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Village · Ravello, Campânia
Villa Rufolo
Medieval villa of wealthy merchants, on the Piazza del Duomo in Ravello, with an Arab-Norman cloister, the Torre Maggiore and terraced gardens over the Gulf of Salerno that inspired Richard Wagner.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Villa Rufolo
Villa Rufolo was built in the 13th century by the Rufolo family, merchants and bankers of Ravello; a Landolfo Rufolo even appears in Boccaccio's Decameron. The complex mixes medieval elements with Arab-Norman influences, visible in the small cloister with paired columns and decorated arches.
In the mid-19th century the villa was bought by the Scottish Francis Nevile Reid, who restored it and created the terraced gardens. In 1880 Richard Wagner passed through Ravello and identified the gardens as the enchanted garden of Klingsor from the opera Parsifal, which he was composing.
The Torre Maggiore, about 30 meters high, now houses a museum and a viewpoint over the center of Ravello and the coast, reachable on foot by a staircase of roughly 100 steps. From the lower terrace you can see the dome of the church of Maiori and the gulf to the horizon.
In summer the belvedere hosts the stage of the Ravello Festival, created in 1953 in homage to Wagner, with classical concerts facing the sea. The program changes every year; check dates and tickets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the gardens, the cloister and the tower.
Best time
In the morning, with light over the gulf and fewer people. In summer the gardens are usually in bloom; during the festival part of the belvedere is occupied by the stage.
How to get there
The entrance is on the Piazza del Vescovado (Piazza del Duomo), in the center of Ravello, a few steps from the bus terminus that comes up from Amalfi.
Tip
Ravello Festival concerts have separate tickets and often sell out; check the program in advance. The tower climb involves stairs; there is no elevator.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Villa Rufolo
What is Villa Rufolo's connection to Wagner?
Wagner visited Ravello in 1880 and saw in the villa's gardens the garden of Klingsor from the opera Parsifal. That's why the city's music festival was founded in his honor.
What is the Ravello Festival?
A summer festival of classical music and other arts, with concerts on the belvedere of Villa Rufolo. Dates change each year; check the program.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes. The Torre Maggiore has a museum and a viewpoint, reached by about 100 steps.
How long does the visit take?
About 1 hour.