Villa Cecilia

Villa Cecilia – Agropoli
Historic residence on the Cilento coast

History
Villa Cecilia is a late 19th-century historic residence located in Agropoli, within the Cilento National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in 1881 as a summer retreat for the Marquises de Stefano di Ogliastro, it stands on the remains of an ancient farmhouse and remains in the family’s ownership to this day.
In 1903, Marquis Francesco de Stefano personally oversaw its expansion and transformation as a tribute to his young bride Cecilia Manfredi de Blasis—lady-in-waiting to the Queen. This led to the creation of two circular turrets, a large terrace overlooking the sea, and a garden with Mediterranean pines, palm trees, and succulents, which still embrace the villa like a protective hug.

Architecture and Layout
Villa Cecilia is spread over three levels, connected by an internal marble staircase.
The main façade features symmetrical volumes and the scenic presence of corner turrets, giving the structure the aura of a Mediterranean castle.

Interiors
The central hall, with multiple sea-facing windows and Vietri ceramic floors, is designed to host receptions in every season, while the 90 sqm panoramic terrace opens onto one of the most evocative landscapes of the Cilento coast: the bay of Agropoli, with Capri on the horizon.
The upper floors house sitting rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms with original cement tile flooring. The furnishings, in classic style, remain consistent with the villa’s historic character.

The Garden
The garden of Villa Cecilia, designed in the early 20th century by Marquis Francesco de Stefano, spans approximately 5,000 sqm and, together with the terrace, is one of the defining features of the property.
The vegetation includes maritime pines, palm trees, hedges, and a collection of succulents, some of notable botanical value.
The landscape design gently guides the eye toward the sea, with a natural slope of the terrain. A perimeter wall covered in wisteria marks the boundary and helps preserve the villa’s privacy.

A Lived-in Home
Throughout the 20th century, Villa Cecilia welcomed distinguished guests, including Prince Umberto of Savoy and American officers during the Paestum landing.
In recent decades, it has been used for private receptions and cultural initiatives, maintaining its vocation for hospitality.
In 2025, the villa was reopened to the public following a conservative restoration of its façades.
Today, it is available for events, photo and film productions, exhibitions, and artistic projects.
Management is entrusted to Cecilia and Marina de Stefano di Ogliastro, who oversee its enhancement and opening to new forms of use.

Accessibility and Functional Features
Villa Cecilia is located in Agropoli (SA), a coastal town in the Cilento National Park, well served by rail transport (including high-speed train stops) and connected to the airports of Salerno (approx. 35 km) and Naples (approx. 110 km).
The property is situated at Via San Marco 63, in a panoramic position overlooking the sea.
The villa is equipped with autonomous heating, Wi-Fi connection, Vietri ceramic flooring on the ground floor, and an indoor capacity of approximately 70/80 seated guests (up to 100 standing).
Parking is available in the immediate vicinity.