Stunning terraces overlooking the bright Tyrrhenian Sea, the fragrance of Sorrento lemons tickling the noses of visitors have made the Amalfi Coast a top destination for millions worldwide.
The 50-kilometre stretch of coastline in Italy's Campania region boasts 13 municipalities, the most famous of which are Positano and Amalfi, which lent its name to the area.
Nestled away on a more rural patch of the Coast stands Ravello - a small town characterised by houses set in the rock, churches with medieval charm, golden sandy coves and garden villas with no rivals in the world when it comes to their beauty.
The town experienced centuries of financial and social struggles, including the move of the richest families to Sorrento and Naples as well as several plague epidemics.
Ravello grew in popularity during the Bourbon period thanks to the construction of the coastal road and above all thanks to the first rich tourists who began to flock to the Amalfi Coast in the 19th century.
Statesmen, intellectuals, composers, and artists began to meet in Ravello, transforming it into a prestigious tourist destination where even today its alleys resonate with the most diverse dialects on Earth.
But while remaining popular with locals and foreigners alike, Ravello is still mostly overlooked by tourists flocking to the area to experience the Amalfi Coast experience.
Exploring the historic centre, one of UNESCO's world heritage sites alongside the rest of the Amalfi Coast, is a must-do activity in Ravello.
Among the main attractions of Ravello are the spectacular gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, where exotic plants and flowers are accompanied by breathtaking views of the Gulf of Salerno.
Visitors can closely observe the flower beds, walk under characteristic pergolas and admire an unsurpassed coastal panorama.
The Duomo, which overlooks Ravello's main square, is dedicated to the patron Saint Pantaleone and it homes the relics of the saint.
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Every year on July 27, visitors can witness the the liquefaction of the Saint's blood - when the dried blood left on the relics is said to miraculously turn into liquid again.
Another annual event worth planning your visit around is the Ravello Music Festival, also known as Wagner Festival, which draws in music lovers with its orchestra, jazz and dance performances for two months each summer.
Ravello's timeless views make for the perfect location to create long-lasting memories for solo traveller as well as anyone visiting with a loved one.
Family-run artisan shops dotted across the town have been keeping the area's centuries-long ceramics tradition alive, offering visitors the chance to bring home a masterpiece of Mediterranean craft as a souvenir.
The internationally renowned lemons are widely used in local products, including limoncello liquor and the Delizie di Sorrento (Sorrento's Delights), soft sponge cakes filled with cream and covered with sweet lemon icing.
Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the paths that from Ravello cross the mountains of nearby Scala, up to the city of Minori.
The descent takes about an hour at a moderate pace and offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
Ravello is located seven kilometres from Amalfi and 30 kilometres from Salerno and can be reached by car along the coastal road.
Most of Ravello's streets, however, are narrow and accessible only to pedestrians. Therefore it is advisable to leave your car in the car park located near the Duomo and continue on foot.
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