If you spend any time at all in Italy, it quickly becomes glaringly obvious that Italian culture is based on the appreciation of beauty in all aspects of life—everything from their handmade clothing, to plates of traditional Italian food, colorful gardens, and their multi-colored architecture are all simply breathtaking.  Colors, textures, and tastes are held in high esteem and seem to be the core of everyday Italian life.   Being situated on the Amalfi Coast for my externship, I have had the opportunity to explore not only Sorrento, but some of the beautiful surrounding towns like Positano, Amalfi, and last Sunday, Ravello.

Ravello, known as The City of Music because of its infamous summertime music festival, is situated 350 meters above the Gulf of Salerno and from its peak you are able to see all of the coastal towns in one sweeping glance.   It is no wonder that a large number of artists and writers have visited this charming town full of gardens and decided to stay indefinitely.  Ravello is a quiet town with a unique central square, an 11^th century cathedral, and two remarkable Villas that are not to be missed.

Located right off of the main square in Ravello, Villa Rufolo, a 13^th century Villa named for the family which built it, was built as a combination of Arabic, Sicilian and Norman architecture.  Wondrous additions such as cloisters and manicured gardens were added later in the 18^th and 19^th centuries—additions which only add the Villa’s overall character.

 

 The second villa in Ravello, Villa Cimbrone consists of a main building surrounded by acres of historic parkland and British-inspired gardens all built between the end of the 19^th and the beginning of the 20^th centuries.  Located on the premises of this Villa is a cloister, a crypt, the incredible Terrace of Infinity, several sculpture gardens, and a rose terrace.  One can, and should, spend the afternoon wandering around the property, snapping one-of-a-kind photographs, and enjoying the local wine and dishes that the property’s quaint hotel and restaurant have to offer.

The short bus trip from the Amalfi bus stop up to Ravello is one that neither me nor my friends will forget.  The weather tried to tinker with us a bit on our journey, but who can complain when you have local cafes and Villas to duck under for cover?

Tagged: culinary school, externship, Italy, Mami Camilla cooking school, Ravello, The City of Music