RavelloCity of Music

Ravello, located in a splendid position on the spur that divides the Valley of the Dragon and the Valle della Regina, was probably founded in the 4th Century BC by Romans fleeing the barbarians. Situated at the highest point of the Amalfi Coast, it boasts staggeringly beautiful panoramas, such as the views from Villa Cimbrone, known as the Infinity Terrace (Terrazza dell'Infinito).

Once part of the Amalfi Republic, it was for many years a prosperous town, but rebelled when the people of Amalfi betrayed the Norman King Roberto Guiscardo in 1081 by electing their own Doge. Ravello had no part in this rebellion led by Amalfi and as a consequence the name Rebello, from which his name is derived today, was conferred upon it by the townspeople of Amalfi. Ravello was granted independence from Amalfi by Pope Victor III; he built a bishop's palace and in 1086 Ravello was chosen as the location for an Episcopal seat. It subsequently became a flourishing centre for the textile industry. After the pillage by the Pisans in 1137, a period of slow economic decline ensued which recovered in the last century when the town became the favourite holiday resort of great artists and intellectuals hailing from all over Europe. Wagner, Longfellow and many others stayed at length in Ravello, all enchanted by its special allure. The reclusive Greta Garbo found refuge in Ravello during the 30's, much to the fascination of the world at large.