Ravello is a small city of ancient origin, which faces a range of hills overlooking the clear blue sea of the Gulf of Salerno, like a balcony. Under this balcony the other wonders of this coast are unequalled. The beauty of this area has inspired poets, painters and musicians in the course of its millenarian history. It was here that Wagner stayed and was inspired by the magical beauties of the Villa Rufolo, its gardens and the architectural works of the Cloister to exclaim the ?Garden of Klingsor? is found. Boccaccio, a long time before him, spoke of Ravello, a town rich in monuments, in the stories of Decameron dedicated to the merchant of Ravello, Landolfo Rufolo and his travels around the world. Ravello with its arches and antique towers, splendid scenery of the clear skies and sea, such as that of the beautiful view from the Villa Cimbrone, is very protective towards its treasure of art. For example, the 11th Century Bronze Doors of Barisano da Trani, the precious pulpit ornate with mosaic lions conserved in the cathedral in which you can admire the other precious treasures .The wine that is produced in Ravello is one of the better wines as is the climate and character of its people. Villa Cimbrone was originally built for the aristocratic Acconciagioco family in the 19th Century. By pure change it was discovered by an Englishman whose servant, Nicola Mansi, was born in Ravello. Theland contained a very modest dwellling whee Ernest William Beckett, later Lord Grimthorpe, acquired it in 1904. The enthusiasm of the Mansi family (made resident custodians by Beckett), and the love of Italian classicism by the Englishman soon tranformed the property into a delightl folly. Inspired by the daughter of Lord Grimthorpe , another charming Villetta was constructed on the cliff edge with incomparable views over the whole coast and surronding area. Villa Rufolo reached the height of its glory in the reign of Charles I of Angi?, King of Naples from 1266 to 1285. At this time the Rufolo family had within its ranks a Bishop, John, James and Mattew-Royal bankers, and Lawrence, a governor in Abruzzo. During the last century a Scotsman and botanist, Francis Neville Reid, bought the property and restored it. Subsequently, the Villa has been acquired by the Provincial Tourist Board and the Wagner Commemorative concerts and held here each summer.