The villa was built on a site formerly associated with the Roman Emperor Tiberius, who also built villas in the vicinity.
The inscription 'Amori et dolori sacrum' (Sacred to love and sorrow) is carved above the main entrance.
The property includes a hidden, overgrown garden designed to reflect the decadence of the fin-de-siècle era.
During its construction, local workers reportedly refused to work on the site due to the owner's reputation and lifestyle.
The floor of the main hall features a mosaic tile pattern specifically commissioned by Fersen.
The villa is geographically isolated from the main tourist hubs of Capri town, accessible only by a steep walking path.
Villa Lysis is a hilltop neoclassical estate on the island of Capri, commissioned in 1904 by French industrialist and poet Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen. It is perched on the edge of the Lo Capo cliff, overlooking the Gulf of Naples. The villa's architecture features a mix of Art Nouveau and Neoclassical elements, with an iconic terrace supported by white marble columns. Fersen resided here in self-imposed exile to escape social scandal in Paris. The property was abandoned for decades following his death until restoration efforts returned it to its current state as a cultural venue. The interiors feature a library, a dining room with original decor, and a distinctive semi-circular atrium. It remains one of the few historical villas on Capri open to the public that preserves its early 20th-century aesthetic.
The main terrace overlooking the sea, framed by the neoclassical columns.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the approach involves a significant walk on paved paths and stairs.
Bring water as there are limited services on the high ridge near the villa.
Visit on a clear day to maximize visibility of the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrentine Peninsula from the terrace.
Do not attempt the walk in standard flip-flops, as the incline is steep and the paths can be slippery.
Closed on Wednesdays.
