A slightly crazy project, an invitation to travel back in time or a tribute to Greek civilization? The Villa Kerylos is a little bit of all that. Built at the beginning of the 20th century in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, it is inspired by the Greek architecture of the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Perched on a rocky point, this atypical heritage is accessible to all visitors, whether or not they are passionate about Antiquity.
Lawyer, archaeologist, historian, musicologist, mathematician, politician... Theodore Reinach was also a passionate Hellenist who, in 1902, commissioned the construction of this villa whose name, Greek of course, refers to a sea swallow. Located behind the monumental cliffs of Èze, the Villa of the former member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres was built by an architect who was also a lover of ancient art, Emmanuel Pontremoli.
In 1908, he built this reinvention (more than a faithful reconstruction) of a house in Delos, the island of the Cyclades known in architecture for its use of arches and vaults. Carrara marble, antique stucco, alabaster, exotic woods, lemon trees... all the materials were inspired by the past, but even the interior design, this Member of the Academy of Fine Arts brought all the modern comforts of the Belle Époque to this unique building.
To him, the Greek spirit was at the same time
dream and reality, memory and present.
After a colossal amount of research work by the 2 partners, their somewhat crazy project was organized around a few key points: a construction around the traditional peristyle, roof terraces and openings overlooking the coast and bringing natural light inside. And of course a sumptuous decoration made of mosaics and frescoes (directly inspired by ancient archives) and vases representing legends of classical heroes.
As for the furniture, for a total immersion in the Hellenistic period, Emmanuel Pontremoli had the silverware designed on the model of Roman cutlery and all the dishes, such as the stoneware plates, bear decorations similar to those admired by the Greeks during their meals. The only exception is a folding piano, ordered directly from Pleyel, with a mechanism hidden in a lemon tree box.
Classified as a historical monument since 1966, the Villa, which now belongs to the National Monuments Center, offers various events around Antiquity every year. To prepare your visit, go here.
Valerie from Comme des Français
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