Perhaps “solitude in the brick” (yes, brick, not flesh) is apt when it comes to describing Villa Malaparte, a villa settled on the cliff above Punta Massullo. The deep blue of the sea stretches infinitely into the distance, and nothing could have been more representative of the villa’s owner, Curzio Malaparte, than this impressive sight. Malaparte was an Italian writer, war correspondent and diplomat. Despite his support of Italian fascism and Benito Mussolini, his relationship with the National Fascist Party soured and he was stripped of his membership. Malaparte was arrested multiple times, and while he was imprisoned in Rome’s Regina Coeli jail, he built the house with renowned architect Adalberto Libera. He eventually discarded Libera’s plans and had the house built with help of a local stonemason, Adolfo Amitrano.

The lovely architecture of Villa Malaparte is often considered one of the best examples of Modern Italian architecture. The striking red masonry can only be accessed by 99 reverse pyramidal stairs, which cut into the cliff. The experience, both terrifying and exhilarating, leaves a lasting impression. This remote and secluded location was where Malaparte spent his days, often saying that it was a “house like me”. The interior houses a Tyrolean wood stove, and even marble bathrooms in Pompeian style. Of course, what catches one’s eye if the view from the windows, where you can take in the awe-inspiring seascape and part of the cliff of rocks. Truly a marvelous work of architecture.