The Villa Lysis, together with the Villa San Michele, is the most famous villa on the island of Capri. It was built in the early 20th century by Baron Jacques d’Adelsward-Fersen so that he could enjoy the attentions of his Roman partner Nino Cesarini undisturbed. The villa is located on the north eastern part of the island.
Villa Lysis Capri
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
Address: Via Lo Capo 12, Capri. Opening hours: April, May, September and October from 10:00 to 18:00; June to August from 10:00 to 19:00; November and December from 10:00 to 16:00. Closed: Wednesdays. Entrance fee: 2 Euro (free for children under 12). The villa is closed during the Covid-crisis.
History
Baron d’Adelsward-Fersen was born in Paris in 1880. In 1904 he had the villa built where he would commit suicide in 1923 due to a cocaine overdose.
The Villa Lysis was named after a dialogue by Socrates about friendship.
The design for the neo-classical villa, which is close to the Villa Jovis, was by Edouard Chimot.
Since 2001, the villa has been owned by the Municipality of Capri. The Baron had left the property itself to his sister, but the use of it to Cesarini. The latter later sold the villa to the sister, however.
Description
The Latin inscription at the entrance (Amori et dolori sacrum) means “a sacred place for love and pain”. Notable is the art nouveau staircase to the second floor.
Surrounding the building is a garden designed by Mimi Ruggiero, of course with a beautiful view of the Gulf of Naples.