Giorgio Armani discovered a tranquil retreat on Pantelleria, where volcanic dammusi have represented Mediterranean living since 1981. Pantelleria, a volcanic island between Sicily and Tunisia, is defined by its scrubland, strong winds, and dammusi—homes built from lava stone and lime cement. Giorgio Armani formed a close connection with Pantelleria in the 1980s, choosing it as his summer retreat and shaping its elegant, understated vibe. Spanning 84 km², Pantelleria is often called the 'daughter of the winds'—Bent al Rīaḥ in Arabic. Powerful gusts from the Mediterranean Sea have influenced both the character and landscapes of the island. Situated approximately one hundred kilometres from Sicily, the island features a landscape where buildings constructed from volcanic stone integrate with the natural surroundings.
The renowned Italian designer passed away in September 2025, leaving a place that mirrors his understated style and love of quiet. He described Pantelleria with the adjective’s barren, surly, and rugged during an interview with Vogue. Over time, the island became a place he referred to as his "materialised elsewhere," serving both as inspiration for his work and as a destination where he could take a break from city life. The dammusi, which are cubic houses with domed roofs, were designed to collect rainwater, maintain cool temperatures indoors, and resist strong winds. Giorgio Armani initially approached the dammusi with some hesitation due to the challenging environment but later came to appreciate their distinct qualities. In 1981, he purchased three abandoned dammusi in the Cala Gadir cove. He contacted Gabriella Giuntoli, an architect from Pantelleria, to oversee the restoration of the buildings. The Pantelleria Airport has now announced that it will honor Giorgio Armani by renaming its airport after him.
The volcanic stone walls help keep the interior cool, while the white roofs offer insulation from the sun. Inside, the furniture—whether vintage, designer, or from Armani/Casa—is characterised by simple design using natural materials and clean lines. The intention was to create a private retreat rather than a display space. Vegetation surrounds the houses, including cypresses, prickly pears, jasmine, palm trees originally from Sicily, and various types of cacti growing across the rocky ground. Armani has established a Mediterranean-style garden that has been carefully maintained over the years and is recognised within the village. There is also a swimming pool with clear water, bordered by stone and shaded areas, providing a place to cool off.
The launch of Acqua di Giò in 1996 was inspired by the landscape of Pantelleria, incorporating elements such as dry vegetation, marine, and citrus notes to reflect the environment. Another fragrance, Cyprès de Pantelleria from the Armani Privé line, is dedicated to the trees found in the island's gardens. Both fragrances aim to represent aspects of Pantelleria in their composition. Armani did more than reside in Pantelleria—he supported the community by funding cinema restoration, providing hospital equipment, and upgrading the water system. As an honorary citizen, he was respected beyond his business reputation. Today, Pantelleria is a popular destination, with Armani’s influence evident in its architecture and landscape. His legacy endures in the island's unique character.
Write a comment