27 October 2009

Villa Kérylos - the Central Courtyard

Copyright 2009 Monte Carlo Daily Photo. All rights reserved.

Villa Kérylos was built in the early 1900s, in the period the French call the “Belle Epoque”, and is a unique and luxurious re-creation of an ancient Grecian dwelling of the second century B.C., complete with wall decorations and furniture.

Built by two great enthusiasts of Ancient Greece: Theodore Reinach, an archaeologist and patron of the arts, and Emmanuel Pontremoli, an inspired architect.

In keeping with many Mediterranean houses, the Villa Kérylos is built around a “peristyle”, a vast central courtyard surrounded by twelve monolithic columns in white Carrera marble. It was here that Theodore Reinach loved to take a walk.

2 comments:

  1. I feel like I've been transported in time and space. Such graceful columns and lovely murals!

    I hope that one of your posts will feature that gate (?) in the background — it looks gorgeous from here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the central courtyards. What apleasant and private space.

    ReplyDelete