Villa Cimbrone Ravello

Villa Cimbrone's Gardens - Ravello

Villa Cimbrone Ravello, Italy

Considered by many visitors to be among the most beautiful sights to see on the Amalfi Coast, the gardens of Villa Cimbrone in Ravello are a true piece of paradise, and its dreamy terrace offers a panoramic view of the entire Amalfi Coast of unparalleled beauty.

The history of Villa Cimbrone

Its origins date back to the 11th century, but in the late 19th century, now sadly abandoned, the estate was discovered by the English nobleman, the noted and learned Ernest William Beckett, Lord Grimthorpe. The villa and gardens were extensively restored by Lord Grimthorpe, with the help of one Nicola Mansi of Ravello, in the early 20th century.
The Gardens of Villa Cimbrone are the result of the strong influence of classical literature and the reinterpretation of the Roman villa, adorned with many impressive decorative elements from all over the world, such as fountains, nymphaea, statues, small temples and pavilions. The result of such decorations and attention to the tasteful décor of the villa and its gardens has won many visitors, among them the American writer Gore Vidal who called Villa Cimbrone: "the most beautiful place I have ever seen in all my travels", while referring to the Terrace of Infinity: "breathtakingly beautiful".

Villa Cimbrone Ravello Italy

What to see at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

Villa Cimbrone nowadays is hosting a 5-star hotel in addition to the famous gardens of Villa Cimbrone which are considered, most likely, among the most beautiful things to see on the Amalfi Coast.
Villa Cimbrone is a popular venue for events such as weddings, honeymoons and banquets, despite its immense gardens and dreamy terrace, Terrace of Infinity, are open daily to visitors. Villa Cimbrone, consisting of the main building and about six acres of historic parkland, is considered one of the most important examples of English style landscape, botany and culture created in the Mediterranean area.

1

The Cloister

Just beyond the entrance, past the 16th-century portal, on the left is the cloister, a pretty little courtyard in Arab-Sicilian-Norman style.

2

Avenue of Immensity

The Avenue of the Immense is the main path through the garden of Villa Cimbrone, leading from the villa's entrance to the Infinity Terrace. The avenue is covered with blue and white wisteria creepers, and if you visit during the spring when the wisteria is in bloom, the atmosphere you will find is nothing short of heavenly.

3

La Statua di Ceres

Alla fine del Viale dell'Immenso, si giunge al Tempio di Ceres, dea del Raccolto, il cui padiglione "a cupola su pennacchi sferici" segna la fine del pittoresco viale e l'ingresso alla famosa e incomparabile Terrazza dell'Infinito.

Villa Cimbrone infinity terrace
4

The breathtaking Terrace of Infinity

At the very tip of Ravello, the view spans sky and sea in a panorama that seems never-ending. The spectacle that this stunning, incomparable natural balcony, adorned with marble busts from the 18th century, opens before the incredulous eyes of visitors is truly something infinite but, any adjective to try to somehow describe this miracle of nature is inadequate.
Casting our gaze as far as the Cilento mountains and Punta Licosa, over this shimmering sea, over the varied and multicolored Amalfi Coast with its lemon groves, the little houses perched on the hills, surrounded by the scent of fruit and broom, the passage of time does not matter, bewitched by so much beauty, so much divine generosity.

Infinite Terrace Ravello
5

The small temple of Bacchus

Further down the stairs and along the driveway, visitors arrive at the Temple of Bacchus. Extremely figurative, the temple was probably envisioned by Lord Grimthorpe as the place where his memory could be preserved. His ashes were buried at the foot of the pedestal.

6

Eve's Cave

Among the holm oaks, alder trees, chestnut trees and the scent of the undergrowth is the marble statue of Eve, the work of sculptor Adamo Tadolini.

7

David's statue

On a rather steep flight of steps in the middle of the forest is the statue of David, created by Neapolitan sculptor Gioacchino Varlese.

8

The terrace of roses

Thereafter, following a staircase covered with blue wisteria growing on the pergolas, we reach the Rose Terrace.

9

The Tea Room

Proceeded by a splendid rectangular Italian garden next to the rose garden, which features a Moorish-style pavilion, is the Tea Room, consisting of four Roman-era columns and some wonderful sculptures.

How to reach Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

Getting to Villa Cimbrone by car

Coming from Salerno, it is possible to exit the A3 highway at Vietri sul Mare and from there take the SS163 Amalfitana to Amalfi, from there go up to the upper part following the signs.

Coming from Naples on the A3, take the Angri highway exit, continue in the direction of Ravello.

Once you arrive in Ravello, the closest parking lot to Villa Cimbrone is the one in Piazza Duomo, from here walk for about 15 minutes following the signs for "Villa Cimbrone."

Opening hours of Villa Cimbrone gardens

DAY

OPENING HOURS

Monday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

Tuesday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

Thursday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

Friday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

Saturday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

Sunday

9:00 a.m. - sunset

NOTE: The above hours refer to gardens only.

How much does it cost to visit Villa Cimbrone in Ravello?

The entrance fee for the gardens of Villa Cimbrone is €10.00.

There are also discounts for children up to 12 years old and for groups.

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