Villa Lysis

Villa Lysis is a three-story Art Nouveau residence set on Monte Tiberio in Capri. A grand staircase leads to a columned courtyard with Ionic columns that opens onto views of the Bay of Marina Grande.

A French industrialist built the residence in 1905 as his retreat after leaving France due to social controversies. The building became a sanctuary for someone seeking refuge from his past.

The residence served as a meeting place for artists and writers during the early 1900s, who gathered in rooms furnished with Louis XVI, Neoclassical, and Viennese Art Nouveau styles. The interiors reflect the cosmopolitan tastes of the owner and visitors from across Europe.

The residence is reached from Capri's Piazzetta by a 45-minute uphill walk via Via Tiberio and Via Lo Capo. Good footwear and time to rest are important, as the path climbs steadily with few places to break the ascent.

Above the entrance sits a Latin inscription reading 'Amori et Dolori Sacrum,' which reflects the owner's emotional journey. This phrase captures a complex inner world caught between affection and suffering.

Location: Capri

Inception: 1905

Official opening: 1905

Architectural style: Art Nouveau

Floors above the ground: 3

GPS coordinates: 40.55917,14.25972

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57