Perched on a 350 ft high cliff, overlooking the sea and Amalfi Coast, RAVELLO has conserved its historical monuments through the ages in a natural setting which has few equals in the world.

Originally Ravello was the exclusive and high
class home of aristocratic families adverse to the
Ducal government. It gained its independence
from Amalfi (since then the name Rebellum, has
changed into Ravello).

Rich in art treasures, aristocratic buildings and
marvellous churches, it's completely immersed in
a peaceful atmosphere of quietness and solitude.

Worth while a visit are the Cathedral of S.Pantaleone with its bronze doors, and the amazing mosaics of the ambos, Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo ( XII century ) and its magic gardens suspended over the sea, where exclusive world wide famous concerts take place, awarding the name of the town of music and love.

VILLA CIMBRONE was originally built for the aristocratic Accongiagioco family in the 19th century. By pure chance it was discovered by an Englishman whose servant, Nicola Mansi, was born in Ravello.

The land contained a very modest dwelling when Ernest William Beckett, later Lord Grimthorpe, acquired it in 1904. The enthusiasm of the Mansis (made resident custodians by Beckett), and the love of Italian classicism by the Englishman, soon transformed the property into a delightful folly.

Inspired by the daughter of Lord Grimthorpe, another charming Villetta was constructed on the cliff edge with incomparable views over the whole coast and surrounding area.

During the last century a Scotsman and botanist, Francis Neville Reid, bought the property and restored it. Subsequently the Villa has been acquired by the Provincial Tourist Board and the Wagner Commemorative concerts are held here each Summer.