Castle of the Month: Villa Rufolo

This is more of a fortified dwelling than a castle, dating to the 13th century, and built as the residence of the Rufolo family, whose contributions to the adjacent church included the marvellous ambo that I waxed lyrical about last week.  The structure has been heavily restored throughout the centuries, and its grounds formed into colourful gardens, within which various architectural elements of the original complex have been retained as decorative features.  Appropriately enough, the site is now occupied by a government body charged with research into the restoration of monuments and planning within ancient city centres (according to Vassalluzzo, in Ravello: A Terrace Overlooking The Sea (Matonti Editore, 2010)). 

Having worked in several similar organisations in Scotland through the years, I can say that I've never had the good fortune to find myself employed in such wonderful, spiritually uplifting surroundings. Three days spent sifting through the records in Fort George is the best I've ever managed, so I'm very jealous indeed of the cultural heritage managers in Campagnia...

Entry is via a substantial gatehouse, seen here from within the grounds:-

This is an ornate structure in its own right, sharing with the rest of the complex a marked Moorish influence.  Inside the gatehouse, there is an ornate arcade around base of the cupola, with traces of paint remaining:

The side elevations of the interior also feature similar arcading:

I particularly like the use of contrasting stonework...

Some statues remain in situ, but the structure has been so heavily restored throughout the centuries that I'm not convinced that they're part of the original 13th century structure:-

 

I'll be spending some more time in the Villa Rufolo tomorrow...

And now I really ought to go on a little bike run, but I still have a sniffle and a cough and I can't really be bothered.

Castle of the Month: Villa Rufolo

This is more of a fortified dwelling than a castle, dating to the 13th century, and built as the residence of the Rufolo family, whose contributions to the adjacent church included the marvellous ambo that I waxed lyrical about last week.  The structure has been heavily restored throughout the centuries, and its grounds formed into colourful gardens, within which various architectural elements of the original complex have been retained as decorative features.  Appropriately enough, the site is now occupied by a government body charged with research into the restoration of monuments and planning within ancient city centres (according to Vassalluzzo, in Ravello: A Terrace Overlooking The Sea (Matonti Editore, 2010)). 

Having worked in several similar organisations in Scotland through the years, I can say that I've never had the good fortune to find myself employed in such wonderful, spiritually uplifting surroundings. Three days spent sifting through the records in Fort George is the best I've ever managed, so I'm very jealous indeed of the cultural heritage managers in Campagnia...

Entry is via a substantial gatehouse, seen here from within the grounds:-

This is an ornate structure in its own right, sharing with the rest of the complex a marked Moorish influence.  Inside the gatehouse, there is an ornate arcade around base of the cupola, with traces of paint remaining:

The side elevations of the interior also feature similar arcading:

I particularly like the use of contrasting stonework...

Some statues remain in situ, but the structure has been so heavily restored throughout the centuries that I'm not convinced that they're part of the original 13th century structure:-

 

I'll be spending some more time in the Villa Rufolo tomorrow...

And now I really ought to go on a little bike run, but I still have a sniffle and a cough and I can't really be bothered.