Notable Visits
at AstapianaSince its origin as a Camaldolese hermitage, later becoming a summer residence, Astapiana has always been a place of hospitality, meeting, and exchange, where nature and culture intertwine uniquely. Sovereigns, artists, scientists, and intellectuals have found inspiration and welcome here. From the Bourbons to Nobel Prizes, to great contemporary thinkers, Astapiana continues to witness extraordinary stories.
Royal Families
the Bourbons at Astapiana1832 – The Queen Mother Maria Isabella of Spain, widow of Francis I and mother of Ferdinand II of Bourbon, stayed at Astapiana to appreciate its beauty and tranquility.
1859 – Prince Francis of Paola, Count of Trapani, with his consort Archduchess Maria Isabella of Tuscany, and Princess Carolina with her husband Don Carlos, Count of Montemolin, chose Astapiana for a short stay.
1830 – 1859 – Leopold of Bourbon, Count of Syracuse, brother of Ferdinand II, was a regular guest of the residence, attracted by its evocative atmosphere.
Writers and Artists
Duke Luigi Giusso loved to surround himself with men of art and letters. During that period, one of the frequent guests of Astapiana, a friend of Luigi Giusso, was August Kestner, ambassador of the Kingdom of Hanover in Rome, a collector and portraitist of great talent. His mother, Carlotta Kestner Buff, was the inspiration for Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther.
Nobel Prizes
On the occasion of the Capo d’Orlando Prize, an international scientific award given annually in Vico Equense, Astapiana has been the place of stay for distinguished scientists and laureates:
John F. Nash (Nobel Prize in Economics, 1994) – “Admired and grateful for the magnificent place and the very kind hospitality. With great sympathy.”
Riccardo Giacconi (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2002) – “With great gratitude for allowing us to share such beauty.” Mirella Giacconi
Sir Harold W. Kroto (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1996) – “This was certainly the high point of our visit to the Naples region. A fantastic C60 Buckminster fullerene in renovating this wonderful building.”
Paul J. Crutzen (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1995) – “You really live in Paradise.”
Intellectuals and Cultural Guests
Mario Tozzi (2003) Geologist and Science Communicator – “The most extraordinary viewpoint on the Peninsula of the Gods. Absolute tranquility of the senses, a metaphysical retreat, and terraces of chats and conversations.”
Massimo Capaccioli (2005) Astronomer – “Thank you for the magnificent hospitality and for the sensations of another, beautiful ancient time.”
Arrigo Petacco (2006) – Journalist “I will cherish much nostalgia for the enchanting welcome I received from Giulia, queen of Astapiana.”
Alfio Quarteroni (2006) Mathematician – “At Astapiana, among jams, experiments, culinary delights, and enchanted nature. Thank you, Lady Giulia.”
Vittorio Sgarbi (2008) – Appreciated the cuisine and the commitment to preserving the historical heritage, supporting the Museum de la Maison.