In January, 2010, a new architectural masterpiece opened in Ravello. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, one of the greatest living contemporary architects, this state-of-the-art auditorium is a spectacular, curved, open-sided structure perched on the hillside, which provides the music-loving town with a covered venue for concerts and recitals throughout the year.

Ravello, the "City of Music", already boasted many open-air venues, such as Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, Piazza San Giovanni del Toro and Piazza Duomo. All are wonderful settings in which to enjoy music, ballet, film screenings and recitals, but none of these provided a covered location for more than 100 people. Now, performances can be enjoyed both indoors and out.

The auditorium is a striking, white landmark against Ravello’s rocky, verdant slopes and contains some amazing features. A section of the 1,500 metre-square canopy, which contains the auditorium space, appears to hang in the air. From the structure’s vast eye-shaped window the audience can contemplate the sea in all its serene glory, while at the same time listening to music or watching a performance on stage.