The first reliable mentions of Villa Cimbrone can be found around the 11th century, intermingling with those of Ravello’s golden era. The origins of its name come from the rocky outcrop on which it stands: this was part of a large estate with lush vegetation covering over eight hectares that was known as “Cimbronium”.
It initially belonged to the aristocratic Acconciajoco family. In the mid 1300s it passed into the hands of the powerful and wealthy Fuscos, a noble family from Ravello who were related to the Pitti family in Florence and the D’Angiò family from Naples.
Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Vuilleumier family, for a few decades now Villa Cimbrone has been restored to its former standing as a prestigious historical site and botanical garden, after a period of relative decline around the time of the Second World War.
This successful commitment to recovering, conserving and protecting one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Campania springs from an idea by Marco Vuilleumier at the end of the 1960s, which has been pursued with great determination.
The Villa’s gardens are breathtakingly beautiful and contain a wealth “of the most beautiful flowers imaginable”. They were largely redesigned at the start of the 20th century, with the valuable input of the English gardener Vita Sackville-West. They are considered among the most important examples of the English landscape and botany culture in the South of Europe.
As a result of the strong influence of classical literature and the reinterpretation of the Roman villa, numerous impressive decorative elements from all over the world were placed in the gardens, such as fountains, nymphaea, statues, small temples and pavilions. Some of them often hosted gatherings of the prestigious Bloomsbury Group, which chose Villa Cimbrone as a meeting place and source of inspiration.
The long central path, which in May 1880 provided the backdrop to the famous horse ride by Cosima and Richard Wagner, ends with the “Infinity Terrace”, where the gaze of onlookers is lost in what Gore Vidal called “the most beautiful view in the world” and where Gregorovius said that one feels “the desire to fly”.
I will be sharing some of the garden features in my upcoming posts.
That first photo is dreamy! I want to sit on those steps with a book and a cup of coffee and pass the day.
It is a lovely entrance to the garden
That is some nice place to stay. I checked out the vimeo and it is a delight. Did you stay at this hotel??
No we stayed in a different hotel closer to the square in Ravello.
>who were related to the Pitti family in Florence
You sure it’s not the Piggi family?
Yes that is a rather strange carving on the wall.
What a beautiful place – your photos are lovely.
Thank you It is a beautiful place.
I especially like the first image with the flower pots flanking the steps.
It is a lovely entrance way.
I am so thankful and glad that you took us along to such stunning virtual trip dear Cherie!!!
mesmerizing gardens and i agree it evokes insoul “desire to fly”
thank you for the history details they really help to make my understanding of trip interesting and meaningful
I am glad you are enjoying the virtual visit