🗺️ Things to see on your doorstep
📍 Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte
Nestled among arches covered with climbing plants and flower beds, the Belvedere Principessa di Piemonte is a small panoramic gem suspended between the sky and the sea. Created in the early 1930s, this public garden owes its name to Maria José of Savoy, princess and later queen of Italy, who first set foot here during a concert at the nearby Villa Rufolo.
Strolling along the well-kept paths, you will feel enveloped in an atmosphere suspended in time, where the vegetation shades benches that are perfect for stopping and admiring the spectacle of the coast. In the background, the sparkling sea, the deep blue cliffs and the villages of Torello, Minori and Maiori mesh together in a panorama that looks like something out of a postcard.What makes this place truly special is its authenticity: free and open to all, it offers emotions within reach of every visitor. Every now and then, young married couples show up – the Belvedere is a popular destination for romantic photos – but the atmosphere is mostly that of a quiet retreat, ideal for a moment of introspective contemplation or pure romance with your other half.
📣 Here are ten more beautiful places to photograph on the Amalfi Coast!
If you love places steeped in history, you should know that the belvedere preserves the memory of a royal encounter with an almost fairy-tale flavour, when the princess charmed the people of Ravello and the garden was dedicated in her honour.
A little tip: to enjoy this place to the fullest, if you are travelling in the summer, bring mosquito repellent with you.
📍 Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone
If you want to experience an explosion of beauty, don't limit yourself to just one villa: Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are two dream destinations that tell the unique stories, views and atmospheres of Ravello.
Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century in Piazza Duomo, is a masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture embellished with towers, cloisters and gardens suspended over the sea. Restored in the 19th century by Francis Neville Reid, these gardens were celebrated by Richard Wagner as his “Klingsor's garden” – a reference that gave rise to the famous Ravello Festival.
Amidst bougainvillea and flower-filled terraces, this is where music meets the landscape in a combination that thrills at first glance.
Villa Cimbrone, on the other hand, dates back to the 11th century and is a neo-Gothic jewel overlooking the famous Terrazza dell'Infinito: a balcony carved into the rock, dotted with marble busts, with a view that seems painted on the Gulf of Salerno. Strolling among fountains, temples and statues in a park rich in architectural features evokes romantic and mystical atmospheres, amplified by the sea breeze.
We highly recommend spending time at both: Villa Rufolo will captivate you with its history and secluded gardens, just a few steps from the main square, while Villa Cimbrone will offer you spectacular views and a longer route dotted with sculptures and unforgettable views.
If you want to feel immersed in the artistic soul of Ravello, start with Rufolo, then climb up to the incredible terrace of Cimbrone: two unmissable stops to discover, one enchantment after another.
📍 The Cathedral of Ravello
The Cathedral of Ravello is a must-see for those who want to breathe in the true historical and artistic essence of the Amalfi Coast. Located in the heart of the village, overlooking the lively Piazza del Vescovado, this Romanesque gem, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, welcomes you with a simple but elegant façade, enriched by three portals, among which the central one in bronze, created by Barisano da Trani in 1179, stands out, decorated with extraordinary bas-reliefs depicting stories of men, animals and sacred symbols.
Inside, the cathedral surprises visitors with its majesty and refined details. Among the most fascinating elements are the two medieval ambones: the Epistle ambon, with reliefs narrating the story of Jonah, and the Gospel ambon, supported by twisted columns and surmounted by a marble eagle, ready to capture the gaze.
Every corner of the church speaks of a past rich in faith and art, a unique heritage that has spanned centuries.
Descending into the crypt, now transformed into a museum, you can admire artefacts, relics, sarcophagi and sacred artifacts that tell the thousand-year history of Ravello and its community.
The cathedral also houses the chapel of San Pantaleone, patron saint of the village, linked to the evocative tradition of the annual miracle of the liquefaction of blood.
And you are also close to:
📍 the village of Scala
📍 Atrani, which you can also reach via the “Ravello Atrani” promenade: a beautiful scenic walk immersed in the tranquillity of the Amalfi Coast. Ideal for those who want to avoid traffic and discover the authentic beauty of the area, the route takes about an hour, with the option of extending the excursion to Amalfi for an even more complete experience.
About 3 km long, the route winds through ancient stairways, characteristic alleys and stretches of trail, offering breathtaking views of the coast and the sea. The pleasant and easy descent starts from the Church of Santa Maria a Gradillo in Ravello and leads to the heart of Atrani, passing by the charming Church of Santa Maria del Carmine.
📍 Castiglione beach