Ravello's history likely began during the 6th century AD with the arrival of Roman colonists seeking refuge from the Vandal invasions. The first documented evidence of the town comes from the 9th century when the various villages and towns in the area were being incorporated under the Amalfi city-state.

Ravello, the "Jewel of the Amalfi Coast," was officially founded in the 5th century AD as a shelter against the barbarian invasions that marked the end of the Western Roman Empire. However, it reached its historical and architectural peak during the 9th to 13th centuries. During the 11th century, it became a major power within the Duchy of Amalfi, serving as a hub for wealthy merchant families who built the iconic villas seen today, such as Villa Rufolo (built in the 1200s). In 1086, it was elevated to a Bishopric by the Pope to act as a counterweight to the power of Amalfi. Most of the town's famous Romanesque churches and the Duomo di Ravello were constructed during this period of medieval prosperity. The town later fell into decline but was "rediscovered" in the 19th century by Romantic artists and writers, which led to the preservation of its ancient structures and its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.