Attractions in Ravello and its Surroundings
Construction on the Cathedral of St. Pantaleon was started in 1086 and in the 18th century it was renovated in the baroque style. Its fagade with the marble portal is sleek. The bronze doors cast by Barisanus of Trani in 1179 are interesting for their 54 fields depicting scenes from Christ's Passion. The interior renovated in 1975 contains a marble pulpit completed by Niccol6 da Foggia in 1272 with a mosaic backdrop. The ambo on the opposite side dates from 1131. In the choir there is a bishop's chair decorated with mosaic as well as two candelabra made from ancient columns. Left of the main altar is the Chapel of St. Pantaleon (1643), where the saint's blood is kept. The Palazzo Rufolo a short distance southeast of the cathedral is constructed in the Saracenic style. Its construction was started in the 11th century and completed in the 12th/13th century. In the middle there is a delightful little courtyard lined with columns. Its famous guests included popes, Charles of Anjou and Richard Wagner. The terrace offers a splendid panorama. About 200 m northeast of the cathedral is the Church of San Giovanni del Toro from the 11th century. It was renovated in the baroque style in the 18th century. Inside there are ancient columns and a mosaic pulpit (C. 1175) decorated with Persian majolica shells. The crypt contains fragments of frescoes showing scenes from the life of Christ (14th century). The Villa Cimbrone (whose construction materials were taken from ancient structures) with its two towers and court. Spectacular view.