2000 YEARS OF HISTORY

The history of Ravello was initially entwined with that of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi. It enjoyed robust economic development as part of the Amalfi Republic, but Ravello rebelled against the Republic when the Amalfi people betrayed the Norman King Roberto Il Guiscardo in 1081, electing their own Doge. Ravello refused to follow the Amalfi people in this betrayal 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 subsequently making it an Episcopal seat. 

The city quickly prospered and became an economic power, thanks in particular to the flourishing woollen mill, known in olden 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.

In 1137 Bernardo da Chiaravalle described the city as "… ancient, well fortified and impregnable, as well as being opulent it is so beautiful that it can easily be numbered among the first and most noble cities..."

Ravello was rediscovered by a variety of writers and artists who, between the 18^th and 19^th centuries, chose it as one of their key destinations on their Grand Tour of southern Italy.

Ravello is a shining example of beauty and culture, and as such one of the most celebrated places in Italy. Narrow, winding roads lined with flowers. 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 cratsmen while in the coast is home to traditional dwellings and spectacular views.