Barbarossa

On the mountain top above Villa San Michele are the ruins of a fortress. This includes a (high elevation) central part, in which Munthe built a simple sleeping accomodation, called Villino Barbarossa, as well as the surrounding walls.

As with Anacapris, the fortification dates to around the year 1000 and over the centuries has undergone a series of reconstructions. The historic name Barbarossa refers to the corsair Khair-ed-Din, who in the 16th century captured Capri several times.

Munthe acquired the mountainside in order to create a sancturary for migratory birds, which today is a natural oasis, watched over by the Capri Bird Observatory, placed in the habitable part of the ruins.

Levente Erdeös, Architect, Director of Villa San Michele (1975-1995)