Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele was the home "open to the sun and the wind and the voices of the sea" of Axel Munthe, one of the most famous people on the island of Capri. The Swedish doctor wanted to build his island home in one of Anacapri's most scenic spots, on the northeastern slope and 327 meters above sea level, just where an imperial Roman villa and a medieval chapel once stood.

Passionate about archaeology, Axel Munthe included the ruins of these ancient buildings in the villa's garden: a building distinguished by its imaginative architecture (Axel Munthe himself was the author) that sees the alternation of medieval mullioned and triforium windows with the classical motifs of Roman capitals. Its walls frame an enviable collection of Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian artifacts collected during the scholar's many travels and stay on the Isle of Capri.

Villa San Michele today is a museum open to the public and in the summer hosts the prestigious Sunset Concerts music festival.