Ravello Italy Travel Guide: 13 BEST Things to Do in Ravello

 

So, you want to know what are the best things to do in Ravello, Italy?

Great, you’re in the right place.

In this video we’re going to discuss the top things to do in Ravello.

 

Number 13: Piazza Duomo

There is no better place to start your day in Ravello than Piazza Duomo, the town’s lively main square. Here, you can enjoy a coffee or gelato at one of the many cafes that spill onto the sidewalks, perfect for soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The square is surrounded by amazing landmarks, including the Duomo di Ravello, with its striking façade, and Villa Rufolo, known for its beautiful gardens. A shaded viewpoint nearby gives you fantastic panoramas of the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding hills. The square is also perfect for people-watching as locals and visitors gather to relax and enjoy the charm of Ravello.

 

Number 12: Ravello Cathedral (Duomo di Ravello)

Ravello Cathedral is one of the town’s important religious sites dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. As you step inside, you’ll notice a beautiful bronze door created in 1179 by Barisano da Trani, featuring detailed designs. The pulpit is another highlight, supported by marble lions and decorated with mosaics showing the story of Jonah and the Whale. Across from it, you will see the Ambo of the Epistles displaying colorful mosaics. Don’t miss the cathedral museum, where you’ll find fascinating sculptures, paintings, and the famous marble bust of Sigilgaida Rufolo, offering a glimpse into Ravello’s rich history and art.

 

Number 11: Villa Rufolo

Located in Ravello’s center, Villa Rufolo is a 13th-century gem built by the wealthy Rufolo family. Its Moorish architecture includes elegant cloisters and Turkish baths. You can visit the Torre Maggiore, a 100-foot (30 m) tower with a museum displaying artwork, ceramics, and historical artifacts. Climbing its stairs rewards you with spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. The villa’s gardens, redesigned in the 19th century by Sir Francis Neville Reid, are filled with vibrant flowers and rare plants, offering picture-perfect views of the sea. These gardens inspired Richard Wagner’s opera Parsifal and host concerts during the Ravello Festival. You’ll enjoy a blend of music, history, and breathtaking scenery in this remarkable location.

 

Number 10: Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium

The Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium is a modern concert hall built into the hillside of Ravello. Its striking white roof and sharp arch stand out against the town’s traditional buildings. From the auditorium, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast through its large curved windows. You can visit the auditorium to see classical concerts, dance performances, and plays. It also hosts art exhibitions and sculpture displays. In the winter, the auditorium screens films. A scenic walk from the town center takes you to the auditorium, offering breathtaking views along Via Giovanni Boccaccio Street, making it a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

 

Number 9: Via Roma

To see more of Ravello’s charm, take a stroll along Via Roma. This narrow cobblestone street is packed with artisan shops, offering everything from traditional ceramics like plates and vases to Murano glass and handmade tablecloths. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir. If you’re into unique fashion, you’ll find quirky clothing shops, and you can also stop by boutiques on nearby Via Santissima Trinità. As you walk, you’ll pass art galleries, gourmet stores with local wine and olive oil, and even a small tunnel section that gives a glimpse of the town’s history as a prosperous medieval trading center.

 

Number 8: Church of San Giovanni del Toro (Church of Saint John the Apostle)

The Church of San Giovanni del Toro is another important religious site worth exploring in Ravello. Located in a quiet square just north of the town center, it features stunning mosaics on the pulpit, showing mythological animals and Christ rising from the grave. You can also view ancient ruins beneath the church through a glass floor, possibly from an old storage area or an earlier religious building. Near the entrance, you’ll find a Roman sarcophagus, thought to be the oldest artifact in Ravello. The church’s three naves are divided by columns with unique capitals, perfect for taking photos.

 

Number 7: Villa Cimbrone

Your visit to Ravello is not complete without exploring Villa Cimbrone. Start by taking in the breathtaking views from the Terrace of Infinity, where marble busts line the cliffside and the Mediterranean stretches below you. The view from over 1,200 feet (365 m) is truly one of a kind. You can wander through the expansive gardens, featuring a wisteria-covered pergola, fragrant rose gardens, and classical statues. Don’t miss the Temple of Bacchus and the cloister, both offering beautiful photo opportunities. You’ll also find the peaceful Viale dell’Immenso, a walkway surrounded by greenery, perfect for a relaxing stroll. While only the gardens and surrounding areas are open to visitors, you can stay at the villa’s hotel to see what the interior looks like. By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide on saving money while traveling, plus recommended tour operators in Ravello.

 

Number 6: Coral Museum (Museo del Corallo Camo)

Don’t miss Museo del Corallo Camo, a unique place where you can see coral being carved by hand. The museum is filled with beautiful coral jewelry and sculptures, including a 16th-century Madonna and ancient Roman amphorae. As you explore, you’ll learn about the history of coral carving, a craft that has been passed down through generations on the Amalfi Coast. You can also see the tools once used to carve coral. The museum’s collection includes items like cameos, tortoiseshell combs, and paintings, showing how coral was transformed into art over the years.

 

Number 5: Try the Best Gelato Ravello is one of the best places to enjoy true Italian gelato. At Baffone Gelateria Artigianale, you can try a variety of freshly made flavors, like their popular Lemon Crumble. The shop, opened by Ugo and Valentina D’Angelo, honors their grandfather with the name “Baffone,” inspired by his mustache. You’ll find traditional flavors like hazelnut and pistachio, along with unique options like Mojito and Aperol Spritz. The flavors change daily, so you’ll always have something new to try. While there are no tables, you can enjoy your gelato on a nearby bench across from the church. The shop often gets busy, so prepare to wait in line.

Number 4: Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte

Although a small park, Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte offers amazing views of the Amalfi Coast. The garden is located on Via San Giovanni del Toro, away from the busy tourist areas, giving you a quiet place to enjoy nature. You can sit and relax under the shade of trees while enjoying the sights of the coastline stretching towards Salerno. The park has beautiful flower beds, making it a peaceful place to unwind. As you walk through the garden, you might even see a couple rehearsing for a wedding, as this spot is a popular choice for small, intimate ceremonies. You’ll also find a sign marking the film location for Beat the Devil, adding a bit of movie history to your visit.

 

Number 3: Ravello Festival

If you visit Ravello at the right time, you might catch some of the town’s popular events. The Ravello Festival, held in July and August, offers classical music performances in lovely locations. The festival’s main stage, located at the Villa Rufolo Gardens, provides an intimate setting with remarkable acoustics. One of the highlights is the Dawn Concert, where you can experience music as the sun rises over the town. Outside the summer months, the Ravello Concert Society organizes performances throughout the year. You can enjoy concerts in various venues around the town, adding to the town’s musical charm.

 

Number 2: Food Spots

Don’t leave Ravello without tasting local flavors at any of the town’s charming spots. For a relaxing time, head to Duomo Caffe in the main square, where you can enjoy a spritz while people-watching. If you’re looking for an upscale experience, Il Flauto di Pan offers an unforgettable fine dining experience. At Babel Wine Bar Deli & Art, you can unwind with a light lunch and enjoy a unique, cozy atmosphere. Palazzo della Marra serves wine in a historic 13th-century building, offering a chance to relax with a drink while admiring the surroundings. For a beautiful view, dine at Garden Ravelo Restaurant, where you can enjoy regional dishes with a stunning backdrop.

 

Number 1: Amalfi

Take a day to Amalfi, just 4 miles (6 km) from Ravello. Start by visiting Piazza Duomo, a busy square filled with cafés and shops. You can relax at a café, enjoy coffee, and see the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Inside, you’ll find stunning mosaics and a 13th-century tomb. Next, head to the Cloister del Paradiso, a peaceful courtyard with arches, palm trees, and sculptures. It also has religious artifacts, like a large bronze statue of Saint Andrew. For a great view, walk up to Torre dello Ziro, an old watchtower. The hike is steep but worth it for the view. Finish your visit at the Paper Mill Museum, where you can see old paper-making machines and even try making your own paper.

 

 

 

 

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