Ravello According to the Guidebooks
What travel guides say about the town of Wagner and Vidal
Lonely Planet write that, "Ravello is a refined, polished town almost entirely dedicated to tourism (and increasingly popular as a wedding venue). Boasting impeccable bohemian credentials – Wagner, DH Lawrence and Virginia Woolf all spent time here – it’s today known for its ravishing gardens and stupendous views, the best in the world according to former resident Gore Vidal, and certainly the best on the coast.
Most people visit on a day trip from Amalfi – a nerve-tingling 7km drive up the Valle del Dragone – although, to best enjoy its romantic, otherworldly atmosphere, you’ll need to stay here overnight. On Tuesday morning there’s a lively street market in Piazza Duomo, where you’ll find wine, mozzarella and olive oil, as well as discounted designer clothes."
Michelin says that, "suspended between the sea and the sky above the Amalfi coast, Ravello enjoys a stunning location. With its unforgettable views and elegant villas, the town has long been popular with artists and writers. Its varied landscapes are both peaceful and unspoilt, providing the ideal surroundings in which to rest, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life."
According to Frommer's, "situated high up in the mountains, Ravello is like a terrace over the sea, overlooking the villages of Minori and Maiori. Long a refuge for VIPs (including Gore Vidal, who only recently sold his villa here), it is worlds away from the clamor down on the coast, and its traffic-free status gives the town an air of classy tranquility. Once the day trippers leave, it reverts to being a sleepy, hilltop village and is a charming place to spend a couple of nights."
Wikitravel says that, "Ravello is a peaceful area with a small population, Ravello offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Visit their renowned gardens, Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and their spectacular Duomo, the Cathedral of Ravello, which is located in Vescovado Square. During summer months the city hosts the annual Ravello Festival, an event started in 1953 in honor of Richard Wagner and continued as a celebration of local art and music."
The Amalfi Coast’s most well-known towns are Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, three jewels, each with its own unique character and beauty and all world renowned. But at the heart of the Costiera is a fourth jewel, Praiano, a less hectic and more authentic town, where many discerning tourists have begun to stay, using it as a base for their Amalfi Coasting. Try Praiano, trust us!
Our Insider Guide to Ravello
Literary figures have been attracted to this town on the Amalfi Coast since Boccaccio visited it in the 13th century
Ravello, High Above the Amalfi Coast
An article by Rosemary Zibart published on May 19th, 2002 by the Santa Fe New Mexican