Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Ravello had become a very populous town full of noble buildings, churches, towers and wonderful villas. Unfortunately, it was attacked by troops from Pisa, a rival city to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, who sowed destruction.
Despite this, thanks to the reconstruction and restoration work carried out over the centuries that followed, Ravello is today once again one of the most beautiful places on the entire Amalfi Coast.
First of all, I recommend you visit the ancient cathedral, first built 1,000 years ago. It has obviously undergone major modifications and restoration over the centuries, but the result, especially inside, is striking.
It is dedicated to St. Pantaleon, a martyr who died in 305 AD. He worked as a physician for the Roman emperor Caesar Galerius, and today he is the patron saint of physicians and midwives.
The bronze door of this church is still the original one, made in 1179. Inside, I suggest you take a moment to admire the pulpit, supported by six finely decorated spiral columns.
Another church of great historical significance, although unfortunately rarely open to the public, is San Giovanni del Toro, built around the year 1000 thanks to wealthy local merchant families. The most striking detail inside is the ambo, the raised pulpit, which is richly embellished with mosaic decorations featuring geometric patterns.
Just along the street where this church stands, Via San Giovanni del Toro, you’ll encounter some beautiful buildings, now converted into elegant hotels. One of these is Hotel Palumbo, an accommodation facility since 1875. The interior still contains the original Greek and Roman columns from Paestum that were used in the construction of the building, then the Confalone Palace, in the 11th century.
Another gem of Ravello is Villa Rufolo, which I’ll be describing in the next file.
An interesting fact: Do you know what Ravello's nickname is? It is known as the City of Music, because every summer since 1953 it has hosted a major festival featuring artists from all over the world. This is why the modern Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium, named after its architect, was built in 2011.
