Sighseeing
Villa San Michele
The home of the Swedish doctor and philanthropist Axel Munthe, the Villa San Michelle is in the words of Henry James "the most fantastic beauty, poetry, and inutility that one had ever seen clustered together". The villa can be reached from the scenic Via Capodimonte, which starts from the main square of the city. It was constructed in the last years of the 19th century on the site of an ancient roman villa under the instructions of Muthe himself. Muthe was the Swedish royal family's physician, but practiced in the Italian capital. He built up a considerable fortune and invested in Anacapri. He had a reputation as a great philanthropist with a continuous commitment to the sick and the needy. His autobiography - "The story of San Michele" is an evocative piece on his life here.
Chiesa San Michele
Chiesa San Michele is a lovely church dating back to the 17th century. It is known mainly for its San Michele statue and the magnificent ancient ceramic floor.
Santa Maria a Cetrella
This is a small sanctuary designed in late gothic style and positioned on the slopes of Monte Solaro in a picturesque location. It was rebuilt by the Franciscan monks in the 1800s. Some parts of the sanctuary date back to the 14th century. The panorama that is revealed from this spot is truly spectacular. Furthermore, the church is on the ancient route, which used to connect the two cities on the island - Capri and Anacapri. This footpath was also used by the monks from San Giacomo on their way to their properties in this part of the island. Below is to be found the Marina Piccola, where Saracen pirates had once debarked.
