A few tiny streets from my sister's house in the old centre of Anacapri, lies the Axel Munthe monument. I'd never heard of the man until I stumbled upon his bronze memorial statue in Via Le Boffe and my Anacapresi brother-in-law told me about him. The excellent, somewhat eccentric Swedish doctor/writer/humanist Munthe (1857-1949) was totally obsessed with Capri. He visited the island when he was only seventeen and instantly fell in love with its beauty (who wouldn't?)... and with the Italian wine I guess. Wine was according Munthe the greatest invention in human history... I totally agree!;). He adored the ruins of the San Michele Chapel which were built on an ancient villa of the Roman emperor Tiberius. He loved the place so much that he restored the chapel and turned it into his new home Villa San Michele. Munthe lived there together with his staff, his 8 dogs, cat, turtles and an ex-alcoholic monkey named Billy. Besides rescuing animals, making wine and worshipping the mediterranean sun, he dedicated his life to his patients. He only charged the rich by the way. Munthe had a romance with Victoria the crown princess (later queen) of Sweden, who shared his love for animals. After his death he remained known. And on the island he has even evolved into a saint.
Last year I visited his magnificent villa - now museum - on top of the Phoenician steps, surrounded by beautiful gardens. A Must-See! When you're planning on going to Anacapri read The Story of San Michele first. Munthe's best-seller memoirs, dedicated to his love Victoria by the way...
Last year I visited his magnificent villa - now museum - on top of the Phoenician steps, surrounded by beautiful gardens. A Must-See! When you're planning on going to Anacapri read The Story of San Michele first. Munthe's best-seller memoirs, dedicated to his love Victoria by the way...
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