Gardens suspended between sky and sea, where wind and beauty shape the landscape
Places visited
Villa Cimbrone, 19th century – Ravello (Salerno)
Perched atop a cliff on the Amalfi Coast, Villa Cimbrone is one of the most spectacular historic residences in Campania.
Its six-hectare ornamental garden is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and exotic plants, neogothic and neorenaissance architectural elements, grottoes, fountains, and statues.
In 1904, the estate was purchased and restored by Ernest William Beckett, a British nobleman and banker, who transformed the ancient farmhouse—once belonging to the Acconciajoco family—into a refined English-style retreat.
The famed “Terrace of Infinity”, lined with classical statues and overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, is considered one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world.
In 1938, the villa was the discreet hideaway for Greta Garbo and Leopold Stokowski, commemorated today by a plaque.
Accessible only on foot via a scenic uphill path, Villa Cimbrone offers an unforgettable experience.
Villa Rufolo, 12th–19th centuries – Ravello (Salerno)
Located in the heart of Ravello’s historic center, Villa Rufolo is a unique blend of medieval roots and 19th-century romantic revival.
Originally built by the powerful Rufolo family, wealthy merchants and patrons of the arts (a member, Landolfo Rufolo, appears in Boccaccio’s Decameron), the villa features an Arab-Norman cloister with double arches and distinctive Palermo-style decorations.
Other medieval elements include the entrance tower and a chapel.
In the 1800s, the villa was acquired by Francis Nevile Reid, a Scottish lord and connoisseur of art and botany, who restored the complex in neo-medieval style, typical of the Romantic period.
The terraced gardens overlooking the sea inspired Richard Wagner, who in 1880 envisioned here the legendary Klingsor’s garden from Parsifal.
Today, Villa Rufolo hosts the renowned Ravello Festival, an international music event that celebrates its connection to the composer.
The Secret Garden of Tramonti, 20th century – Tramonti (Salerno)
Created in 1999 by Enza Telese and Antonio De Marco, the Secret Garden of Tramonti is a shining example of ecological restoration.
Built on a former vineyard, the garden spreads across eight terraces over 3,000 square meters, hosting more than 1,200 plant species: citrus trees (25 varieties), over 300 types of roses, aromatic and medicinal herbs, vegetables, flowering plants (hydrangeas, salvias, hibiscus, camellias, lilacs, spireas, lantanas), and native flora.
It serves as both a private domestic garden and an experimental botanical site, where exotic species are tested for acclimatization.
The owners personally lead guided visits with a mission of education, environmental awareness, and appreciation of beauty and local heritage.
Emphasis is placed on water conservation, natural pest control, composting, and reuse of recycled materials.
More than just a garden, it is a lifestyle project, a living example of harmony with nature, sustainability, and mindful living—the fruit of daily commitment, sacrifices, and great satisfaction.
Storytelling of the Journey
A day suspended in the air: a tour of gardens made to breathe and soar.
Air—one of the four classical elements—is essential to life and vital to the spirit of a garden. The gardens we will visit are found at altitude, in pedestrian-only areas, where wind and silence reign, and where beauty is carried on the breeze.
Our day begins with the spectacular Villa Cimbrone, reachable only by foot. Its garden, perched on a cliff, is a magical blend of romantic, medieval, and neoclassical elements, crowned by the awe-inspiring Terrace of Infinity.
We then continue to the medieval garden of Villa Rufolo, which famously enchanted Richard Wagner, who imagined here his Klingsor’s enchanted garden.
Blooming nearly all year round, Villa Rufolo’s garden integrates beautifully with its medieval ruins and 19th-century stylistic revivals. The view from its terraces, a true eagle’s nest above the Amalfi Coast, is unforgettable.
After a lunch break in a typical local restaurant, the afternoon is dedicated to the Secret Garden of Tramonti, a quiet retreat and living example of how a domestic garden can transform both lives and landscapes.
This is not only a space of botanical beauty, but also of reflection, community, and deep personal connection with the environment.
Info & Prices
The price includes:
Info and booking: campania@adsi.it
