Villa Malaparte, Capri

Villa Malaparte-also known as Casa Malaparte-is a symbol of solitude, conceived in the late 1930s by the writer Curzio Malaparte. It was initially influenced by architect Adalberto Libera-yet ultimately transformed under Malaparte’s own vision and the skilled hands of local craftsmen. Today, the villa remains privately owned-managed by the Giorgio Ronchi Foundation, descendants of Malaparte’s family-used sparingly for cultural events and study rather than open tours.

The villa is a bold red masonry parallelepiped, accented by an inverted pyramid staircase that ascends to a flat rooftop terrace, topped with a sweeping white curving windbreak. Rising approximately 32 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, it hovers in isolation-reachable only by a walk via the Pizzolungo trail from Capri town or a steep staircase carved into the rugged cliff face followed by a precarious landing by boat.

Curzio Malaparte famously described his villa as "a house like me"-a self-portrait in architecture. Built between 1938 and 1942, the residence combines minimalist rationalist ideals with deeply personal, introspective touches. Inside, original furnishings remain where they were placed-too massive to remove-including the marble bathtub in the mistress’ room, the study, and a library.

Equally renowned is its role on screen: in 1963, Jean-Luc Godard chose Villa Malaparte as the dramatic setting for his film Contempt, with Brigitte Bardot and Michel Piccoli in the leading roles. With its austere geometry and isolated presence, the villa became an unforgettable stage for a story marked by passion and estrangement.