How to Visit Vincent City in Puglia
Last Updated on 8th October 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau
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Explore one of Puglia’s hidden gems. A chaotic, yet fabulous and eccentric house museum created by artist, Vincenzo Maria Brunetti. Also known as Vincent’s Eremo or Vincent’s Hermitage, this brainchild, Alice in Wonderland-like palace is nestled in swathes of olive trees and found in Guagnano, where the artist was born. Here’s your guide on how to visit Vincent City!
What and where is Vincent City?
Vincent City is an inspiring playground that can only be summed up as an extraordinary piece of art. Undoubtedly one of Puglia’s best-kept secrets (though it certainly deserves the recognition) Vincent City is the living home and museum of local born artist, Vincenzo Maria Brunetti.
The ever-expanding house-museum is located in the countryside of Guagnano, a small town northwest of the city of Lecce. Though Vincenzo has no neighbours, instead Vincent City lies tucked away along the roadside somewhere between Taranto and Lecce, hidden in the sun drenched fields of the Apulian region.
In a world where art, religion and nature have been fused, Vincent’s Hermitage feels somewhat akin to Antony Guadì’s Parc Güell in Barcelona.
A history of Vincent City
The history of Vincent City can be traced back to the 90s when Vincent Brunetti acquired an ordinary home. Since being in his possession, it has been an ever-expanding explosion of colour and creativity, quite the contrast to the local traditional architecture of Guagnano.
Indeed, at one point in time, the local authorities tried to stop the notable painter and eccentric from making any more outward expressions with his home, believing it to interrupt the landscape. However, undeterred Vincent somehow managed to convince them to let him continue his passion project.
For over 30 years, the artist has created an inspiring playground. His hermitage is a force of creativity, where dreamlike visions, religious depictions and a strong influence from the hippie culture can be found in the form of mosaics, statues, and paintings.
No matter where the eye is drawn, you’ll likely find it wandering away to the next part, as there’s so much to see here. Even upon arrival, you’ll find yourself staring at the facade for some time!
Vincent is one of Salento’s many colourful characters and has become somewhat of a local celebrity. His world and visions open up a new perspective, and the philosophy of life he holds is conveyed both through his art and the way he shows love for all things colour. In a recent interview, he emphasised his joy for disco music (which stands testament to the design of Vincent City, one big festival of art!)
How to visit Vincent City
Although Vincent City is a private residence, the artist has opened up this surreal chaos to visitors. It’s completely free to visit, though donations are always appreciated. There’s a small car park where you can stop in, and if you’re lucky you may even be greeted by the artist himself, who is known to have given tours around the whacky wonderland.
Although there’s so much crammed into this residence, you’ll likely only need 20 minutes or so to wander around and enjoy the artistic expression here. When visiting, you’ll probably find that you have the place to yourself as it truly is one of Puglia’s most hidden gems!
In terms of opening times, there’s no obvious information online, and I think Vincent himself opens when and as he pleases. As such, I recommend trying to visit during day time hours for the best chance of getting a peek inside.
While Vincent holds the name and title of the home, another artist painted his mark on this wonderful site. The Apulian artist Orodè Deoro lived in Vincent City for five years, during which time he meticulously crafted and designed the majority of mosaic work that covers the surfaces of the house museum.
Orodè Deoro was born in the nearby city of Taranto, and plenty of his work adorns the walls of Vincent City, making the artistic paradise what it is today. And so, a visit to Vincent City allows visitors to experience the workings of two creative minds of the Puglia region!
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