Anacapri - Villa San Michele and Axel Munthe.

From Piazza Vittoria, to the left of square’s flight of steps, is the Viale Axel Munthe, a charming lane lined with tiny characteristic shops. After a five minute stroll one arrives at Villa San Michele, left in donation to the Swedish state by Axel Munthe. Today, the villa is an important museum, run by the Axel Munthe Foundation which organizes concerts, exhibitions and seminars here.
Axel Munthe was a Swedish doctor, who moved to Capri at the end of the 1800’s and commissioned the local master builders to build Villa San Michele, completed in 1910.
In his book, The History of San Michele, Axel Munte tells of how the construction proceeded day by day, without following precise plans, but rather sketches drawn on the walls.
He also describes the collection of archaeological remains which are conserved within the Villa San Michele, a number selected following oneiric inspirations, such as the granite Sphinx, others saved from destruction.
In fact, the remains of the ancient Roman villas got in the way of the cultivation of vineyards and fields and were often simply thrown over the cliffs by the country folk or, at best, used in the construction of the walls of their own houses. Many of those on display are remains not originating from the Island of Capri. The habit of Axel Munthe to decorate his villa with these artifacts of inestimable value was perceived as a bizarre eccentricity by the local people.

Tips

Limoncello di Capri

Back in the late 1800's it was customary that Vincenza Canale, one of the island's first hoteliers, offered clients at her guest-house "Mariantonia" a glass...

Carthusia perfumes

Carthusia's perfumes are the perfect expression of the beauty of Capri, an island which never fails to enamour all those who visit her. A fascinating story...