Capri

Capri has not always been an island, in the past it was united to the Sorrento peninsula and to confirm it there are not only geological evidences but also important findings of mammoth bones and other animals unable to swim. The artifacts that came to light dating back to the Stone Age also indicate that the island was already inhabited by the Neolithic.

With the Greek colonization of the Gulf of Naples the island saw the settlement of some Greek communities that, however, did not match the splendors of nearby Pithecusa, (Ischia), nor did they have a significant role. The cliffs that surround the island were definitely the nightmare of the sailors and some believe that the famous island of the mermaids sung by Homer was just Capri. Enchanting monsters, according to Homer, the mermaids pushed the sailors towards the rocks and then towards the ruin but already in Roman period the literary version did not convince everyone, The Latin Grammatic Servio Mario Onorato suggests that to "Capreae" it was the prostitutes to enchant the sailors and to send them economically to ruin.

With the Roman Empire the entire area of the Gulf of Naples becomes a very important tourist destination, (paralleled to the Côte d'Azur today) and the island lives a period of glory thanks to the Emperor Augustus who decided to build his villa where he spent his moments of idleness. The passion for the island also infected the successor Tiberius who worried by possible murderous conspiracies chose Capri for its difficult accessibility that made it a real natural fortress.

During the Middle Ages Capri is part of the possessions of Naples but being exposed to the continuous sackings of Saracen passes into the hands of the Amalfi at the will of the emperor Ludovico II who had them as allies in the war of containment of pirates.

The Angevin period first and then Spanish they see the island martyred by the continuous Saracen aggressions and this pushes both the inhabitants to move to Anacapri in order to better defend themselves. After Dragut's plundering of the Charterhouse, Emperor Charles V granted the inhabitants the right to turn armed and had new defensive towers built.

With the collapse of the Saracen power thanks to the conquest of North Africa by the French, the island found a little peace. Jean Jacques Bouchard was the first modern tourist and his diary published in 1850 constitutes a mine of information on the island.

Important strategic base the island of Capri was first occupied by French troops during the Napoleonic wars then conquered by the English who made it a real fortress and then again occupied by Murat.

With the restoration and return of the Bourbons Capri loses its strategic-military role to become a privileged destination of the Gran Tour and one of the strengths of the tourist offer bell.

ISLAND OF CAPRI 2017 OBSERVED BY DRONE ---- Isle of Capri observed by a drone

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Video by Diego Ciciliati

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Villa Jovis: Built on Mount Tiberius was the villa residence of Emperor Tiberius. Its location is strategic and allows you to observe Ischia, the Gulf of Salerno and the Gulf of Naples.

Natural arch: rocky complex that the erosion pierced giving him the shape of an arch. It can only be reached on foot following some paths

The gardens of Augustus: botanical gardens where you can admire different ornamental plants

Palace in the Sea: remains of a Roman villa

Felci Cave: is located on Mount Solaro and has a great historical importance because inside have been found finds that prove the human presence on the island since the Neolithic period. The finds found in the cave are visible in the museum of the island, in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and in the Museum of Anthropology of the University of Naples.

Church of San Costanzo: dedicated to the patron saint of Capri is one of the oldest churches on the island and according to some it would date back to the fifth century. He held the role of cathedral of the diocese of Capri until 1560

Certosa di San Giacomo: the oldest monastery of Capri and was built in the fourteenth century. Several times plundered by the Saracen pirates the monastery always resources until Murat confiscated it to make it a barracks then a hospice, then became an exile for opponents. Currently the complex is used as a museum and is dedicated to the German painter Karl Diefenbach.

The faraglioni: three rocky complexes that rise from the sea and on which the blue lizard dwells. their name comes from pharos, (lighthouse), because in antiquity fires were lit on dangerous rocks. The faraglione "Saetta" is 109 meters high and still has a connection with the mainland, the faraglione "Scopolo" is 104 meters high and the faraglione "Stella" (the one with the hole in the center), is 81 meters high.

Church of Santo Stefano: is the largest church in Capri and was the cathedral of the diocese until 1818

Church of St. Anne: small church located in the middle of the medieval town contains some interesting fourteenth century frescoes

Blue Grotto: It is a characteristic element of the island of Capri and is certainly as well known as the island of Capri itself. The opening that allows access is partially below the sea level and the light that penetrates gives to the waters of the suggestive games of colors tending to blue.

Castle Barbarossa: Impressive fortress located 412 meters above sea level. An important element of the island's defenses was conquered and destroyed by the fearsome Saracen pirate Barbarossa. Built probably in the 9th century today only ruins remain. Currently the castle is home to the ornithological station of Capri as migratory birds stop on Mount Solaro during their journey to Africa.

Church of Santa Sofia: Monumental church of 1595 located in Anacapri

Church of Santa Maria in Constantinople: monumental church of Anacapri

Coastal fortini of Anacapri: Military structures designed to defend the island from attacks by sea. Initially born as watchtowers were destroyed by the Saracen pirates and then rebuilt during the Napoleonic wars by the French or English who alternated on the island. The ancient restored forts are an ecomuseum and can be reached thanks to a pleasant path.

Address: P.tta Ignazio Cerio, 5 - Capri
Telephone: 081 8376681
Website:

Photo of Capri

Photo of the island of Capri

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  Island view from the sea

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  Natural Arch

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  Wonderful Grotto

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  Green Grotto

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  Panorama with faraglioni

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  Capri at sunset

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  Capri tunnel of lovers

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