Vacation rentals: villas and apartments in Ravello

A jewel in the sparkling crown which is the Amalfi Coast; Ravello inspires. It lies in polished repose 350 meters (1,150 feet) above the sea. Ravello is a splendid, cool world of elegant palaces and intricate, sweeping gardens with indescribable views. Historically a destination for artists, musicians and writers, Ravello has played host to a legion of creative people; M.C. Escher, Virginia Wolfe, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Greta Garbo, Gore Vidal, Jackie Onassis and Sara Teasdale whose dedication in "Love Songs" is, in part, a tribute to Ravello. Richard Wagner arrived here in 1880. He immortalized Ravello in his final opera, the allegorical "Parsifal" in which it is obvious that the true enchantment of Villa Rufolo and its gardens significantly influenced the creation of the bewitching garden of Klingsor. The venerated Italian poet, Giovanni Boccaccio, lived in the village for many years. He wrote his prized medieval allegorical work,"Il Decamerone", in which he described the fantastic splendor of the landscape of the coast. Decamerone's protagonist is Landolfo Rufolo who came from Ravello. The famed director, John Houston, filmed the movie "Beat the Devil" here. Ravello has been a framework for countless novels including the D. H. Lawrence work; "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and André Gide's "Immoraliste". Gide said of Ravello, "It is nearer to the sky than it is to the shore".

Founded in the VI century, Ravello was populated by a group of nobles from the Maritime Republic of Amalfi circa 1000. These rebels had refuted the authority of the Doge (the King of Amalfi). Ravello proved to be a strategically sound refuge. Defense was achieved simply because of Ravello's position. Ravello has always been profoundly intertwoven with the glorious history of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.

Ravello's economic and political decline began during the Norman period. In the XVII century the severity of the decline was clear; Ravello had lost its prosperous economy. Having forsaken all else, Ravello realized its potential through the many assets that lie already in place; its exquisite natural beauty, unrivaled architecture and the myriad marvels of artistry created during the centuries of splendor.

Ravello faces a range of hills overlooking the clear blue sea of the Gulf of Salerno. Among its many wonders, the Cathedral was built in 1087 on the piazza Vescovado. The cathedral's portal was built by Barisano da Trani. This monumental, bronze central door is adorned with 54 rectangular panels sculpted in relief. The interior of the cathedral is comprised of a nave, two aisles and three apses. The prized pulpit is ornate with rich Byzantine mosaics and carved lions.

If timing allows, the Ravello Concert Society features concerts held through the summer at Villa Rufolo. It would be difficult to imagine a more perfect setting for a beautiful musical interlude than this; the stage seems to float in air above the night time sea. Stars and moonlight abound. It is a wondrous walk to Villa Cimbrone, here you will be stirred by the lovely footpath; everywhere you look, peonies, roses, hydrangeas, lavender, daisies. Beautiful overhead trellises produce lace like shade. It is a sprawling expanse of cliffs, sea, sky and cypress. Arriving at Villa Cimbrone's "Terrazza dell'Infinito" is to be so near the clouds, neither above nor below, rather within; simply embraced by these delicate, luminous vapors carried by the sweet, wisteria perfumed wind. Listen and you may hear the buzzing of a single bumble bee as you gaze seaward while a boat's wake scribbles stark white on this royal blue canvas of diamond studded sea.