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Ravello · January 27, 2010

Winter afternoons in Ravello

 

The other day it was sunny so we went to Ravello to enjoy a walk and poke our noses around the Villa Rufolo gardens to see how they trimmed their hydrangea. The gardener there does wonderful things, so I try to learn as much as I can by observing the beautiful gardens. The hydrangea in my garden now look a lot like this:

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello hydrangea 

Not far from the Piazza Duomo in Ravello is the Church of San Francesco. Following the walkway that leads to the Villa Cimbrone you first see the campanile, or bell tower, of the church.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello Campanile

 

Then you reach a beautiful atrium with the entrance to the church. I’ve walked through here many times, but the church has never been open to visit.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello Atrium

 

Although Ravello was practically deserted this winter afternoon, we did find the church door open and ducked inside to take a look. It was a beautiful and very well-preserved interior. The church was empty, so we walked around for awhile looking at all the paintings and the architectural details.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello chiesa san francesco 

On either side of the apse above the altar there are beautiful paintings showing scenes from the life of San Francesco. Between these paintings there is a grate that likely served as a window for cloistered monks. I’m  not sure about the story for these particular windows, but they were interesting to see.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello San Francecso

 

You never know when you’re traveling in Italy when you’ll stumble across an open door and find little treasures like this church. Continuing along toward the Villa Cimbrone, next to peaceful terraces of sleeping vines, we hardly met a soul while enjoying the quiet beauty of Ravello in the winter.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello vines 

I did say that we hardly met a soul.

 

Ciao Amalfi Coast Blog Winter Ravello chickens 

Today it’s raining again, but when the rain stops wintertime on the Amalfi Coast is truly magical!

 

 

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Posted In: Ravello · Tagged: Gardening, Gardens, Ravello, Winter on the Amalfi Coast

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Comments

  1. Heather Jacks says

    January 27, 2010 at 13:35

    Looks like a lovely day. I never tire of the lovely old chapels…so rich with artistic detail. It is rainy, windy and chilly in Sicily today.

    Reply
  2. LindyLouMac says

    January 27, 2010 at 15:14

    The quiet beauty of Ravello in the winter, sounds wonderful.

    Reply
  3. Wanderlust Woman says

    January 27, 2010 at 17:05

    Great minds think alike. Guess what my post this Saturday will be about? Can't wait to visit Cimbrone, a presto.

    Reply
  4. Anne in Oxfordshire says

    January 27, 2010 at 18:04

    A lovely day for wandering around a beautiful place..great when the places are quieter. Oh yes you never know if you will find the door open or not, but mostly they are. Great photos. 🙂

    Reply
  5. South of Rome says

    January 27, 2010 at 18:04

    When ever I found a silent church to slide into I always found myself holding my breath, trying not to disturb anything. I think I also feared being 'caught!' Although I was never once tossed out I always felt like a trespasser discovering a secret.

    Reply
  6. Saretta says

    January 27, 2010 at 18:15

    How lucky you were to visit an uncrowded Ravello!

    Reply
  7. The Food Hunter says

    January 29, 2010 at 18:41

    sounds wonderful

    Reply
  8. Welshcakes Limoncello says

    January 30, 2010 at 01:43

    You're right – you never know when you'll find a beautiful little church in Italy. Looks a fabulous place.

    Reply

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