Ravello Villa Rufolo
27-04-2007
Villa Rufolo
On the same piazza del Vescovado which the Cathedral overlooks, rises the plain entrance tower, of the magnificent Villa Rufolo, whose ancient function was that of watch-tower.
The Villa, whose original construction dates from 1200AD, belonged, of course, to the powerful Rufolo family, to the Confalone, the Muscettola, to the D'Afflitto and, finally, to the Scot Francis Neville Reid.
The atmosphere of the place has been marked by the thousand years of Arab cultural influence. The main building, comprising a barrel-vaulted chapel and a reception hall, divided by massive, low columns, is built on three levels which in the past hosted high ranking persons among whom Pope Adrian IV and King Robert of Anjou.
On the left rises the mighty main tower, 30 metres high, with a pointed access arch; the second of the three levels which compose it is embellished with two mullioned windows per side. Instead, on the left, is the Moorish cloister, an architectural jewel of fascination, enclosed by an arcade of pointed arches, on which rest a double order of loggias with Arabian-style decorations.
The enchantment of Villa Rufolo reaches its peak in its famous garden loved by Wagner. Overhanging the sea is the terrace where every year the Ravello Festival is celebrated. The beautiful Palazzo Marra, an ancient noble residence, complements Villa Rufolo.
Telephone: +39 089 857657
Opening:
Summer: 9.00 - 20.00 (u.i. 19.45)
Winter: 9.00 - 18.00
Tickets:
Ordinary: Euro 5,00
Groups more than 15: Euro 4,00
under 12 / over 65: Euro 3,00