Italy in Photos

Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone, located in the picturesque town of Ravello on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is one of the most enchanting and historic villas in southern Italy. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the villa is celebrated for its breath-taking views, romantic atmosphere, and beautifully landscaped gardens that have inspired poets, artists, and travellers for more than a century. Its combination of medieval architecture, classical sculptures, and lush vegetation makes it a true masterpiece of Italian garden design and a symbol of Ravello’s timeless charm.

The origins of Villa Cimbrone date back to the 11th century, when it was first built on land owned by a noble family from Amalfi. Over the centuries, the property changed hands many times and gradually fell into disrepair. Its transformation into the magnificent estate we see today began in the early 20th century, when the Englishman Ernest William Beckett, later Lord Grimthorpe, purchased it. Beckett was captivated by the natural beauty of Ravello and set out to restore and reinvent Villa Cimbrone as a romantic retreat, blending elements of classical, Gothic, and Moorish styles. With the help of local artisans and British designers, he created a unique fusion of cultures that remains visible throughout the property.

The heart of Villa Cimbrone is its renowned “Terrace of Infinity,” a spectacular panoramic viewpoint that seems to float above the sea. Lined with marble busts, the terrace offers one of the most extraordinary vistas in all of Italy, where the blue of the sky and the sea merge into a single, endless horizon. This terrace has been described as one of the most beautiful in the world, attracting visitors seeking both serenity and inspiration. The villa’s gardens are equally remarkable, filled with roses, hydrangeas, ancient trees, and sculptures hidden among winding paths and shaded groves.

Throughout the 20th century, Villa Cimbrone became a haven for writers, artists, and intellectuals, including Virginia Woolf, D. H. Lawrence, and Greta Garbo, who found in its beauty a place of peace and creativity. Today, the villa serves as a luxury hotel, while its gardens remain open to the public, allowing visitors to wander through a living work of art that captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast. Villa Cimbrone is not just a place, but an experience—a timeless encounter with history, nature, and human imagination.