Church of Saint John the Apostle of the Toro

In my humble opinion this is the most beautiful church in Ravello. It has been closed for many years due to a slow restoration, but now it has finally been reopened and is mainly used for weddings. A UNIQUE show! VISIT IT

Nice church from the outside

Church of S. Giovanni del Toro S. Giovanni del Toro Historical News 1018 - XII (foundation and consecration of the entire property) The church was founded in 1018 by the noble families of Ravello (Rogadeo, Pironti, Muscettola and others), who lived in the Toro district. These families took care of its construction and enriched the church with donations in the following period. The church was defined as "caput et mater aliarum ecclesiarum parochialum civitatis". Therefore it was the parish seat. Description The monumental complex of San Giovanni del Toro is located in the heart of the Toro district, the Ancient Center of Ravello, reserved for the nobles of the city, a few steps from the ancient Rocca del Belvedere. Overall, it shows itself as a very valuable example of Romanesque architecture with strong Arab-Norman influences. The sacred building has a longitudinal plan, with three naves (of which the central one is much higher than the side ones), covered by trusses and cross vaults, a transept surmounted by a dome on a high drum, three extrados apses, each of which has a single lancet window, and crypt. The main apse opens with an ogival arch and has two small columns with capitals at the jambs. The naves are divided by round arches on monolithic granite columns, with Corinthian capitals (bare); above them rise the high walls of the central nave, in which single-lancet windows open in line with the arches below. The spans of the side aisles also have mullioned windows on the side walls. The naves are inserted into the transept by means of a transverse wall, which forms a triumphal pointed arch in the center resting on the composite pillars placed at the entrance to the presbytery. In correspondence with this connection are the stairs (made up of five steps) that lead from the aisles to the raised transept. The sober façade is divided into three parts and ended with sloping at the top; it has three portals and a central lancet window. The bell tower, the sacristy and some annexed chapels, which rise on the left side of the church, complete the architectural complex.

Older church of Ravello, where the chapel of 1000 and tra la la was discovered 15 years ago.

Surely the church will be beautiful, but very difficult to visit because it is always closed. You have to call the parish priest who gives you the number of a person who has the keys. Obviously the lady is not always available and therefore you do miles for nothing. For me it is inconceivable that in Ravello, such an important church from an artistic point of view is not always open, while others of considerably less importance are.