Italy in Spring Part 6.2 Ravello

When visiting the Amalfi Coast, one should definitely take a trip to Ravello. The bus ride up is a visual delight as well as a bit of an adventure with its winding roads up the hill. It is located at only 365 meters above sea level, but the setting is spectacular. Allegedly, it was founded by wealthy Roman families as a refuge from pillaging barbarians in the 5th century AD. The rich Rufolo family had a villa built here in the 12th century. According to legend, the villa had as many rooms at the height of its power as there are days in a year. In 1851, a Scottish industrialist, Francis Neville Reid, purchased the villa and restored parts of it, especially the gardens. Richard Wagner was inspired by the gardens for the set design of Klingsor's Magic Garden in Parsifal. Edvard Grieg is also said to have been deeply impressed by the villa and the gardens. I was equally impressed, as you might recognize from the photos.