Extensive Gardens With Expansive Views - Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone stands on a rocky outcrop known as ‘cimbronium’, and that is where the villa got its name. The property originally belonged to the noble Acconciajoco family and then passed to the powerful and wealthy Fuscos in the 1300s. The villa became part of the nearby monastery of Santa Chiara. From the 17th century through the second half of the 19th century the villa history is vague. At the end of the 19th century, sadly abandoned, the villa was discovered by Ernest William Beckett, Lord Grimthorpe. In 1904, he purchased the estate from the Amici family, and was determined to bring it back to life. Beckett died in London in 1917 and his ashes were brought back to the estate and buried at the Temple of Bacchus. After Beckett’s death the villa passed to his son, Ralph William Ernest Beckett, 3rd Baron of Grimthorpe. The villa went into decline during World War II and in 1960, Villa Cimbrone was sold as a private residence to the Vuilleumier family. After extensive renovations the site became a boutique hotel, luxury catering venue as well as public gardens.

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

Inside the Cloister

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The Cloister

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The Hortensia Avenue

Gardens with a spectacular view

The Statue of Ceres

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There is always time for cocktails in the garden near the Terrace of Infinity

The Terrace of Infinity

Some images of the beautiful gardens

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A view of the villa from the gardens

The pool

Actress Greta Garbo and her then lover, the conductor Leopold Stokowski, stayed at the villa several times in the late 1930's, and this is plaque memorialized a visit in 1938.

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The Tea Room

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The Italian garden and the tea room

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The rose garden

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Many famous visitors came to the villa during the Beckett family’s ownership including T.S. Eliot, Virgina Wolf, Winston Churchill, D.H. Lawrence, Jean Piaget, and the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

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The Crypt was modeled after the Fountain Abbey of Malton in Yorkshire where Lord Grimthorpe originally came from. Although it gives a medieval feel, it was built between 1907 and 1911.

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What you should know:

• Villa Cimbrone is a boutique hotel and catering venue, but it does allow the public to walk the trails and view the gardens for an admission fee.

• There is a small cafe located under the Belvedere.

• Public restrooms are available.

• You could spend up to a couple of hours here depending of your level of interest.

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

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

Location: Via S. Chiara, 84010 Ravello, Italy

For more information: Villa Cimbrone