Villa Rufolo
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 18 January 2024
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Villa Rufolo is home to one of the picture-postcard views of not only Ravello but of the Amalfi Coast itself. The main attractions of the villa are its gardens and its amazing panoramas across the coastline to Maiori and Minori in the distance.
Walking through the gardens you'll be struck at the variety of colours and the meticulous order of the dramatic setting. Among the places of interest within Villa Rufolo are the Tower Gateway, the cloister, the Great Tower, the well, the friezes and chapel which give just a hint of the complex's glorious past. |
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Built in the 13th century, it was once supposed that the complex boasted "more rooms than there are days of the year". These days the villa complex is one of Ravello's principal visitor attractions and a must-see for any visit to the village.
It's located in the corner of Piazza Duomo and opens every day from 09:00 to 17:00 with last entry permitted at 16:30. Tickets cost €7 for adults, €5 for children under 12 or adults over 65 while for groups of 15 or more there's a reduced rate of €6 each.
It's located in the corner of Piazza Duomo and opens every day from 09:00 to 17:00 with last entry permitted at 16:30. Tickets cost €7 for adults, €5 for children under 12 or adults over 65 while for groups of 15 or more there's a reduced rate of €6 each.
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Villa Rufolo is a magnificent historic villa located in the charming town of Ravello, perched high on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. The villa is renowned for its beautiful gardens, stunning panoramic views, and rich history, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Villa Rufolo was originally built in the 13th century by the wealthy Rufolo family, a prominent noble family in Ravello. The villa has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a captivating mix of architectural styles, including Arabic, Norman, and Romanesque elements.
The villa complex includes a main building with elegant halls, courtyards, and terraces, as well as lush gardens that cascade down the cliffside towards the sea. The gardens are adorned with a variety of colorful flowers, exotic plants, and fragrant lemon trees, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
Villa Rufolo was originally built in the 13th century by the wealthy Rufolo family, a prominent noble family in Ravello. The villa has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a captivating mix of architectural styles, including Arabic, Norman, and Romanesque elements.
The villa complex includes a main building with elegant halls, courtyards, and terraces, as well as lush gardens that cascade down the cliffside towards the sea. The gardens are adorned with a variety of colorful flowers, exotic plants, and fragrant lemon trees, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
History
Villa Rufolo was originally constructed in the 13th century as the residence of the Rufolo family, an influential and wealthy noble family in Ravello. Over the centuries, the villa changed hands and underwent several renovations and expansions.
In the 19th century, the villa was acquired by Scottish botanist Sir Francis Neville Reid, who restored and enhanced the gardens, adding a variety of rare and exotic plants. The villa's gardens were often frequented by renowned artists and intellectuals, becoming a cultural hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the 19th century, the villa was acquired by Scottish botanist Sir Francis Neville Reid, who restored and enhanced the gardens, adding a variety of rare and exotic plants. The villa's gardens were often frequented by renowned artists and intellectuals, becoming a cultural hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key features
- The Terrace of Infinity: This iconic terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, with the azure sea stretching out below and the rugged coastline in the distance. The terrace's beauty has inspired countless artists, including Richard Wagner, who is said to have drawn inspiration from Villa Rufolo for his opera "Parsifal."
- The Cloister: The villa's cloister is an elegant courtyard surrounded by arched columns and adorned with decorative tiles and sculptures. It serves as a beautiful focal point of the villa's architecture.
- The Gardens: The beautifully landscaped gardens are divided into various sections, each with its own charm and allure. The "Garden of the Senses" delights visitors with its array of aromatic plants and flowers, while the "Garden of the Ancient Scent" showcases rare and exotic plants from around the world.
Visitor information
- Opening Hours: Villa Rufolo is generally open to visitors throughout the year, but the opening hours may vary depending on the season. It is advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
- Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to visit the villa and its gardens. The ticket usually includes access to the various areas of the villa and the gardens.
- Events: Villa Rufolo hosts various cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year, adding an extra dimension to the visitor's experience.
- Accessibility: The villa and its gardens have some uneven paths and steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended. However, efforts have been made to improve accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.
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Opening-times:
Daily: 09:00 - 17:00 Last entrance: 16:30 |
Prices:
Adults: €7 Children: €5 |
Villa Rufolo
