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Between 1896 and 1910 Villa San Michele was home to its Swedish creator, the court physician and writer, Axel Munthe.
Soon after the success of the book, "La Storia di San Michele" in 1929, the Villa opened to the public and has not closed its gates since.
It is found to the North east of Anacapri, 327 metres above sea level, where it enjoys the most stunning views of the golf of Naples. In ancient times an imperial roman villa stood here; the ruins, conserved by Axel Munthe, are still visible in the garden to this day.
The remains of a medieval chapel were also in the area and after several events it took its current position. The overall picture of the garden, the architectural structure and the art collection is a unique experience and mirrors the romantic and symbolic essence typical of that century.
The creation welcomes the sea and sky and makes an impact indicated in the book as a precious ambition to fulfil: "My house must be open to the sun, the wind and the sound of the sea, like a Greek temple and light, light, light everywhere!" In the special microclimate of the blossoming garden conceptualised by Axel Munte himself a selection of characteristically Mediterranean flora live in harmony alongside plants from other continents.
Amongst its rarities Kochia saxicola, extinct in the rest of the world: only managing to survive in Capri.
As well as being a museum Villa San Michele is playing host to an ornithological site, a natural oasis, where around a hundred Swedish artists and students organise cultural events, musical shows and special events both private and open to the public.
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Address
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Viale Axel Munthe, 34
80071 Anacapri
Isola di Capri (Na)
tel. 081-8371401
fax 081-8373279
Sito
Web
E-mail
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