Everlasting Sunlight at Villa Girasole, Italy’s Rotating House
Located near Verona of Northern Italy, this unique piece of architecture was named after the sunflower. Designed and owned by architect Angelo Invernizzi, the project was completed in 1935 after four years of construction. The structure of the house is rotating using a special mechanism on a turntable. It follows the movements of the sun and allows much sunlight into the home throughout the day.
The idea behind this house was conceived during a time, when it was believed that the sun’s rays provided many health benefits and helped to heal diseases such as tuberculosis. Invernizzi, who was formerly a railway engineer, used his knowledge of railroad turntable mechanisms to construct the home. The house consists of two two-story wings, which have several rooms built within them. They rotate with the help of railcar wheel mounts, powered by diesel motors.
Occupants of the house can easily rotate the house as they wish using a built-in switch.
Creating this piece of architectural genius was not an easy task. Invernizzi had to quickly adapt and change construction materials, as cracks began to form along the structure caused by vibrations of the rotating mechanism. Nevertheless, the end product was a fantastic achievement. Invernizzis family was able to enjoy the warm sunny rays all day. The house served as a unique summer retreat, which attracted all sorts of visitors. It came equipped with a concrete swimming pool, a tennis court as well as a bountiful garden. The lush countryside greenery surrounds the home, creating a great view of the landscape at any time of the day.
Despite being built in the mid-1930’s, Villa Girasole still receives many visitors. So, if you’re in town and are in need of a little sunlight, you know exactly where to go.
Address: Via Mezzavilla, 1, 37036 Marcellise VR, Italy
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Villa Il Girasole, Via A. Forti 3/A, Marcellise, San Martino Buon Albergo, Verona, Italy
- Coordinates
- 45.4609279, 11.1042108
- Access
- Visits are guided, follow a fixed route, and must be booked for a date offered by the Foundation. The Foundation describes the current visit as access to an active restoration site, not a furnished museum. It says free parking is about 300 metres from the entrance. Confirm arrangements before travelling.
- Admission
- The Foundation’s live booking page lists an €18 contribution per person; children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Confirm the amount and available date in the booking calendar.
- Time needed
- The Foundation estimates about two hours for the fixed-route guided visit, led by an art historian and a specialist.
- Best season
- The Foundation does not recommend a particular season. Choose from dates actually offered in its booking calendar; the current visit takes place during restoration work.
- Opening hours
- No daily walk-in opening hours are published. Entry is by advance booking on dates offered in the Foundation’s guided-visit calendar; confirm availability and details directly before travelling.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-15
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-15
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