Ravello… heartbreaking views, music in the air.
The Cathedral was founded in 1086 and eventually transformed in the 18th century. The bell tower is still original in a magnificent Norman/Arab style. There are two extremely important bronze doors at the entrance which were cast in 1179. The nave has a superb mosaic covered pulpit and a 12th century ambo with mosaics representing Jonah and the Whale.
The small museum in the crypt houses a beautiful marble bust of Sicilgaida, a Norman princess, together with sculptural fragments, mosaics and reliquary of extreme beauty.
Villa Rufolo was built in the 13th century by the Rufolo family and became the residence of the Angevine king Charles d’Anjou. Wagner fell in love with it and resided there for one year while composing The Parsifal. There is a Moorish courtyard of great charm, which used to be a cloister in the 11th century. Also original is the 11th century tower overlooking the villa and its gardens. From the terraces there is a beautiful panorama. Spectacular classical concerts of high quality are given in Villa Rufolo’s gardens.
Villa Cimbrone is reached along a charming alley from the central square.
After visiting the cloister and refectory next to the entrance, take the wide alley which leads to the Belvedere, adorned with a series of marble busts and affording a splendid panorama, perhaps one of the most famous in the world.