Villa San Michele
Villa San Michele in Anacapri was the dream home of the Swedish physician, Axel Munthe.
Munthe first came to Capri in 1885. He built his villa on the ruins of an ancient Chapel dedicated to San Michele, following a series of sketches made on a wall.
''My house must be open to the sun, to the wind, and the voice of the sea, just like a Greek temple, and light, light, light everywhere!".
Axel Munthe
The result was a building articulated on various levels: the study is on the first floor, the loggia crosses pergolas and columns to reach a circular viewpoint which looks out across the Bay of Naples. In Villa San Michele a number of ancient artifacts are displayed - objects found by Munthe in Capri, Anacapri and elsewhere, some of which donated by friends. There are fragments of sarcophaguses, busts, Roman paving, marble and columns can be seen. In the garden there is a Greek tomb and a granite Sphinx which gazes out over the whole Island of Capri.
Munthe described the construction of the villa in his bestselling "The Story of San Michele", which has been translated into some 45 languages
With the exception of a few sporadic absences, Munthe lived on Capri for more than 56 years. His love of the island coincided with the growing popularity of Capri and the arrival of rich and famous travelers from all over the world. Today his villa is, together with the Grotta Azzurra, the most visited place on the whole of Capri.
Munthe shared his love of music, animals, and nature with the Swedish queen, Victoria, who spent long periods of her life on Capri for health reasons. Axel Munthe's concern for the birds on the island, which were shot in disastrous numbers, led him to acquire the rights to the Barbarossa Mountain in order to create a sanctuary for migrating birds.
Villa San Michele Museum - useful information
Getting there: take the bus from Anacapri then follow the signs
Hours
From 1 December to 31 January: closed on Tuesdays
January
9 am to 3:30 pm - last admission at 3 pm
February
Closed
March
9 am to 4:30 pm
April
9 am to 5 pm
May-September
9 am to 6 pm
October
9 am to 5 pm
November and December
9 am to 3:30 pm - last admission at 3 pm
Tickets
Full-price ticket
EUR 12
Youth and students
EUR 8
Children age 10 and under
Free
School groups
EUR 4
Official website: www.villasanmichele.eu
Email: administration@sanmichele.org
Phone: +39 081 8371401 - +39 081 8373279 (Fax)
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
La visita è impegnativa per chi ha problemi di mobilità ridotta?
The visit can be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility, as the route includes some level changes and a few stepped areas, especially between indoor rooms and the garden. However, it is possible to visit with the assistance of the staff, who can help in the more demanding sections. Once you reach the entrance avenue, most of the outdoor areas are flat and manageable at a slow pace.
How long does a visit to Villa San Michele take?
A visit to Villa San Michele usually takes 60–90 minutes, covering both the villa and the panoramic garden overlooking the Bay of Naples. The route includes interior rooms, sculpture loggias, archaeological pieces, and the iconic granite Sphinx. Your timing may vary depending on how much you enjoy gardens and outdoor areas.
How do I reach Villa San Michele from Capri?
To reach Villa San Michele from Capri, take the bus to Anacapri and get off at Piazza Vittoria, just a few minutes from the entrance. The staircase in front of the stop has only a few steps; from there, turn left and follow the pedestrian avenue leading directly to the Villa. Along the way you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and small shops, making the walk easy and pleasant. Visitors who cannot use steps can take the two side paths—on the right or left of the staircase—which connect to the same avenue. The remainder of the route is almost completely level and comfortable for most people.
Is it worth visiting the interior rooms?
Yes, because the interior displays archaeological pieces selected by Axel Munthe, including Roman busts, ancient floors, sarcophagi and a Medusa head. The black-and-white contrast conveys the villa’s original atmosphere. The interior isn’t large, but it’s well curated and worth exploring.
When is the Villa least crowded?
Early morning (9:00–10:00 AM) and late afternoon are usually the quietest times. In peak months, crowds increase around 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, especially on group-tour days. Afternoon light is beautiful in the gardens, making late visits especially scenic.
Which major artworks can be found in the Villa?
The red-granite Sphinx, roughly 3200 years old, is the Villa’s most iconic piece and overlooks the Bay of Naples, making it one of the most photographed spots. Around it you’ll find many artworks collected by Axel Munthe, including the Cosmati table, the Roman Woman with Child, the bust of Tiberius, and the Horus falcon,culptures are displayed along loggias and niches, creating a smooth and engaging route. Spending a few extra minutes in the sculpture loggia is especially worthwhile during the best light of the day.