Palazzo Avino

Ravello

Ravello, suspended between sea and sky, is on the Amalfi coast, considered the most exquisite place in Italy according to Boccaccio. The village emerges at the crossroads of a winding road bordered by vines and lemon trees. Nestled on a 350-meter high cliff, Ravello was originally a holiday resort for Roman patriarchs. An important commercial port between the 10^th and 13^th centuries, this small medieval village followed the lead of Amalfi and became the site of magnificent palaces built by aristocratic families, a prestigious cathedral and sumptuous villas.

The Villa Cimbrone, built in the 11^th century, was embellished at the beginning of the 20^th century by an English gentleman, who mixed different styles and eras, adding ethnic elements from exotic places he had visited and ancient objects to create an exceptional site.

The Villa Rufolo, which inspired Boccaccio’s Decameron, is a three-story palace, marked by thousands of years of Arab culture. It belonged to the powerful Rufolo family and received historical personalities such as Pope Adrian IV and King Robert d’Anjou. The architectural wonders linked to the site have attracted numerous literary artists. In addition to Boccaccio in the 14^th century, other visitors included Virginia Woolf, Paul Valery, Graham Greene, and Tennessee Williams. D. H. Laurence wrote a number of chapters of “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” here, and Andre Gide part of “The Immoralist”. Painters like Turner, Maurits Cornelis Escher and Miro have stayed here, in addition to and musicians like Richard Wagner, who composed one act of Parsifal here. Other musicians who have stayed here include Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Leonard Bernstein and Rostropovich to mention just a few!

A spiritual retreat

Perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, the Palazzo Avino is an old 12^th century Patrician residence. Once the property of the Sasso family, whose ancestors founded the order of the Cistercians, Dominicans and the Knights of the Maltese Cross, the palace was abandoned in the 18^th century. Renovated by a wealthy industrial family, it has received a number of illustrious guests beginning in the mid 19^th century including Francis Neville Reid, Richard Wagner, and later when it became a hotel, Andre Gide, Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, E. G. Forster, many movie stars and all the crowned heads of Europe.

Rich in history, the former palace has conserved traces of its prestigious past just about everywhere. The immaculate and brightly lit reception area is in the former chapel of the palace. A stunning balcony under the arch looks down on it. This was where the Sasso family attended religious ceremonies.

The rooms all have 18^th and 19^th century furniture left behind by the previous owners. Decorated in the classical style, the rooms have hand made Vietri earthenware, antique carpets, linen fabrics, and furniture bearing the renowned name of Bulgari. Wherever you are, the view is magnificent. You can watch the sea shimmering in the distance from your room, and also of course, while walking through the magnificent terrace garden, while tasting the delicious pasta at the Terrazza Belvedere or from the spa, as you swim in the pool or while diving, since a window has been dug out for admiring the view. And if you want to try authentic Campanie cuisine, head for the Rosselini where the doubly starred Chef Pino Lavarra awaits you. People come from all over Italy for his famous veal chops with garden fresh rosemary, his filet of cod with black olives and his giant squid ravioli with crabs and zucchini.

It was in this peaceful hotel that General Eisenhower decided to bomb the abbey of Monte Cassino.