Dedicated to love and sorrow, as proclaimed by the Latin verses engraved on its façade, Villa Lysis stands as one of the most fascinating and enigmatic buildings in the Mediterranean. This historic villa is not just an architectural masterpiece in the Art Nouveau style, but also a place that encapsulates tales of love, pain, and decadent beauty. Today, Villa Lysis is a museum owned by the City of Capri, inviting visitors to explore not only its extraordinary architecture but also its cultural roots and significance in the island’s history.
The history of Villa Lysis
Villa Lysis was designed by the French architect Édouard Chimot and built in 1905 at the behest of Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen, a French aristocratic dandy who sought refuge in Capri after a scandal upended his life in Paris. Exiled from society for alleged “black masses” involving young students, Fersen moved to Capri and envisioned a place embodying his ideals of beauty and aesthetic pleasure, inspired by both classical culture and symbolism. The villa’s name is a nod to Lysis, one of Plato’s dialogues, which explores themes of friendship and love. This choice reflects its founder’s desire to create a space dedicated to art, contemplation, and personal freedom. It was here that his relationship with Nino Cesarini blossomed—a love story that became one of the most controversial of the early 20th century.
Love & sorrow
The baron and the young Italian model lived together in the luxurious Caprese residence, which quickly became a vibrant meeting place for prominent intellectuals and celebrated artists of the time, including Jean Cocteau and Gabriele D’Annunzio. Their intense relationship, though controversial and widely frowned upon at the time, was immortalized in numerous influential works of art and continues to fascinate for its emotional intensity and the rich cultural context in which it unfolded. After Fersen’s death on November 5, 1923, in Capri, speculation and mixed reactions abounded throughout various social circles. The baron was found dead in Villa Lysis, likely from a fatal cocaine overdose mixed with champagne. However, it has never been entirely clear whether it was a deliberate act of suicide or merely a tragic and unfortunate accident.
A museum of culture and beauty
Today, Villa Lysis is open to the public and has become one of the most popular cultural landmarks on the island. Lovingly restored, the villa retains its original charm, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen and the world he created. The villa’s rooms are rich with decorative details and artifacts from the founder’s life, while temporary exhibitions explore themes related to art, literature, and the history of Capri. One of its highlights is the garden surrounding the villa. With breathtaking views over the Marina Grande harbor and the entire Gulf of Naples, the park, La Gloriette, is a perfect spot to admire the island’s natural beauty. Villa Lysis also serves as an open-air theater for concerts, book presentations, and cultural events organized by Ápeiron, the association managing the site. Are you in love? Choose it as the location for your wedding! There is no place in the world more romantic than Villa Lysis, transformed into a magical setting by Diana Sorensen and Sugokuii Events.
How to get there
Villa Lysis is located a short distance from Capri’s center, in the lush Tiberio district, and can only be reached on foot via a scenic and pleasant walk of about 30–40 minutes through narrow lanes and panoramic paths. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to check the opening hours and the schedule of any temporary exhibitions or cultural events hosted at the villa. Not far from Villa Lysis stands Villa Jovis, an impressive archaeological site and museum featuring the ruins of the ancient villa of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. This historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s imperial past—don’t miss it!
