Villa Rufolo is beside the cathedral on Piazza Duomo in Ravello. The Rufolo merchant family built it in the 13th century, and a gray stone tower across from the Duomo marks the entrance. A tree-lined path leads to a Moorish-style cloister with black and white interlacing arches, then out to flower-covered terraces high above the Amalfi Coast. Richard Wagner visited in 1880, and the garden is said to be the model for Klingsor's garden in his opera Parsifal. Come for the main tower, the labelled plants and the sea views, and look for the umbrella pine that frames the coastline.
The Rufolo family and the villa
Villa Rufolo was commissioned in the 13th century by the Rufolo family, wealthy merchants and bankers of Ravello, as a sign of their luxury and power. It began as a fortified manor house and farm. Each generation added to it, until it was said to have more rooms than there are days in the year. Some accounts put the number at more than 300, a figure that is probably exaggerated.
Over the centuries the property passed through several private owners. In 1851 the Scottish industrialist Sir Francis Neville Reid bought it and laid out the gardens visitors walk through today. The Provincial Tourist Board of Salerno later acquired the villa, which until then had not always been open to the public. It is now under the protection of the Ravello Foundation.
A legend of treasure buried somewhere on the grounds has been told for generations.
What to see on the grounds
The entrance tower is the first stop. Its vestibule is decorated with small interlaced arches, and statues in the corners represent the Charity and Hospitality the Rufolo family practised. A tree-lined path then leads to the main building.
On the left is the main tower, 30 metres high. On the right is a courtyard that works like a small cloister. The Moorish cloister is ringed with columns and black and white interlacing arches, and it shows the Arab influence on medieval building in this part of Italy. The palace has three floors and a tower you can visit. There is also a small archaeological Antiquarium. A modern staircase is inspired by the Dutch artist M. C. Escher, who passed through Ravello in 1922.
Outside, the terraces are planted with flowering shrubs, roses and jasmine, with pots of pansies along the edges. Many of the trees and shrubs are labelled. The small staircases around the grounds lead to several viewpoints, and there are a few benches for sitting.
The view most often photographed shows an umbrella pine leaning over the domes of the Chiesa dell'Annunziata, with the coast beyond.
Wagner and the concerts
Richard Wagner came to Ravello in 1880. He is reported to have written in the villa's guest book that he had found the enchanted garden of Klingsor. The garden became the model for Klingsor's garden, home of the Flower Maidens, in the second act of Parsifal. A terrace in the gardens is named for him.
The link with Wagner shaped modern Ravello. Concerts in the gardens grew out of it, and they are now part of the Ravello Festival. A Wagner concert is held each year in the lower garden. Programmes include chamber music and piano as well as Wagner. For the summer season a stage is built onto the hillside, with the sea as its backdrop. If you are visiting in another season, the stage may not be up.
Walking on from the villa
The villa sits just off Piazza Duomo, so the cathedral and the town's old centre are next door. The cathedral was founded in 1086.
For Villa Cimbrone, take Via Trinità from the right side of Villa Rufolo and follow the signs. Along the way, a stairway down Via Santa Barbara gives a view across the Valle del Dragone to Pontone and the watchtower Torre dello Zirro.
Walkers can start a longer trail to Amalfi near the car park between the Monsignor Gardens and Villa Rufolo. It runs through Scala, Minuta and Pontone. The route is fairly demanding, though it can be done with older children.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Villa Rufolo?
It is on Piazza Duomo in Ravello. The entrance is a stone tower opposite the cathedral, in the town centre.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a modest admission fee is paid at the gate. Check the villa's website for current prices.
Who built Villa Rufolo?
The Rufolo family, wealthy merchants and bankers, built it in the 13th century. In 1851 Sir Francis Neville Reid bought the villa and created the gardens.
What is the connection with Wagner?
Wagner visited in 1880, and the garden is said to have inspired Klingsor's garden in the second act of Parsifal. A Wagner concert is held in the lower garden each year.
When is the best time to visit?
Early in the day, before the crowds arrive. The villa stays open out of season, when many hotels and restaurants in Ravello are closed.
