Amazing Dolphin Island (Li Galli). The island of ballet star Rudolf Nureyev is for rent The island of Rudolf Nureyev in Italy

Li Galli Islands, Amalfi Coast, Italy. Beauty, a true masterpiece of nature.

Li Galli, also known as Le Sirenuse, is a small island archipelago.

The name Sirenuse comes from the mythological sirens who, according to legend, lived on the islands in ancient times.

They say, in ancient times on Li Galli lived the Sirens, the most famous of whom were Parthenope, Lycosia and Ligeia. One of them played the lyre, the other the flute, and the third sang. In the 1st century BC. they were mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo. In ancient times, sirens were described as creatures with the bodies of birds and the heads of women, and in the Middle Ages they turned into mermaids. By the way, the modern name of the archipelago - Li Galli - is related to the bird-shaped bodies of the sirens, since it means “chicken”.

In 1919, the island was seen by Leonid Massine, a Russian choreographer and dancer, who three years later bought it and began turning it into a private residence. First of all, Massine restored the Aragonese Tower and turned it into an inn with a dance studio and an open-air theater. Unfortunately, this theater was destroyed during a storm. Also, Massine, with the help of designer Le Corbusier, built a villa on Gallo Lungo, from the bedrooms of which there was a wonderful view of Positano. There were also huge terraced gardens overlooking the cape of Punta Licosa and the island of Capri.

After Massine's death The island was acquired by another Russian dancer in 1988 - Rudolf Nureyev, who spent the last years of his life here. He refurnished the villa in Moorish style and decorated the interiors with tiles from Seville. After Nureyev's death, in 1996 the island was bought by Giovanni Rossi, a hotel owner from Sorrento, who turned the villa into a hotel.

Photo: www.cluboktravel.com

The fabulous islands of the small Li Galli archipelago are located near the resort town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The three islands called Gallo Lungo, Rotunda and Castelletto have a long history and have been described in legends since the times of the Roman Empire. According to mythology, it was here that the sirens ruled, a meeting with whom almost became fatal for Odysseus and his companions. When this prey eluded them, the sirens rushed into the sea in despair and turned into rocks. This is the Li Galli archipelago.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, the legends were forgotten, and the islands, not very suitable for living and swimming, ceased to interest anyone. Until in 1917, Sergei Diaghilev and dancer Leonide Massine arrived in Positano, a fishing village near Naples, in company with Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. They visited these islands, and Massine liked the privacy of the islands and the views so much that he already decided that someday he would make Li Galli his home.

A few words about Leonid Myasin. Name L.F. Massine, whose work occupies a significant place in the history of world ballet of the 20th century, is not very widely known in Russia. As a dancer, he began in the Bolshoi Theater troupe, from 1914 - in the ballet troupe of Sergei Diaghilev, and performed in Russian Seasons.

Leonid Myasin made his debut as a choreographer in the troupe of Diaghilev's Russian Ballet, where he staged such famous ballets as "Women in a Good Mood", "The Magic Shop", "Parade", "Cocked Hat", "Leap of Steel", etc. After Diaghilev's death, he headed The Russian Ballet of Monte Carlo has collaborated with many companies in America and Europe. It was around him that Diaghilev’s artists united after the death of the great impresario.

Lev Bakst. Leonid Myasin, 1914

Massine's performances became a model for the English national ballet that was emerging in the 30s. It was he who raised Italian ballet from the ruins. The first troupes of South America owe their best performances to him. And even in the USA, until the 50s of the last century, Massine was considered the most authoritative foreign choreographer, and not the famous Balanchine.

Sergey Sudeikin. Portrait of Leonid Massine in the ballet “The Legend of Joseph”

In his memoirs (Myasin L. My life in ballet / Surits E. - M.: Artist. Director. Theater, 1997) Myasin talks about his childhood, his years of study at the Theater School, about the people of art with whom he had the opportunity to work.

Pablo Picasso. Portrait of Leonid Myasin. 1919

The whole company came to Positano to see the miracle mill of Mikhail Semenov, Diaghilev’s friend from St. Petersburg and his chargé d’affaires in Italy. It was he who negotiated with the futurists about the decorations for the ballets, found rehearsal halls in Rome and drew up contracts so that the Ballets Russes company would not lose money. An adventurer and wit, Semenov fled to Italy from his rich wife. He wandered around the cities, from Rome to Naples, met artists, eked out a living by selling their paintings, and finally settled in Positano. I bought an old mill on the beach and turned it into a villa.

Mikhail Larionov. Massine and Diaghilev are resting (pen and ink). Private collection

In 1924, after several years of negotiations with local authorities, Massine managed to buy the islands. He was not rich at that time, nor did he become a rich man later, but he did not require large sums of money to purchase. Li Galli was just three rocky, bush-covered islands, or rather, one small island and two rocks jutting out of the sea nearby. However, the “crazy Russian” managed to inhabit the barren rocks. He laid out terraced gardens that cascaded down from the foot of the tower, and planted the deserted island with pine and cypress trees.

Massine settled on the largest island, Gallo Lungo. Although there was nowhere to live there, apart from the ruins of the Saracen observation tower.
Gradually, through the efforts of Massine, the Li Galli islands became his home for half a century, a refuge for him and his family, his creative laboratory, his office. It was here that he wrote his memoirs, “My Life in Ballet,” and it was here that he thought through his sparkling performances.

Leonid Massine on the island of Gallo Lungo

Thanks to his efforts, an electric generator, a large house for receptions (Villa Grande) and a small one for accommodating guests, as well as fountains, a garden, a vegetable garden and vineyards appeared on the island. The tower was restored, and dance classes and rooms for students were installed in it.

The only building on the island, the ruins of a 14th-century watchtower, was restored and reconstructed by Massine. He built apartments and a rehearsal room inside, decorated with columns made of Carrara marble.

Determined to spend as much time as possible on the island, the dancer came up with an activity for himself - a summer dance school. He even wanted to build a theater, but the foundation was washed away several times by the waves.

Years passed between work and quiet family life. In the mid-1930s, a friend, the architect Le Corbusier, came to visit Massine. Taking a professional look at the dancer’s property, he offered his assistance in remodeling the existing buildings and improving the island.

This is how a swimming pool with a fantastic view of the other two islands of the archipelago appeared on Gallo Lungo, and a modest guest house turned into an aristocratic villa. Snow-white inside, with only views from the windows as decoration, it was called the “White House”.

In 1938, Leonid Myasin separated from Evgenia Delyarova and married Tatyana Milishnikova (stage name Orlova). In 1941, their daughter Tatyana was born (in the future also a dancer, married to Baroness Stefan de Watsdorf), and in 1944 their son Leonid was born, who became a ballet dancer and choreographer, known under the name Lorca Massin (Massine).

Leonid Myasin with his daughter Tatyana

Since 1947, Leonid’s work was mainly associated with Europe. Massine starred in several films, including: "The Red Shoes", "The Tales of Hoffmann" (1951), "Carousel of Naples" (1954), together with Sophia Loren. He also worked as a choreographer for film productions.

Leonid Myasin in one of the films

In the last years of his life, Massine considered it his sacred duty to preserve Diaghilev’s legacy. In 1972, in an interview, he admitted: “I was too young when I met him to appreciate the significance and greatness of his figure. I should have listened to his every word, because he was always right.”
Leonid Myasin died on March 15, 1979 in the German city of Borken. Before his death, he wrote: “When I bought the island, I thought of it only as a quiet refuge from my busy activities. And only now I realized that it was a source of inspiration that led me to an unpretentious life that created a certain spiritual peace and serenity, which I could never find anywhere else."

After the death of Leonid Myasin in 1979, the family hesitated for some time whether to sell the island, but it was too difficult to maintain.
Fortunately, a worthy buyer was found. Leonide Massine Jr., whom everyone called Lorca, was then dancing at the Paris Grand Opera.

Leonid Massine with his son Lorca

The head of the ballet troupe, Rudolf Nureyev, admired his father’s work and persuaded his son to sell the island. “This place will inspire me,” said the dancer. He did not yet know that he was sick (he was diagnosed with HIV only in 1985) and would soon no longer be able to go on stage.

Rudolf Nureyev

Nureyev set about arranging the island with the same indomitable energy that was amazing in his dance. Massine's style seemed too ascetic to him, and he conceived a grandiose remodeling of the interiors. From all his trips, the dancer brought antique furniture and dishes.

The “White House”, the main villa and the tower turned into luxurious oriental palaces, bright and exuberant, like the scenery for his latest ballet “La Bayadère”. The walls are tiled, variegated in Moorish style, sometimes with Arabic script. On his orders, huge quantities of mosaics and ceramic tiles were brought to the island, which he personally looked through and chose what would be used to decorate the walls.

The Myasins' dining table has been preserved in the kitchen. The legs and frame are wooden, and the upper part is made of milky marble.

Nureyev, like Massine, wanted to “dedicate Galli to ballet.” “The island should come to life. Merce Cunningham and Glen Tetley (American choreographers), as well as dancers, could come here to study, develop choreography, and teach,” said Rudolph. He rehearsed his last roles in the hall of the watchtower and dreamed of holding dance evenings on the platform next to it. But Nureyev’s strength was leaving him. He increasingly came to Gully just to get away from people and bustle.

Numerous guests recall that the artist did not look like he was dying. He worked as long as he could, despite the cough and fever, was enthusiastically engaged in interior design, sunbathed and rushed around the island on a jet ski. Nureyev believed that the sun and work could cure him. They helped, but only for a while.

Rudolf Nureyev

After the dancer's death in 1993, the island, which formally belonged to the foundation named after him, was empty for several years. Hotel magnate Giovanni Russo bought the island in 1995 from the Nureyev Foundation. By that time, the Foundation had sold all the furniture at auction. So the new owner of Galli collected the heritage of the previous two bit by bit, at antique salons around the world.
Giovanni Russo, realized the old dream of Leonid Massine and Rudolf Nureyev about festivals on the islands of Li Galli. At the end of August 2014, the first music concerts and dances took place here, and then a small art seminar. All this took place as part of the annual festival “Positan Myth”. So the Russian tradition continues...

Sources of information and photos.

Li Galli Island Group familiar to everyone who has sailed on a yacht in the Gulf of Salerno. From the very morning, boats with romantic couples, sailboats with sparkling polished sides, and motorboats with tinted windows, whose owners prefer to stay away from prying eyes, flock here. Everyone is attracted by the clearest turquoise water, the view of Positano and something inexplicable that lies in these rocks, the outlines of which resemble a siren lying on the waves.

We probably have Odysseus to thank for this beauty. Mythical sweet-voiced predators lived on another island not far from Lee Galli, led a modest life and knew their craft - they lured sailors with songs, who, having lost their will, led ships straight onto the rocks and died.

When the cunning Odysseus filled the ears of his crew with wax and calmly walked past the sirens, they could not bear such neglect and drowned themselves in grief. Their bodies formed rocky islands.

Today boats cannot land at Lee Galli for another reason - this is private territory, and few people know that the islands are the most "Russian" corner of Italy.

At the end of the 1910s, a boat landed on the shore with the writer Mikhail Semyonov, who settled in, and his guests Sergei Diaghilev and the young choreographer Leonid Myasin, who later described his impressions as follows: “The islands belonged to the local Parlato family, who used them only for spring quail hunting . We took a boat and went to a gray rocky island, on which there was no vegetation except sun-scorched bushes. In the distance was the Gulf of Salerno, and the overall view along the sea was magnificent. To the south was Paestum, on the north side were the three high cliffs of the island of Capri. I felt that here I could find the solitude I needed if I gave up the debilitating pressures of my chosen career. I decided that one day I would buy Li Galli and make it my home.”

Negotiations with the Parlato family continued for several years, as numerous relatives could not agree on the price. When Massine finally acquired Li Galli in 1922, he was described as “that crazy Russian who bought a stone island where only rabbits can live.”

The local prefecture reported to Rome that “the purpose of the purchase of Massine could not be established. The islands are not suitable for anything." However, the choreographer had big plans - having restored the watchtower of the 14th century, he arranged apartments in it with a large rehearsal hall on the second floor, decorated with columns of Carrara marble, with a Siberian pine floor and a mezzanine for the quartet. Massine laid out terraced gardens with fruit trees and grapes and planted the deserted island with pine and cypress trees.

In 1937, the architect Le Corbusier visited Li Galli, whom Massine persuaded to take on the construction Villa Giovanni on the other end of the island. Since it was later rebuilt by several owners, today it is difficult to recognize signs of functionalism in its architecture, they are noticeable only in the layout of the rooms.

On the ground floor the architect placed technical rooms and a kitchen, on the second floor, overlooking Capri, - spacious living rooms and an office, and on the shady side with a view - bedrooms. Leonid Myasin spent 50 years to turn the desert into a paradise. He planned to make Li Galli the center of artistic life. His guests were many celebrities, including Cocteau, Picasso, Diaghilev, but Massine failed to fully implement his plans. The next owner in the late 1980s was Rudolf Nureyev.

Nuriev told journalists that he intends to found a ballet school here: “This is my island and the home of my whole life, which means even more to me than Paris. I always remember it, I think it needs to be changed or repaired. I want to keep Massine's furniture and souvenirs in the tower. The island must come to life. Merce Cunningham and Glen Talley, as well as dancers, could come here to study, develop choreography, and teach. I’ve already bought a lot of mattresses.” And at the same time: “I don’t want to accept anyone on the island until everything is in perfect order.”

At first Nuriev with zeal he began to arrange his possessions. He tiled the living rooms and bedrooms at Le Corbusier's villa with hexagonal Moroccan tiles and Turkish tiles and inscribed his name and an appeal to Allah in Arabic script above the entrance to the house, painted an Artmann cabinet grand piano, which was delivered here by helicopter - it remains in the same place to this day place. He also bought a gold-plated bathtub in Paris, which was delivered to the island dangerously swinging from a helicopter. However, the owner visited Li Galli only on short visits, and accomplished little in 2–3 days.

In those years, numerous boats came to the island, but mainly to see the legendary dancer. Nuriev even protested in the Italian press, demanding that they stop spying on him. However, journalists responded that the islands had been purchased, but not the sea.

Then the hot-tempered and eccentric Nuriev began to sunbathe and swim in what his mother gave birth to. Soon his health deteriorated greatly. Pietro, the island's caretaker for more than a quarter of a century, recalls Rudolf's last visit: “He arrived in August, it was very hot. But I broke out in a sweat at the mere sight of him: Nuriev was wearing a fur cape - he was shivering.” He came to say goodbye to Li Galli.

In 1984, HIV was discovered in the dancer’s blood. The disease progressed and Nureyev died from complications of AIDS on January 6, 1993, near Paris.

The new owner, hotelier from Sorrento Giovanni Russo, purchased the island in December 1994 from the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation. Much of the movable property - a magnificent collection of works of art and furniture - was sold at record prices at Christie's auctions in London and New York.

Rousseau managed to return only a few things to the island - torch holders at the entrance to the tower, an office and several mirrors. But the main thing is that he completed what the previous owners did not have time to finish: he put the garden in order, completely decorated the houses and built another, white villa.

With the help of his friend Nicoletta, he created an artistic interior. On the first floor in the watchtower there is a spacious kitchen and dining room, on the second, in the rehearsal room, there is a living room with a tiled fireplace and a collection of miniature replicas of yachts, from the Riva boat to the Russian river steamer Alexandria, purchased from a London antique dealer.

An old sea lantern is used as a lamp, and on the mezzanine there is a drum set: “I used to play the drums, but now I mostly make a terrible noise when I’m alone in the house, even the dogs run away,” Signor Russo jokes.

Villa Le Corbusier, whose azure walls rival the intensity of color with the sea outside the window, became a repository of rarities, such as an elephant saddle, adapted as a table, powerful binoculars from a warship, furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, mirrors in shell frames, coral bouquets, local ceramics and Murano glass. On the pair of bookcases there are two antique craters, probably belonging to Massine. An inspector from the Committee for Cultural Protection visits them once every six months to check the condition of the vases.

Hinting at his surname, Signor Russo says that he is the third Russian on this island: “I try to continue the tradition and preserve the spirit of the place. Without the Russians there would be nothing here, and I sincerely believe that the island belongs to Russia. As we usually say, we are not for sale, but you never know who will want to buy. Maybe a fourth Russian will appear with an offer that cannot be refused.”

For the first time in many years, the entire island can be rented for a week. Price on request- [email protected] Usually in the summer high season, the island costs 130 thousand euros per week. In other months, only 100,000 euros.

The islands of Li Galli, a few miles off the Amalfi coast, are called the Russian Islands. It was here that Leonid Massine, the main choreographer of the famous Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons,” conceived and created his ballets, dreamed of building a theater and establishing an art center. His plans did not have time to come true; the next owner of the archipelago was the outstanding Rudolf Nureyev, who built one of the villas - a stern, at first glance, tower, with warm interiors.
The golden time has come for a corner of paradise drowning in the turquoise sea. The most luxurious boats, ships and yachts with celebrities, actors, and friends of the eccentric dancer constantly surrounded the island. Luxurious receptions took place here, the legendary artist gathered famous guests, the brightest Hollywood stars sparkled with precious jewelry, swirled in clouds of impeccable dresses with the most worthy and outstanding figures of the last century. Later, the archipelago of three islands came under the management of the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation and a few years later was purchased by Mr. Giovanni Russo. The real owner laughs, hinting at his last name: “This is an island of Russians, and I also consider myself Russian!”…
An island with a rich history, impeccably beautiful and fully equipped - a true legend that continues to exist today. Once upon a time, mythical sirens lived on the rocky shores of the archipelago. Their sweet voices attracted sailors who died enjoying the unearthly beauty of the music. Dance, creativity, beautiful melodies live within these walls. But only a select few can enjoy this splendor. Mr. Russo does not allow anyone to photograph private property, publication of materials is prohibited, the island is protected from prying eyes and carefully preserved in the form in which it existed under its previous owners. I was honored to be invited to spend two days on the island and have the opportunity to create an exclusive report for my sophisticated friends...

Late sleep? No, I can't sleep and wake up early. Here, on the island, I feel the native and close Russian spirit, the presence of creativity, which permeated the walls and was forever preserved in every detail: antique interior items, in the intricate patterns of hand-painted mosaics, on the pages of books in an extensive library...
Birds chirp and waves whisper. I look out the open window and it takes my breath away. It is impossible to take your eyes off the azure color of the sea; it is impossible to believe that this is not a continuation of a dream, but a real reality! A fairy tale in which I will be the main character.
To go down and touch the surface of the sea is my only desire. Perhaps this is a mirage? And now it will dissolve, leaving a slight haze?
I quietly leave the room. In such a beautiful dream you can’t make noise, because you can disturb it. In the garden, through the foliage, I see a large glass table with vases of my favorite fruits, hot coffee and fresh pastries...
“Mila, just don’t open your eyes!” - I tell myself. And I continue my way to the sea surface, which turns out to be a pool with circulating sea water. I touch it and feel freshness.
Cool water washes my face and hands, and the understanding comes that my dreams are a real reality! Here, on the legendary island, you can forget about the good and the bad, about problems and successes, and completely dissolve in bliss, close your eyes and not think about nothing.
Next time I will take a dip in a jacuzzi or in the clear sea, I ask myself. And later I make a choice in favor of the sea. And now I have a fresh towel, a cup of fruit and a glass of cool water waiting for me. The wizards are watching me, their attention is very delicate. I didn't see any of them, but my every wish always came true. Sometimes even before I had time to think about it.
I explore the island like one of the books I found in a wonderful library. Rudolf Nureyev read it, and in the margins I notice quick pencil marks and comments. There are no comments about the island: there are comfortable hammocks and luxurious terraces everywhere, beautiful gardens and stunning views. The central white house, the Rudolf Nureyev tower, and a three-bedroom guest house - from the windows of each building you can watch the lights of Positano and Capri.
After the walk, friends come to me on a boat and we all go down to the laid table together, laughing and talking cheerfully. A homemade lunch awaits us: fresh fish caught right here in the crystal waters next to the island, homemade pasta and vegetables from the garden. One can only dream of such a diet! It’s simply impossible to imagine anything more “bio” and “organic”.
After lunch we don't think about what to do. A luxury yacht invites us on a journey! Cheerful Capri, romantic Positano, sunny Sorrento, loud Naples - any of the destinations will turn into an exciting adventure and give an unforgettable experience. Where to spend a fabulous evening? At least 15 Michelin restaurants are ready to welcome me with friends, and Mr. Russo invites me to the Tre Ville villa, which is located in Positano and is also his private property.
Surfing, scuba diving, sailing, motor boats and yachts - any type of sea recreation and sports is available on the island. Delicate staff organizes a new program every day - from yoga to yacht or helicopter excursions.
In the silence of the garden, a cozy church sparkles white, ready to welcome young people and lovers. It is impossible to imagine a more romantic place for a wedding! Ceremonies, exclusive festive events, anniversaries and weddings - any scenario will become unique and take on a very special character on a fabulous island.
This was my two days on the island! Now I’m ready to move mountains, my wings have grown and my body is filled with strength. Even the smile became different. This is how children smile in their sleep. Peaceful and happy.
If you also dream of an exclusive vacation in a completely unique place, where every desire will be anticipated, where beauty coexists with history, and a bright luxurious life with privacy and comfort, for you - connoisseurs of the best, I have good news! Mr. Giovanni Russo gave me the right to be his representative in Russia. He is very sensitive to the choice of guests and does not accept strangers, but I am glad for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to organize a vacation for my friends.
Send all questions about organizing holidays and events on the island to my address:
[email protected]














Symbols of the island - bright roosters








Sea water pool




Descent into the sea


Hammocks everywhere




Helipad


Snow White Church






Gordon, Mr. Russo's favorite, rings the bells


Me and Mr. Russo


Interiors of Villa Giovanni Russo




One of the bedrooms








Many cozy terraces




Everything is ready for lunch. All vegetables, fruits and fish are only from the island.




Homemade pasta...


and sauce


Mr. Russo's office


Rudolf Nureyev Tower




Entrance to the tower


View from the tower


Favorite sofa of Rudolf Nureyev


And his room




Kitchen tower


View of the island of Capri


Amazing mosaic


One of the rooms of the central house, each room has a different mosaic motif












Donatella Camporese and her gift to Giovanni Russo


Friends from Australia


Walk to the island of Capri, or along the coast to the luxurious town of Positano