Angela Merkel visits Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel made an unexpected visit to Villa Rufolo in Ravello. Accompanied by security personnel and friends, she toured the villa's grounds and walkways.

During the visit, Merkel expressed appreciation for the villa's beauty and the stage used for the Ravello Festival. She also showed interest in the gardens, noting the historical connection to Richard Wagner, who famously compared the site to the magic garden of Klingsor during his 1880 visit. Merkel, a known admirer of Wagner, mentioned her regular attendance at the Bayreuth Festival. She concluded her visit by complimenting the maintenance of the grounds and thanking the staff for their hospitality.