The history of Ravello was initially entwined with that of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, under whose wing it enjoyed robust economic development.
When Amalfi betrayed the Norman King Roberto Il Guiscardo in 1081, electing its own Doge, Ravello refused to follow Amalfi and received the appellation of "Rebello" by the Amalfi population. However on this occasion, it had the support of Pope Vittore III who redeemed it from subordination to Amalfi, making it a bishop’s palace and an Episcopal seat.
The city quickly prospered and became an economic power, thanks in particular to the flourishing woollen mill, known in older times as the "Calendra", to successful agriculture and to the intense trade carried out on the Mediterranean sea routes, especially with the Arabs and the Byzantines. As a result this contact left indirect testimonies in a great number of artistic treasures of churches and villas.
Ravello was rediscovered by a variety of writers and artists who, between the 18th and 19th centuries, choose it as one of the key destinations on their Grand Tour of southern Italy.
It's a shining example of beauty and culture, and as such one of the most celebrated places in Italy, with its narrow, winding roads lined with flowers and characteristic shops of ceramics and souvenirs. The scenery along the mountainous coast contrasts with the exuberance of the flora throughout the region. In the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone as well as those of private villas an extraordinary variety of plants and shrubs with vivid and sweet-smelling flowers grows.
The entire town is almost a monument itself with something to please every visitor: a simple stroll through the streets and alleyways reveals a little gem full of churches, chapels and noblemen’s residences, traditional eateries and craftsmen.
