THE RAVELLO CATHEDRAL MUSEUM

The main hall is undoubtedly dominated by the stunning bust of Sigilgaida Rufolo, originally placed at the entrance to the cathedral’s magnificent pulpit. Dating back to the late 13th century and created by the sculptor Nicola di Bartolomeo from Foggia, the face of the noblewoman—crowned with a diadem and adorned with sumptuous dangling earrings—exudes the charm and elegance of an art form that remains timeless. Sigilgaida, Angelo della Marra’s sister, who was the treasurer to Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, married the wealthy Nicola Rufolo, securing him easy access to the imperial administration and thus allowing the Ravello family “the coveted culmination of the boundless wealth they had accumulated through trade.”¹  Another trace of the prestigious pulpit from 1272, commissioned by the Rufolo family, is the slab depicting a dragon, which was removed during the 18th-century renovation of the cathedral to make room for the pillar supporting the Baroque vault—which was later demolished in 1973.

The room also houses the remains of the ciborium, a magnificent marble canopy dating from 1279, donated by Matteo Rufolo, son of Nicola, which once stood around the high altar of the former cathedral. In 1773, it was dismantled due to its poor condition, and the materials were subsequently used for various purposes. The Museum preserves only four lintels, three small columns, and two capitals that made up the structure, as well as an eagle—the symbol of the evangelist John—and the Agnus Dei, a mosaic tondo depicting the Easter Lamb.

The monuments described here reflect a distinguished religious and cultural history that has characterized Ravello since the late 11th century. The cathedral was, in fact, elevated to the status of a bishopric, becoming directly subordinate to the Holy See and thus separated from the prestigious Diocese of Amalfi. Since the bishopric was abolished in 1818, the Ravello community has devoted itself wholeheartedly to preserving and promoting that glorious past. The Cathedral Museum thus embodies a community initiative, carefully preserving the traces that have defined and shaped the history of this famous coastal town, visited by countless tourists every year.