Villa Rufolo

Villa Rufolo is one of Ravello's most iconic attractions, known for its lush Moorish gardens, romantic ruins and spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.

Villa Rufolo dates back to the 13th century and gets its name from its original owners: the powerful and wealthy Rufolo family, who were prominent merchants and bankers during Ravello’s golden age. It is an example of Arab-Norman architecture (a rarity in Southern Italy), a style that blends Islamic, Byzantine, and European Gothic elements. Over the centuries, the villa has changed hands, fallen into decline, and undergone several major transformations, but fortunately, many of its most impressive medieval and Moorish architectural elements remain to this day.

One of Villa Rufolo’s claims to fame is its connection to the composer Richard Wagner, who visited in 1880 was so enthralled by the villa’s gardens that he used them as inpsiration for the magical garden of Klingsor in his opera Parsifal, his final composition. The gardens certainly are beautiful, with several fountains and water features (reflecting the influence of Moorish garden design) as well as incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Amalfi Coast.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Ravello
Ravello Cathedral
Ravello Cathedral (Duomo di Ravello) dates back to the 11th century and showcases a mix of architectural styles and religious artefacts.
Villa Cimbrone
Villa Cimbrone is an opulent villa in Ravello known for its beautiful formal gardens and a terrace that boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast.
Ravello

Related Tours

Welcome to Ravello: Private 2-hour Highlights Walking Tour

Sitting majestically on a hilltop high above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and charming villages in the region. Its quaint streets are seeped in history, its grand villas have inspired artists for generations, and its stunning sea views are second to none. Our private walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with this enchanting corner of Amalfi in the company of a local expert, giving you a feel for what makes Ravello so special.

On this private 2-hour walking tour, you will:

  • Discover the delightful town of Ravello on a guided walking tour with a local expert guide;
  • Begin in the heart of Ravello at Piazza Duomo;
  • Get a crash course in Ravello’s history, spanning over a thousand years;
  • Visit Ravello Cathedral and learn about the saint it honours and the treasures within;
  • Hear about the artists, musicians and writers who have been inspired by Ravello’s serene beauty;
  • Uncover some lesser-known gardens that many visitors miss;
  • Enjoy the most stunning views on the Amalfi Coast;
  • See the iconic Villa Rufolo and find out about its unique architecture and the prominent family who called it home;
  • Continue to the stunning Villa Cimbrone and learn about how its eclectic aesthetic came together;
  • Admire the gorgeous gardens and the famous Terrace of Infinity.

Step into the timeless charm of Ravello on this private two-hour walking tour, designed to reveal the stories, sights, and soul of one of the Amalfi Coast’s most elegant towns. Beginning in the distinguished Piazza Duomo, your expert local guide will bring to life more than a thousand years of history, architecture, and cultural heritage as you explore the winding lanes and breathtaking vistas that have captivated visitors for centuries. Your journey begins at Ravello’s 11th-century Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece dedicated to Saint Pantaleone, whose relic is still kept inside. Once you pass through the elaborate bronze doors, your guide can explain the different architectural styles on display and the wealth of art and artefacts contained within. As you move through Ravello’s streets, you’ll trace its arc from a powerful trading hub in the Middle Ages to a quiet refuge for poets, musicians, and philosophers seeking beauty and stillness above the sea.

Ravello is renowned for its gorgeous greenery, and you will have the chance to discover the Giardini Principessa di Piemonte, a serene public garden offering one of the most unforgettable views on the coast. The tour then continues to the iconic Villa Rufolo, whose Moorish-inspired architecture and cascading gardens once inspired Richard Wagner. You’ll hear what life was like for the noble families who built opulent homes during Ravello’s golden age before making your way to the extraordinary Villa Cimbrone, a romantic dreamscape reimagined in the early 20th century by an English aristocrat. If you wish to stroll through its vibrant, atmospheric gardens, past fountains, classical statues and even a temple of Bacchus, you’ll arrive at the legendary Terrace of Infinity, where marble busts line the edge and the Tyrrhenian Sea unfurls endlessly below.

Throughout the tour, your guide weaves together layers of local history and artistic heritage, offering insight into why Ravello has long drawn the attention of visionaries from Wagner to Woolf, and why it continues to resonate so deeply with travellers today. Whether you're a lover of architecture, gardens, or simply sublime scenery, this introduction to Ravello offers an enthralling exploration of one of Italy’s most exquisite destinations.

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