Visit Villa Rufolo in Ravello, near Salerno, a stunning historic villa renowned for its breathtaking gardens, panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast, and rich cultural heritage. Explore this iconic landmark that inspired Wagner and experience the beauty of the Italian Riviera.

The history of the Villa Rufolo garden can be divided into three phases:

• The Historical Phase: dating back to the 13th century, when the villa was built by a wealthy family of merchants. 

• The Medieval Phase: of which very few records have survived, except for those referenced in 1353 by Boccaccio in the first day of the Decameron and the hypothesis that the gardens might have extended to other Rufolo properties.

• The Romantic Phase: in which the villa was purchased in 1851 by Sir Francis Neville Reid, a Scottish noble philanthropist and expert in botany and ancient art. He fell in love with the villa, the Moorish Towers, and its magnificent views during one of his travels, and thus decided to completely renovate it. 

The era of Reid marked the rebirth of Villa Rufolo and the beginning of the villa's fame along with its gardens.
It was in May 1880 when Richard Wagner, the famous German classical music composer, visited Ravello and Villa Rufolo. He was so impressed by what he saw that he exclaimed, "I have found Klingsor's enchanted garden," just as he had envisioned for his opera Parsifal. Wagner imagined the towering medieval tower sinking into oblivion and becoming an enchanted garden, with tropical plants taking the form of beautiful maidens, and finally the garden itself transforming into a desert at the moment Parsifal defeats the sorcerer Klingsor.

Attracted by the mild climate and the beauty of the surroundings, Neville Reid chose Villa Rufolo as his summer residence, acquiring various species of exotic plants to make Villa Rufolo and its gardens even more attractive.

Over time, particularly in the 20th century, the gardens of Villa Rufolo experienced events that undermined their original beauty. During the war, they were confiscated by the British forces, and in 1951, they suffered from a particularly violent storm. Finally, in 1955, due to the construction of the provincial road, the upper part of the garden was removed. 

• Gardens of Villa Rufolo: Explore the magnificent gardens, famous for their variety of exotic plants and spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast.

• Medieval Tower: Admire the historic tower that offers breathtaking panoramas and represents an important architectural testimony of the past.

• The Amphitheater: Discover the open-air amphitheater, often used for concerts and cultural events, providing a unique experience immersed in natural beauty.

• Interior Rooms: Visit the historical rooms of the villa, where you can admire period furniture and artworks that tell the story of the villa and the Rufolo family.

• Panoramic Views: Stop at the viewpoints to take photographs of the spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

• Music Museum: Learn about the musical significance of the villa, linked to composers like Wagner, who visited and celebrated it in his work.

• Events and Concerts: Check the event calendar to participate in concerts and music festivals held in the gardens.

• Nature Trails: Explore the paths around the villa, which offer the opportunity for peaceful walks among local vegetation and views of the Amalfi Coast.

Villa Rufolo is a combination of history, nature, and culture, making it a must-see during your visit to Ravello.