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Chic in Capri: Villa San Michele

by habituallychic

07 . 13 . 14
I recently thought everyone was randomly in Capri at the same time thanks to Instagram but it turned out that Dolce & Gabbna were hosting a fashion show.  While all the photos were envy inducing, those of Villa San Michele by Hamish Bowles peeked my interest the most.
At first I thought it was a hotel but it’s Villa San Michele but it’s more of a cultural institution and retreat, as well asa museum, created by Swedish physician Axel Munthe. He was still young when he decided to realize his dreams and ambitions by settling down in a house in Anacapri, and later become famous all over the world due to his book The Story Of San Michele.

“Physician by profession, Axel Munthe owes his fame nevertheless to his activity as an author. He received numerous recognitions also for his culture in art, philanthropy and for his friendship with animals. Munthe had many interests and was often a precursor. Although he was born and died in Sweden, he had an extremely international personality. He spent in fact most of his life abroad and his works belong to the whole of humanity. This can be seen, for example, in the 45 translations of “The History of St. Michael” and the non-stop flow of visitors to Villa St. Michael.” 

“Except for brief intervals, Axel Munthe lived in Capri for over 56 years. His love for the pleasant island located in the Gulf in Naples coincided with the consolidation of the fame of this holiday resort which was a favourite of many important people all over the world. He shared his passion for music, nature and animals with Queen Victoria of Sweden, who spent long periods in Capri for health reasons.” 

Villa San Michele was an ancient Roman imperial villa remnants of which can still be seen on the property today.  It was purchased in 1895 and renovated before Axel Munthe moved onto the property in 1896 where he lived into 1910. He was also the architect of the project and opened the house up to the sky and sea view. In hhis book he wrote, 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!”

Villa San Michele
Viale Axel Munthe 34
80071 Anacapri
+39 0818371401
www.villasanmichele.eu
Opening times:
January-February: 9:00am – 3:.30pm
March: 9:00am – 4:3pm
April: 9:00am – 5:00m
May-September: 9:00am – 6:00pm
October: 9:00am – 5:00ppm
November-December: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Entrance Fee:
EUR 6,00

Axel Munthe

Axel Munthe

Artist Anh Duong by Hamish Bowles.

7 Comments
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  1. Lily L-M July 13, 2014 | 2:08 pm

    Dying to visit Capri!

    x Lily
    whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com

  2. The Swan July 13, 2014 | 3:46 pm

    Leave it to Hamish…a brilliant eye indeed! I recall Marchesa Casati rented the villa from Axel…she threw him out when he tried to evict her after finding all the windows shaded with black lace scarves and she appeared holding a shrunken head which she carted around town in a black silk purse…imagine this vision!

  3. Karena Albert July 13, 2014 | 4:08 pm

    A magical place, such spiritual images…I will read the book on Villa San Michele!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

  4. Lisa Denise July 14, 2014 | 12:38 am

    What a magnificent view.

    Lisa @ Girl at the Beach

  5. MJH Design Arts July 14, 2014 | 3:36 pm

    So incredibly beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
    Mary

  6. Priscilla Joy July 14, 2014 | 6:17 pm

    Capri is such a dream!
    Splendid photo spread.

    Priscilla Joy
    http://www.43concept.com

  7. Jennings and Gates July 14, 2014 | 11:07 pm

    Quite spectacular. Thank you for the terrific images and post. The lion is situated in the perfect spot. Lolol, I would probably have my coffee in the morning sitting on his back! xo, N.G.