Since its opening in 1994, Anema e Core has been more than just a venue. It has become a landmark for both locals and tourists, a place where music, dance, and joy blend to create a unique atmosphere, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Capri.
With the torch passed to Gianluigi Lembo, Guido’s son, Anema e Core has continued to grow and solidify its success, thanks to its ability to welcome everyone with warmth and cheer. It is in this spirit of hospitality and passion for Caprese tradition that the restoration project was conceived, giving new life to the venue without compromising the essence that made it famous.
Designed and realized by architect Francesco Della Femina, a native of Capri, the primary goal of the restyling was to renew the venue, improving the functionality of the spaces and updating the furnishings and finishes, while still preserving the characteristics that made Anema e Core legendary. The Lembo family, the clients, were very clear: they wanted a restoration that respected the venue’s tradition, but at the same time made it more modern and welcoming for today’s audience.
The architect who oversaw the project had to face an important challenge: maintaining the unique atmosphere of the venue, a place that is not just a restaurant, but a social and cultural experience. The solution was a targeted intervention that kept intact the most emblematic areas, such as the entrance staircase and the central room flooring, while also introducing new solutions to improve the distribution of internal spaces, the bar area, and the service areas.
One of the most significant interventions concerns the bar area, one of the central elements of the tavern. The restyling created a visual continuity between the main bar and a newly raised area that houses a second bar. This new space not only improves the functionality of the venue but also adds a surprising visual effect, with the new bar characterized by a three-dimensional geometric surface made of bronzed brass.
Another crucial area of the project was the ceiling of the central room. The goal was to hide the visible air conditioning units, which could be seen in the photos of the venue, creating a more harmonious and photogenic environment. The result is a ceiling adorned with luminous graphics referencing the famous “Anema e Core Capri” sign, which has become a symbol of the venue.
Another feature of the restoration was the choice of materials and finishes. The project focused on natural materials and handcrafted work, such as natural walnut wood, forged iron, bronzed brass, and glass mosaics, which evoke the traditional taverns of Capri, but with a modern and elegant approach.
The color palette was carefully selected to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Shades of beige and brown alternate to create contrast, with white accents on the ceilings and moldings, while the walls were treated with a plaster that combines rustic charm and elegance, enveloping the space in a visual embrace that invites conviviality.
Every detail has been designed to enrich the visitor’s sensory experience, from the design of the furniture, with restored tables and stools and new custom-designed pieces, to the choice of appliqués and chandeliers, all made to measure by local artisans. Each element has been crafted to create an environment that, while remaining true to Caprese tradition, can accommodate an increasingly sophisticated audience without losing the charm of a place that has made the island’s history.
The restoration of Anema e Core goes beyond just an aesthetic renovation; it reflects a true philosophy of hospitality, which has always been the venue’s soul. The final result is a perfect balance between the old and the new, between the past that makes the venue an icon and the future that propels it toward new challenges and successes.
The reopening of the venue was enthusiastically welcomed by loyal customers and new guests, who found a renewed environment while still preserving the magic that makes it special. The greatest satisfaction, however, came from the clients themselves, the Lembo family, who expressed their appreciation for the work done with a heartfelt thank you: “Thank you for carrying out this project with ‘anema e core,'” an homage that encapsulates the essence of this extraordinary restoration.
CREDITS
Project: Anema e Core
Studio: Francesco Della Femina
Year: 2024
Location: Capri, Italy
Photo: Dario Borruto
