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1h
Italian
Unlimited
Villa or mansion
Suitable for children
Suitable for couples
Pets allowed
Parking available
Barrier-free
Language supports
Along the Pizzolungo Trail that leads to theNatural Arch of Capri, a mysterious mansion stands out against the magnificent panorama. It is about Villa Malaparte a private structure that fascinates the curious with its history and distinctive architecture.
The villa stands on the Masullo Promontory and is closely linked to the figure of intellectual Curzio Malaparte. It was he who wanted the construction of this masterpiece of modern architecture that represents the perfect combination of rationalist modernity and nature.
Built between 1938 and 1940, as shown in the Public Register of Protected Works of the MIBACT, the work was desired and conceived by its very first owner, Curzio Malaparte, who entrusted the executive works to architect Adolfo Amitrano.
The villa, named by the literary man "House like me," is well recognized by the Pompeian red hue of its exterior walls, but the color is not its only peculiarity. The structure has three floors and possesses a peculiar and futuristic parallelepiped geometric shape that gives it an eclectic and angular style. The balance with nature is provided by a pre-Columbian-style staircase that abruptly interrupts the geometric regularity and connects the living rock of the Masullo Promontory with the terrace. On this a swaying screen resembles a ship's sail rising above the flat surface.
The interiors are enriched with truly unique furniture and furnishing components designed by the man of letters himself. A large hall is the main room of the residence, lit by four large windows with walnut frames. From each of these one can observe a panorama different from the others, given by a precise perspective. Thus, from the villa, one can simultaneously admire the Faraglioni, the Monacone but also the profile of Punta Campanella at Amalfi Coast and a glimpse that fades into an infinite horizon. Of the three fireplaces in the villa, one was made with a crystal bottom. Through its wall, the sunset becomes an even more impressive sight with the sun seemingly descending toward the sea.
Other rooms include the study, a guest apartment called the Hospice, and a bedroom, the Favorita, where the companion of the moment stayed.
Curzio Malaparte, whose real name is Kurt Erich Suckert, is one of the key figures of literary expressionism and Italian neorealism. A writer, screenwriter, journalist, diplomat, essayist, soldier and secret agent, he was a volunteer during World War I. When the conflict drew to a close he embarked on a literary career.
A supporter of fascism and Mussolini's regime, he signed the "Manifesto of Intellectual Fascists." He became editor of the magazine "L'Italia Letteraria" and soon after of "La Stampa." Progressively distanced himself from Fascism until he was expelled from the party and confined to Sicily. He returned to freedom thanks to his friendship with Galeazzo Ciano, then Minister of Foreign Affairs. It was thanks to the latter that he obtained a building permit to construct the Villa Malaparte complex on Capri.
During the last years following World War II, Malaparte grew closer to the Eastern people. He had the opportunity to interview Mao Tse Tung as an editorial contributor to "Il Tempo" in 1957. Forced to return to Italy because of worsening pneumonia from which he was suffering and cancer, he died in Rome that same year. His will reads the man of letters' last wishes, leaving the doors of his beloved Villa Malaparte residence open to Chinese artists traveling to the island.
The distinctive architectural structure of Villa Malaparte has long been attributed to Adalberto Libera. Recent discoveries of documents and letters, however, have revealed that the design of the villa was the work of Malaparte himself and that Libera's original design was never considered. The issue was clarified in particular through the reading of the epistolary exchange that took place between the architect Uberto Bonetti, who had been entrusted with the realization of the technical-executive project, and the owner, Curzio Malaparte, the creator of the actual drawings on which the project itself was based.
The mansion is now a private residence, a cultural production center for meetings on architecture and design. After the death of its owner, the heirs contested the will in order to take full ownership of the residence. Once the court battle was won, the property was given to the Ronchi Foundation, the legal guise of the Malaparte heirs.
Strong is the symbolism of the structure, but it has remained a mystery to the eyes of the world. Many review the oriental style in the balance between architecture and nature. However, another hypothesis, perhaps more credited, blames Curzio Malaparte's heartfelt religion for the building's so essential style.
Villa Malaparte also deeply fascinated director Jean-Luc Godard, who wanted to set the second part of his famous film, Contempt, starring the great Brigitte Bardot and inspired by the novel by Moravia.
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