Villa Lysis — Jago Museum Capri
Capri
KnownMuseums
The story
A 1905 Art Nouveau villa by the poet Fersen, dedicated to love and sorrow; since June 2026 it houses the Jago Museum Capri, with Jago's sculptures in the historic rooms high above the sea.
Access
€ 8, online only; from Jun 2026 Jago Museum
The story
Villa Lysis is an Art Nouveau villa built in 1905 by the French baron Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen, on a height near Villa Jovis. Fersen, a poet and aesthete, named it after Plato's dialogue on friendship and had carved on it the motto 'Amori et dolori sacrum', 'sacred to love and to sorrow'. It was a meeting place for artists and writers. Since 20 June 2026 the villa houses the Jago Museum Capri: the sculptures of Jago (Jacopo Cardillo, creator of the Veiled Son) are shown in the historic rooms, where the artist also keeps an active studio.
What to see
The villa facing the gulf, with the portico of Ionic columns and the golden mosaics, the marble staircase and the spaces that tell of Fersen's refined and restless life. Restored from the 1990s, it is today a visitable monument, in a splendid panoramic position. Since June 2026 the villa also hosts the Jago Museum Capri: the sculptures of the artist Jago converse with the historic spaces — the room of Nino Cesarini, the great hall, the Chinese Room.
How to get there
- Hydrofoil
- Ferry
Tips
Villa Lysis today hosts the Jago Museum Capri: the ticket is online only (capriculturaeturismo.it), with guided tours of about 45 minutes at hourly departures. It is reached on foot from the centre of Capri, on the road to Villa Jovis (a scenic climb): comfortable shoes. Check hours on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
What is Villa Lysis?
An Art Nouveau villa of 1905 in Capri, built by the baron Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen; today a visitable monument, in a panoramic position near Villa Jovis.
Who was Fersen?
Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen, a French poet and aesthete who built Villa Lysis and made it a meeting place for artists; the villa bears the motto 'Amori et dolori sacrum'.
How do you visit Villa Lysis?
On foot from the centre of Capri, on the road to Villa Jovis; it is run by the Municipality with its own entrance and hours, to be checked on the official channels.
Are Villa Lysis and the Jago Museum the same thing?
Since June 2026 Villa Lysis hosts the Jago Museum Capri, with Jago's sculptures in the historic spaces of the villa; the ticket is online only (capriculturaeturismo.it).
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