In the north of Salento, Vincent Brunetti created his house-museum that seems like a corner of fairyland
The small town of Guagnano, in the province of Lecce, is the hometown of Vincent Brunetti. So this is where the artist decided to create what he defines as a “rural palace and city of art and a place of psychic relaxation.” Known as the ‘Parc Güell‘ of Salento, its name is ‘Vincent’s Hermitage’, or ‘Eremo di Vincent’, in Italian.
Vincent, the ‘Southern Dragonfly’, is a renowned painter and sculptor who trained at the Milanese Brera Academy. During his 20-year stay in the Lombard capital, thanks to his outstanding artistic merits, he won the prestigious Ambrogino d’Oro. Susequently, he decided to return to his hometown to realize the incredible work of art that became his house-museum. The location is appreciated for its explosion of colors and its eccentricity. It is The result of a successful artistic experiment. Inside it, there are countless wonderful mosaics, paintings, and statues. And the artist is proud to point out that his imaginary city was created mostly using recycled materials.
Vincent’s hermitage is one of the must-see places to visit during your holidays in Salento
Originally a votive church in the Salento countryside, the structure has been transformed year after year. Eventually, by the mid-1990s, it had transformed into a house-museum whose works are in continuous progress. As soon as you cross the threshold, you enter an almost fairy-tale world. The mosaics that cover every surface are the work of the artist Orodè Deoro, however, all the paintings are by Vincent. But there are also statues of all kinds including Madonnas, cherubs, snails, elephants, donkeys, and a reproduction of Michelangelo’s David. Vincent combined his own works, those of other artists, and copies of well-known artworks. Moreover, you will come across decontextualized items, large and small staircases, and small doors opening into the most unlikely rooms.
A delight for children and adults alike, Vincent’s hermitage is one of the must-see places to visit during your holidays in Salento.
Ilona Catani Scarlett
Photo Credits: Sara Corradi