distance from Sorrento: 8 miles by boat.

The island of Capri, a huge calcareous mass, rises from the Gulf of Naples from the crystalline waters, not far from La Punta Campanella. It’s surface area consists of only about 10 km square, and is divided between the towns of Capri, and Anacapri. For centuries the island has been the popular vacation spot for poets, musicians, and all kinds of famous people. The successful tourist tradition of Capri, commonly called the “blue island,” dates back to antiquity. Two of the Roman Empires’ most famous emperors, Tiberius and Augustus, chose this island as their holiday getaway because of it’s mild climate and breathtaking landscapes. Much of Roman nobility followed the example of their emperors since the first century B.C.. For centuries, Capri has been the second home of writers like Norman Douglas, Massimo Gorkij, Jacques d’Adelsward Fersen, Curzio Malaparte, Oscar Wilde, Alexander Dumas, Hans Christian Andersen and Compton Mackenzie and also the famous Swedish  doctor Axel Munthe.

THINGS NOT TO MISS:

Villa Jovis also called Tiberius’ villa. A magnificent structure, it stands on top of Monte Tiberio. From this imperial summer villa, also known as “Salto di Tiberio,” one can admire an incomparable landscape.

Palace by the Sea and Tiberius’ baths. Of great archaeological value, this palace became the favourite residence of emperor Augustus.

Certosa di St. Giacomo (Monestary of St. Giacomo). Built in 1374 according to Giacomo Arucci’ s will, who was the secretary of queen Giovanna I D’ Angiò, it represents the most well known example of Capri style art. Inside this building one can admire the overlapping of architectural styles succeeded over the centuries as a result of various restorations, which were done after the Ottoman invasions and when it became a prison. This church shows many interesting architectural aspects, such as the vaulted ceiling known to be typical medieval style, the portal with bas-reliefs, were made in 1300, and there are some seventeenth-century frescos. There are also two cloisters, one is small and preserves Roman and Byzantine capitals, the other is bigger and was built a century later. The refectory of the Certosa has in it the Museum Diefenbach with works of the German painter and some statues from Roman period which were found inside the Blue Grotto.

Chiesa di St. Costanzo. This church, built in Byzantine style, stands near Marina Grande and is dedicated to the patron saint of the island.

Chiesa di St. Michele. Located in Anacapri, this church represents a typical example of Byzantine architecture. It’s spanish tiled floor was created by Ignazio Chiaiese and represents the Garden of Eden.

Castello Barbarossa. Also located in Anacapri, it takes its name from the pirate Kair-ed-Din, who in 1534  sacked the island.

The Faraglioni. They are cliffs, detached from the island as a result of sea erosion. They represent to the world the symbol of the island of Capri. Here there is still a small colony of rare blue lizards.

The Blue Grotto. It is another important symbol of the island of Capri where visitors can appreciate the spectacular show offered by the rich variety of the colours of the seabed and of the grotto that one can access by boat through a narrow entrance.

Il Belvedere di Tragara. A splendid panoramic view including the Faraglioni.

USEFUL INFORMATION AND USEFUL NUMBERS

By sea: One can reach the port of Marina Piccola by hydrofoil or a ferry, or one may rent a boat.

Town police : tel. 0818370167

Taxi: tel. 0818376657

Post offices: via Roma 50, Capri – viale De Tommaso 8/a, Anacapri

Tourist office: Via P. Serafino Cimmino 1, tel. 0818370424 – Via Marina Grande, tel. 0818370634 – Piazza Umberto I 1, tel. 0818370686