Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, the Piazza Duomo is the historic and social heart of Ravello, a town long celebrated for its quiet elegance and breath-taking views. This intimate square opens directly onto the dramatic façade of the Duomo di Ravello, officially known as the Cathedral of San Pantaleone, whose origins date back to the 11th century. Framed by café terraces, small hotels, and artisan shops, the piazza balances spiritual heritage with everyday life, offering visitors a place to pause, observe, and absorb the atmosphere of the town. The square’s elevated position provides sweeping views toward the coastline, reinforcing Ravello’s reputation as a refuge for artists, writers, and musicians seeking inspiration. Throughout the day, the Piazza Duomo shifts in character: mornings are calm and sunlit, afternoons bring a gentle flow of visitors, and evenings fill with conversation and soft light as locals and travellers gather. More than a simple meeting point, the Piazza Duomo serves as a gateway to Ravello’s layered history and cultural identity. From religious processions to informal social encounters, it remains a living space where the town’s past and present coexist, making it an essential starting point for understanding Ravello’s enduring charm.

The Duomo di Ravello, stands as the spiritual and historical centrepiece of Piazza Duomo in the heart of Ravello. Founded in 1086, the cathedral reflects the town’s medieval importance and its long-standing ties to faith, art, and regional power. Its simple yet commanding Romanesque façade, marked by a broad staircase and a bronze door cast in Constantinople, immediately conveys a sense of age and reverence. Inside, the Duomo reveals a layered artistic heritage shaped by centuries of devotion. The marble pulpit, supported by sculpted lions and decorated with intricate mosaics, is among the most notable features, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship of the Amalfi Coast during the Middle Ages. The cathedral also houses the relics of San Pantaleone, Ravello’s patron saint, and a small museum that preserves sacred art, manuscripts, and artifacts connected to the town’s religious life. Set within the lively yet intimate Piazza Duomo, the cathedral forms a quiet counterpoint to the cafés and daily rhythms of the square. Together, they create a space where history, worship, and community intersect, making the Duomo di Ravello an essential landmark for understanding the cultural identity of Ravello.

The Giardini del Vescovo, or Bishop’s Gardens, offer a peaceful retreat in the historic centre of Ravello, just steps away from the bustle of Piazza Duomo. Nestled on terraced land overlooking the Amalfi Coast, these gardens reflect Ravello’s long tradition of harmonizing architecture, landscape, and panoramic views. Once connected to the bishop’s residence, the gardens were designed as a place of contemplation, blending cultivated greenery with the dramatic natural setting of the coastline below. Laid out across multiple levels, the Giardini del Vescovo feature shaded pathways, flowering plants, and open viewpoints that frame sweeping vistas of the sea and surrounding hills. The careful arrangement of Mediterranean vegetation, olive trees, citrus plants, and seasonal blooms, creates a setting that feels both intimate and expansive. Stone walls and steps anchor the gardens in Ravello’s medieval fabric, while benches invite visitors to pause and absorb the quiet atmosphere. More than a scenic overlook, the Giardini del Vescovo embody Ravello’s understated elegance and reflective spirit. They provide a moment of calm away from crowded viewpoints, encouraging slow exploration and appreciation of the landscape. In doing so, the gardens reveal another layer of Ravello’s cultural identity, where history, nature, and serenity come together in a timeless setting.

Perched above the glittering Amalfi Coast, the Piazza Fontana Moresca is one of Ravello’s most atmospheric and evocative spaces, where history, landscape, and daily life converge. Nestled within the medieval heart of the town, the piazza takes its name from the distinctive “Moorish” fountain at its centre, a reminder of the layered cultural influences that have shaped Ravello over centuries. Framed by stone buildings, narrow lanes, and shaded corners, the square offers a quiet counterpoint to the more panoramic terraces for which Ravello is famous. The Fontana Moresca itself, with its sculpted basin and decorative details, has long served as a gathering point for locals, a source of water, and a symbol of communal life. Here, time seems to slow: residents pause to converse, visitors linger to absorb the atmosphere, and the distant sound of church bells blends with the soft murmur of voices. Though modest in scale, the piazza captures the essence of Ravello—elegant yet unpretentious, historic yet alive. Surrounded by artisan shops, small cafés, and centuries-old architecture, Piazza Fontana Moresca invites visitors to step off the main paths and experience the town as it has been lived for generations. It is a place not just to see, but to feel Ravello’s enduring soul.

Villa Cimbrone, located on Via Santa Chiara in the enchanting town of Ravello on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is a remarkable villa celebrated for its breath-taking views, lush gardens, and historical significance. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Villa Cimbrone dates to at least the 11th century, though it took on its current form in the early 20th century under the direction of English nobleman and historian Lord Ernest William Beckett. With its blend of medieval, Moorish, and classical architectural influences, the villa offers a unique synthesis of styles that reflect the tastes of the many artists, writers, and thinkers who found inspiration here. One of Villa Cimbrone’s most famous features is its extensive terraced gardens, often considered among the most beautiful in Italy. Designed in the romantic English garden style, the gardens are filled with Mediterranean and exotic plants, along with statues, fountains, and sculptures strategically placed to create an enchanting, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Winding paths lead visitors through cypress-lined avenues, past hidden groves, and to quiet alcoves where visitors can sit and absorb the peaceful surroundings. The gardens reflect a carefully curated blend of nature and art, offering both lush vegetation and elegant structures, including a tea pavilion and a rose garden, which add to the villa’s ethereal charm. The gardens culminate in The Terrace of Infinity, one of Villa Cimbrone’s most famous attractions and one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the Amalfi Coast. The terrace, bordered by a series of classical marble busts, offers panoramic views of the coastline that seem to stretch endlessly into the sea and sky, giving the feeling of floating above the world. On clear days, one can see the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, along with nearby coastal towns dotting the landscape below. This iconic terrace has captivated countless visitors, from artists and writers seeking inspiration to tourists eager to capture the beauty of the Italian coast. It is not surprising that Gore Vidal, the famous American writer, once declared that the view from the Terrace of Infinity was the finest in the world.

The villa itself is an architectural treasure, blending Gothic, Moorish, and Romanesque elements in a way that feels harmonious and timeless. Inside, visitors can find richly decorated rooms, each echoing the styles and tastes of the early 20th century revivalist architecture. The cloisters, arches, and ancient columns throughout the villa create a feeling of history interwoven with art. While much of Villa Cimbrone is now a luxury hotel, its gardens and terraces remain open to the public, allowing everyone a chance to experience its beauty and serenity. Beyond its physical beauty, Villa Cimbrone has a profound cultural and historical legacy. The villa has hosted numerous luminaries over the years, from D.H. Lawrence to Virginia Woolf, who were drawn to the Amalfi Coast’s natural beauty and tranquillity. Today, Villa Cimbrone continues to be a favourite for weddings, photography, and anyone who seeks a picturesque escape from the everyday. Whether visiting for its stunning views, historical significance, or peaceful ambiance, Villa Cimbrone offers a unique glimpse into the romance of the Amalfi Coast. It is a place where the line between natural beauty and artifice blurs, creating an unforgettable experience for all who visit. A trip to Ravello is not complete without exploring this iconic villa and its famed Terrace of Infinity, where the beauty of Italy’s coastline can be appreciated in its full grandeur.