number of bars along the coast that offer some incredible sunset views.
Take a Look Inside Ravello’s Cathedral
The Duomo di Ravello is located directly on the Piazza Centrale and is the most important church in the town. Visually, the 11th-century attraction has been adapted to the rest of Ravello’s appearance. Compared to many other churches in Italy, the Ravello Cathedral looks much “simpler” and less opulent.
The cathedral has a clean, white facade that contrasts with the colorful mosaics found inside. The entrance to the cathedral is free of charge for all visitors. There is another small Ravello sight inside the cathedral. A museum with numerous exhibits from antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Experience a Cooking Class
Italian food is the heart of Italian culture, and one of the best experiences for visitors in Ravello is a cooking class. The class isn’t just about learning how to make a good meal, but you also get to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in a real Ravello home.
Mamma Agata’s cooking class is a must-try on a trip to Ravello. You will learn how to make a full-course meal during the class including starters, the main course, and dessert. The students can even visit the garden at Mamma Agata’s home to pick some vegetables for the meal. The class ends with a beautiful lunch on Mamma Agata’s terrace where you get to enjoy your meal with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Visit a Small Fishing Village Atrani
Nearby Ravello, there is a beautiful undiscovered village called Atrani. This little gem is still isolated from crowds and urban traffic, so there you can experience Italy as it should be. You can walk through narrow streets full of flowers, or you can explore thirteenth-century baroque churches and piazzas with spurting fountains.
To reach Atrani from Ravello, you can choose between riding by SITA bus or hiking down the trail. We recommend you the hike that takes you across the entire village and the seaside cliffs.
According to what has been said, Ravello is certainly one of the most romantic and mysterious places on the Amalfi Coast. Besides that, this lovely village has great historic attractions too. So, you should necessarily visit this small town and enjoy its attractions.
Sources:
https://visitbeautifulitaly.com
