History of the Villa

Villa La Rondinaia was built in 1930 on the edge of a cliff, which is why it is named "The swallows nest" (rondine means swallow in Italian).

It was famously owned by American writer, Gore Vidal from 1972 to 2006. The villa was a place of refuge and privacy for over 33 years for the celebrated essayist, writer and dramatist. Inspired by the stunning views, he wrote much of his work here, whilst giving splendid hospitality to great stars of the cinema, who on a visit to Ravello, could never miss out on a visit to this magical place. Vidal hosted the likes of John F Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger, Princess Margaret, Paul Newman, Bruce Springsteen, Greta Garbot, Capote, Tennessee Williams, Italo Calvino and The Clintons. Critic David Cunningham referred to La Rondinaia as "perhaps the last great author's home/artistic salon’.

Rondinaia was the setting of Wes Anderson’s 2004 film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Cate Blanchett.

Today, Vidal’s writing room stands preserved inside the villa.