Discover Anacapri: Art, History and Landscape

Anacapri brings together art, architectural history and striking landscapes. At Villa San Michele, collection pieces of Roman, Etruscan or Egyptian origin meet a garden with a clear sequence of pergola, terrace and cypress avenue. Casa Rossa and the town’s churches also tell stories of different periods and traditions. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on culture, landscape or both.

Art and Gardens in Anacapri

Villa San Michele houses an art collection, most of which is of Roman, Etruscan or Egyptian origin. The garden adds its own distinctive touch: it begins in the shade of the wisteria-covered pergola, reaches its sunny high point on the Sphinx Terrace, and ends at an elegant cypress avenue. This sequence makes the garden’s design an interesting subject in its own right—from the shaded beginning to the open, sunny section and the finish among the cypresses.

The Pinacoteca at Casa Rossa offers a different perspective on art. It comprises the painting collections “Le luci del Mediterraneo” and “L'isola dipinta”. Villa Rosa also hosts a permanent exhibition of works by Raffaele Castello (1905–1969). Together, the three art venues offer different approaches: a collection of works of ancient origin, two named painting collections, and an exhibition devoted to a single artist.

Architectural History and Religious Traditions

The history of Casa Rossa can also be read in its surroundings. The building was constructed between 1876 and 1899 beside an old tower dating from the 15th century. Colonel John Clay MacKowen commissioned the tower; this attribution refers to the tower, not to Casa Rossa. The architectural history of the Chiesa di Santa Sofia goes back further: it was built in 1510, replacing the earlier parish church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli.

Santa Maria a Cetrella offers another link between history and living tradition. Religious services are still held in the church; in the past, it was a place of pilgrimage for fishermen. It is located in Cetrella, a nature-surrounded valley accessible from Monte Solaro. Here, you will encounter both architectural history and religious sites that have played different roles in the past and present.

Landscapes and Trails

Monte Solaro is the highest peak on the island of Capri; a chairlift starting in Anacapri makes it accessible. The Phoenician Steps offer a different kind of landscape experience: they consist of more than 900 steps, climb about 350 metres and are considered one of the island’s most beautiful scenic routes. These details can help you plan your days and compare the different ways to explore: a peak reached by chairlift, and a route whose steps and elevation gain are clearly specified.

Cetrella adds a nature-surrounded valley and the church of Santa Maria a Cetrella to this picture. Together with the garden at Villa San Michele, it shows the different forms the landscape takes in Anacapri: a landscaped garden with pergola, terrace and avenue, or a valley on Monte Solaro. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Anacapri, these highlights can help you plan the experiences you would like to enjoy during your stay.

Local Life and Planning Your Visit

Via Giuseppe Orlandi is a pedestrian street that runs through the town centre and is lined with artisan shops. Capri sandals and handmade ceramics are offered as special souvenirs. You can try traditional dishes in restaurants and bars in the area around the street. Artisan crafts, souvenirs and local cuisine give the town centre its own distinct character alongside the collections and historic buildings.

According to municipal information for Museo Casa Rossa, last updated on 10 March 2025, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays. Check the opening times before your visit. This will help you include Casa Rossa in your plans while exploring its Pinacoteca, the building’s architectural history and the old tower as distinct aspects of the area.

Discover more destinations: Bacoli, Ottaviano, Colli Di Fontanelle, Monte Di Procida, San Paolo Bel Sito, Pozzuoli, Baia, Calvizzano.

For the main travel overview: Naples.