Built In The 13th Century By A Weathly & Powerful Family - Villa Rufolo

The Villa was built by the wealthy Rufolo family in the 13th century. When built, it was one of the largest, most expensive villas on the Amalfi coast. The villa passed through a succession of owners through inheritance. Scottish industrialist and botanist Sir Francis Neville Reid visited the villa in 1851, and age and neglect had taken a toll on the estate. Reid saw the potential and purchased the villa and began extensive renovations of the villa’s rooms and gardens. Upon Reid’s death in 1892, the entire property was inherited by his adopted son, Charles Carmichael Lacaita. Mr. Lacaita in tern willed it to his daughter, Mrs. Tallon Lacaita, and in 1974 she sold the villa to the Provincial Tourist Board of Salerno and became a state-owned property. Since 2007, the whole complex and activities have been run exclusively by the Fondazione Ravello.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The Villa as seen from the from garden area

The Villa exterior

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There is an exhibit showing the villa through the years.

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The entrance tower off of Piazza Duomo

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Entrance gate

The grounds as you enter the villa property. This is nothing compared to what you will see on the rest of the property.

During the 1990s restoration, these ancient ovens were discovered. It is likely that this area was part of the ancient kitchen of the Ruffle Palace.

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As you enter the Moorish cloister

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The Belvedere

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The view from The Belvedere

The beautiful, colorful gardens with amazing views

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The famous Amalfi Coast view from Villa Ruffle’s gardens.

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The Garden Pavilion, know as the “Sala del Cavalier”

The main entrance to the villa

The decorative rooms in the Villa

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Each if the eight rooms are decorated with “Vietri” handmade ceramic floor.

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An antique heater

The bright balconies and windows look onto the sea and lush gardens

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This almost 100’ high tower contains three floors hosting a museum displaying paintings and archaeological items. The stairs lead to a roof terrace with a commanding view out over both the mountains and sea.

Some of the items and information displayed in the museum tower.

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The German opera composer, Richard Wagner, visited the villa in 1880, and stayed in Ravello long enough to write the second act of Parsifal.

In the Baleen area of the property

An 18th century well

Much of Villa Rufolo has been rescued, and some new features added responding to new demands and uses. This includes an outdoor concert stage that is constructed each year in the gardens jutting out over the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Amalfi Coast below, to host the Ravello Festival or sometimes called the Wagner Festival, and is the oldest music festival in Italy.

What you should know:

• There are walking trails through the extensive grounds and gardens.

• Public restrooms are available.

• One price admission for the grounds and villa, which are both self-guided.

• You could spend an hour to a couple of hours depending on your level of interest.

• There is a large amount of art, so enjoy!

• Check website for any special events as well as days and hours of operation.

Location: Piazza Duomo,84010 Ravello SA

For more information: Villa Rufolo