sign in sign up
<<
Home , Amedeo Maiuri, Anacapri, Arco Naturale, Axel Munthe, Blue Grotto (Capri), Capri

GGUIDEUIDE TOTO THETHE AANCIENTNCIENT MMONUMENTSONUMENTS OFOF THETHE IISLANDSLAND OFOF CCAPRIAPRI

AZIENDA AUTONOMA DI CURA, SOGGIORNO E TURISMO OF THE ISLAND OF Index 2 6 7 Muro greco 7 Scala fenicia 8 10 Villa di Damecuta 12 Villa Jovis. 15 Villa di Gradola - Grotta Azzurra 16 Grottoes and nymphaea 16 Grotta di Matermania 17 Grotta del Castiglione 17 Grotta dell’Arsenale 18 Detailed studies 19 Museums and libraries

For up-to-date information on monument opening hours and itineraries, please contact Information Offices of Azienda Autonoma di Cura, Soggiorno e Turismo of the Island of Capri: Capri, - tel. +39 0818370686 Villa di Damecuta. Marina Grande, banchina del Porto - tel. +39 0818370634 , via Giuseppe Orlandi - tel +39 0818371524 www.capritourism.com Guide produced by OEBALUS ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE ONLUS Via San Costanzo, 8 - Capri www.oebalus.org with the collaboration of SOPRINTENDENZA ARCHEOLOGICA DELLE PROVINCE DI NAPOLI E CASERTA Ufficio scavi Capri, via Certosa - Capri tel. +39 0818370381 Texts by EDUARDO FEDERICO (history) Grotta di Matermania. ROBERTA BELLI (archaeology) CLAUDIO GIARDINO (Grotta delle Felci) Photographs by MARCO AMITRANO UMBERTO D’ANIELLO (page 1) MIMMO JODICE (back cover) Co-ordination ELIO SICA Translations by QUADRIVIO Printed by Scala fenicia. SAMA Via Masullo I traversa, 10 - Quarto (NA) www.samacolors.com GUIDE TO THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS OF THE ISLAND OF CAPRI

AZIENDA AUTONOMA DI CURA, SOGGIORNO E TURISMO OF THE ISLAND OF CAPRI History Although rather poorly document- independent island history. ed by ancient authors, the history The history of Capri between the of Capri involves many characters 4th millennium BC and the 8th cen- of notable importance. The island tury BC - from the Neolithic until was frequently despoiled and plun- the founding of the Greek colony Capri from Punta Campanella dered, however, so far no system- of (halfway through the 8th atic archaeological research has century BC) - shows that the island been carried out. was part of an extensive system of maritime communications. The Palaeolithic In fact, excavation of Grotta delle Evidence of human inhabitation of Felci has revealed imported the island of Capri dates back to ceramics and much use of a the Lower Palaeolithic (approxim- volcanic glass (obsidian) not Lithic industry from Quisisana. ately 400,000 years ago). In fact, naturally found on Capri (Capri is “” Museum. excavation of the area near the not a volcanic island) - proof that a Hotel Quisisana in 1905 unearthed network of connections with the articles made in stone and the Pontine archipelago and the Eolie remains of continental fauna Islands existed as far back as the 4th (including elephas antiquus) - proof millennium BC. that Capri was once joined to the It is difficult to establish the living mainland peninsula. conditions of the indigenous in- habitants of the island prior to the Remains of a bear (Ursus spelaeus). From the Neolithic to the arri- founding of the Greek colony of “Ignazio Cerio” Museum. val of the Greeks Cumae as no archaeological find- Situated approximately 5 kilo- ings indicating the role of the metres off Punta Campanella in a Italic community before and after strategic position at the southern the arrival of the Greeks have yet entrance to the Gulf of , been discovered. Capri broke away from the main- land to become an island approx- The name “Capri” imately 10,000 years ago. The name of the island derives Mammoth tooth (Mammuthus chosaricus). Since then conditions have led to from the name of its oldest Italic “Ignazio Cerio” Museum. the development of a completely inhabitants - known to the Greeks 2 as Kaprie and Kapréai and to the The island was certainly occupied Romans as Capreae. Linguistic in the 7th century BC by the analysis refutes the Greek origin of Greeks of Cumae and used as a sta- the place name and considers the tion from which to control the name “Capri” to derive from the traffic of the . The language of the ancient Italic island of and Punta populations who settled in the area Campanella were also occupied and of the Gulf of Naples. The name the same period also saw the Detail of the Greek Wall. makes reference to the goats (capre) founding of settlements such as which formed a characteristic Partenope and . aspect of the island landscape while Becoming part of the colony of the identifying an important feature of Greeks of Cumae in the 7th century the economy of the non-Greek BC, Capri gradually saw Greek community - goat farming, one of communities settle alongside the the few possible means of susten- indigenous population, although ance in an area with no space for the island continued to be known crop cultivation and frequent water by its Italic name. shortages. The mentions the existence of two ancient cities Pre-Roman Capri which eventually become one Part of a network of systematic single conglomerate. Funeral inscription in Greek. maritime contacts since the The role and the function of the Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica. Neolithic, the island of Capri was Greek community of Capri was surely known to the commercial reflected in a story by traffic (Greek, Aegean and according to which the island was Oriental) which preceded and inhabited by the Teleboans, a accompanied the founding and mythological population of Greek confirmation of the Greek colony pirates. The use of pirate fleets to of Cumae. However, although control maritime movements archaeological documentation encouraged the hypothesis that the much light on these pre- specific function of the Greeks on colonial traffic flows with regard to the island of Capri was to control the island of Ischia, little or maritime traffic in the Gulf on nothing is known about the island behalf of the city of Cumae. Fragment of terracotta head (3rd - 1st century BC). of Capri. As from the 5th century BC, the “Ignazio Cerio” Museum. 3 Greeks of Cumae left the island the villas of Capri with the bones and Capri came under the juris- of prehistoric animals and articles diction of the Greek city of from ancient times - items prob- Neapolis - the future Naples. ably found on Capri, given the importance of the island during and Capri prehistoric times, during the Bronze coin with the head of Augustus from Part of the territory of Neapolis, considerable building activity of Villa di Gasto (22-30 AD). Capri was a political dependent of the himself. Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica. the city until the arrival of As the private property of the Octavian - the future Emperor imperial family, the island’s social Augustus. and economic fabric underwent Strabo recounts that in the years considerable change. In fact, following the battle of Actium (31 ancient inscriptions show the pres- BC), Octavian was so enchanted ence of both emancipated slaves with Capri that he gave the and statesmen following the Neapolitans the island of Ischia in Emperor. exchange for his favourite island, However these social and economic making this latter his private changes were not accompanied by property and beginning large-scale any transformation of the cultural building work. profile. In fact, many inscriptions However, although the island of show that the Greek language con- Altar dedicated to Cerere belonging to Hotel Capri remained the Emperor’s tinued to be used up until the 4th Palatium. Capri, Soprintendenza favourite destination until his century AD. Archeologica. death in 14 AD, it never became his home. on Capri History records the close relation- Unlike Augustus, Tiberius made ship between Augustus and the the island of Capri his stable home island, its inhabitants and its tradi- for the whole decade between 27 tions. In fact, tells of the AD and 37 AD - the year of his Emperor’s habit of participating in death at Misenus. parties organized by the island’s The story of Tiberius’ cruelty and youth and promoting an institu- turpitude on Capri - a story which tion - the ephebia - of clearly Greek has had much success in stimulat- Portrait of the mother of Tiberius. “Ignazio Cerio” Museum. origin. Suetonius also confirms ing the imagination of tourists ever Augustus’ interest in decorating since from the 19th century - was 4 considerably influenced by his considered by Suetonius as places opponents (particularly the for the outlet of Tiberian lust). Senatorial aristocracy) who showed their disapproval of his choice to Capri after Tiberius retire to Capri by inventing episodes With the death of Tiberius (37 of cruelty and licentiousness and AD), the ancient lost exaggerating and altering news interest in Capri, even though the from Capri to provide a real and island continued to be home to Lantern disc with ship from Villa di Gasto proper “noir”. Tiberius’ choice to imposing aristocratic villas for the (1st century AD). Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica. retire to the island obviously whole of the 1st century AD. coincided with a new policy As from the beginning of the 2nd according to which he was granted century AD, news of the island absolute power, cooperation with became rare with the only event of the Senate was terminated and major importance being the exile Capri was raised to the position of to Capri of the wife and sister capital of the empire. The historian (Crispina and , respectively) Fragment of lantern disc with erotic scene from - one of Tiberius’ many of Emperor in 182 Villa di Gasto (1st century AD). Capri, opponents - considered the AD. Soprintendenza Archeologica. Emperor’s retirement to Capri as The 3rd century AD was a dark an opportunity to pursue vices period for Capri, characterized by a cunningly hidden in . considerable fall in the standard of In clear disagreement with the living of the island community and Roman political scene, Tiberius notable social and cultural trans- focused his attention on the island formation (especially the slow Bronze theatre tile from Villa di Gasto (1st of Greek philosophers and spread of Christianity). BC – 1st AD). Capri, Soprintendenza Babylonian astrologers (one of the Despite having fallen to ruin Archeologica. most famous astrologers of ancient following centuries of neglect and times, Thrasyllus of , plundering, the island’s monu- lived on the island at the time), ments began to become an import- continuing the building policy ant tourist attraction in the 18th begun by Augustus (Tacitus century. attributes the construction of twelve In fact, Capri’s success as a tourist important villas to Tiberius) and resort began with the acknowledge- establishing nymphaea in various ment and enhancement of its Detail of sarcophagus of Crispina. Capri, ex- on the island (maliciously ancient monuments. hotel Grotte Bleue. 5 Grotta delle Felci ( of Ferns)

Situated on the south east coast of refined ceramics. the island, Grotta delle Felci provides Grotto of Ferns retained its sacred important archaeological evidence of role for the whole of the prehistoric prehistoric activity on Capri and in age as findings also included a large, Southern in general. precious flint dagger from the Grotta delle Felci. The first studies of the area by Aeneolithic age (3500-2300 BC) Ignazio Cerio at the end of the 9th and richly decorated century caused considerable stir in vases. the scientific community of the time. In fact, fragmented observation of the excavations showed that the sur- face layer contained both modern pottery and Roman and Bronze Age ceramics - a clear sign of uninter- rupted inhabitation of the site. Below surface level, other strata Sandstone pebble with anthropomorphic figure provided material from the Bronze (Neolithic). “Ignazio Cerio” Museum. Age (1700–1000 BC), while further down Neolithic (4000–3500 BC) findings were uncovered. Approximately six metres below these last layers, sandy and volcanic strata provided a fauna of cervids CAPRI. Take Via Roma from Piazza and ground molluscs, while clefts in Umberto I (the Piazzetta) and then follow the north west part of the cavern Via for approximately 300 were filled with rich Neolithic metres. tombs. Turn right into Via Grotta delle Felci. The obvious ritual function of The last stretch of the road becomes a foot- Neolithic ceramic vase. Grotta delle Felci was further path and the grotto is at the end. “Ignazio Cerio” Museum. emphasized by the finding of stone Wear clothing suitable for walking and amulets decorated with magical and avoid bad weather as there may be a danger religious depictions as well as highly of falling rocks.

6 Muro greco (Greek Wall) Stretches of the Greek Wall are once ran under the square and along incorporated into the back walls of the the ridge of the hill of Castiglione. houses which open onto Via Longano. The original date of construction is The large, irregular blocks of stone uncertain and the wall can only be were originally used to defend the vaguely defined as Pre-Roman due to ‘saddle’ of Capri between the hills of a lack of precise archaeological data S. Michele and Castiglione - an area and frequent rebuilding operations. completely lacking in natural protection. Today the only part of the CAPRI. It is possible to see stretches of the wall which still exists is the stretch wall incorporated in the walls of buildings running along the hill of S. Michele, from the right hand side of the upper terrace although documentation proves that it of the funicular. Scala fenicia (Phoenician stairway) Stretch of the Greek Wall Until 1874 the only means of com- and thus to attribute all pre-Greek munication between Capri and phenomena (such as place names or Anacapri was the Phoenician stairway archaeological findings such as this - a steep stairway cut out of the rock stairway) to this Oriental people. leading along the rocky ridge from The stairway was restored in 1998. Marina Grande near Palazzo a Mare to the rock of Capodimonte on Anacapri near MARINA GRANDE. Take Via Provinciale where it terminated at the Medieval Marina Grande from Piazza Vittoria (the city gates with a change in altitude of harbour). After the sports ground, climb to approximately 200 m. The date of the the right along Via Fenicia (uphill itiner- stairway is uncertain. ary). The strange name, Scala Fenicia, is in ANACAPRI. Take Viale from no way based on a real Phoenician Piazza Vittoria (the monument square) as presence on the island (of which no far as the ancient gate (downhill itine- evidence has ever been found) and is rary). probably due to the tendency of 18th CAPRI. Take Via Acquaviva from Piazza and 19th century scholars - especially Umberto I and then climb Via Provinciale Scala fenicia. in the Neapolitan area - to assume Marina Grande for 50 metres. Take Via that the Phoenicians were present in Marucella to the right and climb to the left the Mediterranean prior to the Greeks along Via Fenicia (uphill itinerary). 7 Palazzo a Mare

One of the most important Roman ing was transformed into an arms villas on Capri lies in the area station and fort. Building activity known as Palazzo a Mare. Covering has transformed the aspect of the a vast area from Punta Bevaro to original constructions so much Bagni di Tiberio beach, the villa that nothing remains of the ancient complex follows the typical Roman imperial abode but small stretches seaside villa plan which sees several of walls and terracing, a few buildings scattered over the area in reservoirs and occasional ruins of panoramic positions and surround- the residential quarters. ed by nature. Built by Emperor Furthermore a lack of detailed Augustus and later modified by study of these few remaining ele- Tiberius, in the 18th century the ments means no single overview of villa was plundered and looted by the complex is available, however the Austrian Hadrawa who took superficial analysis seems to show Palazzo a Mare area. flooring, capitals and marble slabs. that the foundations and water Villa di Palazzo a Mare underwent supply were constructed according further damage during the French to a single plan and cannot be occupation at the beginning of the attributed to different stages. 19th century when the central build- According to Maiuri, the modest

Altar dedicated to Ceres. Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica.

Ruins of Palazzo a Mare buildings. residential quarters lay in the area in the area where the old football of the fortress. Although the fort- ground now stands. A ramp with ress was later transformed into a marble steps at the centre led to a private villa, various elements of large seaside and the original villa such as reservoirs, . This area also includes a marble-covered impluvium several ponds, probably used for (trough for catching rainwater) and fish farming, as well as other remains of flooring can still structures such as a landing stage be recognized. Furthermore, many and an underground plant of the marble fragments belonging supplying the fish ponds. to the Bismarck collection were The area of the new football pitch almost certainly part of the decora- was probably a natural area. tion of the villa. Peplophóros. Detached sleeping quarters and Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica. areas for the enjoyment of natural beauty were constructed in a large MARINA GRANDE. Take Via Provinciale natural area alongside the residential Marina Grande from Piazza Vittoria as quarters, while a large xystus far as the sports ground and then take Via - in which the emperor was able to Palazzo a Mare until Bagni di Tiberio. take his daily walk - surrounded by The ruins of Roman walls can be seen all several small buildings was planted along the road.

Capital of pillar. Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica.

Opus reticulatum with brick layers.

The sea side area. Villa di Damecuta

The imperial Villa di Damecuta However, many of the ancient lies on the western side of the remains which came to the surface island. were tampered with or reused by In fact, although situated at differ- local labourers who did not hesitate ent heights, the three Roman vil- to destroy or sell many ancient las of Capri - Villa di Damecuta, columns and marble slabs. It is Villa Jovis and Villa di Palazzo a difficult to calculate the original Air view of the villa (photo by I - BUGA). Mare - occupy the whole of the extension of Villa di Damecuta as island’s coastline and provide a only a few buildings remain complete view of the Gulf of scattered along the edge of the Naples from Punta Campanella to rocky ridge, characterized by Ischia. imposing arched foundations. Famous for the discovery of Several areas of the largest complex ancient buildings and marble frag- remain, organized in a semicircular ments, Villa di Damecuta became fashion. Although the function of a military training ground at the these buildings is rather uncertain, beginning of the 19th century and a they could include a viewpoint fort was built there during the (A), which opens onto the long battles between the English and loggia of the ambulatio (promen- the French for the possession of the ade). island. Floored in cocciopesto, the ambulatio

Part of the entertainments area.

Entertainments area

Living quarters

Medieval tower

10 (B) was open on the sea side while ment of the landscape and includ- several brick columns covered in ed characteristic natural areas in plaster perhaps served to sustain a carefully selected panoramic posi- . tions. On the land side, the loggia was The etymology of the name delimited by a wall with several Damecuta is uncertain. niches for benches. Opposite the viewpoint, near the Medieval tower (in red), the living quarters could be accessed by following a ANACAPRI. Take the Anacapri-Grotta steep stairway (C D E). Traces of Azzurra bus service from Viale De plaster still remain on the walls Tommaso (cemetery). Alight at Damecuta bus-stop and follow Via . and the ruins of mosaic flooring ANACAPRI. Take Via Boffe from Piazza can still be seen in the small cubi- Diaz (church of S. Sofia) and then follow culum (bedroom) (G) in which a Via La Vigna. Turn left into Traversa La nude Ephebic torso was found. Vigna and take Via La Fabbrica downhill The villa followed the typical (do not take the side streets). Turn left into Roman villae maritimae plan as it Traversa Damecuta. After a few metres turn right into Via Amedeo Maiuri. Ephebic torso. was situated in a dominant posi- Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica. tion with the sea as the main ele- Opening hours: from 9 am to 2 pm.

Living room with traces of plaster (C).

Loggia of the ambulatio (B). Villa Jovis

Villa Jovis - considered the main essential element. The position of residence of Emperor Tiberius on the buildings with respect to these Capri - dominates the rocky spur huge reservoirs also depended on of Monte Tiberio. The Northern the rational exploitation of the and Eastern sides - built on a sheer water supply - a result which rock wall which descends vertical- could not be achieved following Air view of the villa (photo by I - BUGA). ly into the sea - look out over the the plan typically used in the con- Gulf of Naples and Punta struction of Roman seaside villas. Campanella, while the southern Thus the atrium (A) with four and western sides flank the slope marble columns lies on the which overlooks Capri and Marina southern side alongside the baths. Grande. Modest on the ground floor (C and Halfway between the fortress and a D), the baths become more villa of otium, Villa Jovis was built grandiose on the upper floor where according to a compact square plan the typical division into apodyterium Atrium (A). although several detached build- (changing room), tepidarium (room ings add a certain detail to the heated to medium temperature) layout of the villa. (E), calidarium (heated room) (F) Covering a surface area of approx- and praefurnium (room with heater) imately 7,000 m2, the villa was (G) can still be seen, despite the constructed on layers of terraces fact that the decorations and even which level out the natural line of the suspensurae which served to the rock, especially on the steeper support the floor and allow the western side of the slope. passage of hot air have been The buildings were gathered destroyed. around a central complex which On the western side, three floors of included four large reservoirs (in the building were dedicated to blue) with a capacity of 8,000 m3 - servants’ quarters (in violet), such was the enormous amount characterized by a series of small of water necessary to fulfil the rooms coming off a communicating requirements of an imperial palace corridor. on an island often lacking in this The kitchen is also situated on this Detail of hall (B). 12 side of the villa, detached from the around the covering of the reser- main body of the building. voir and decorated with a colon- The northern wing almost certainly nade (peristilium). housed the Emperor’s private An ambulatio (promenade) (L), apartments and small fragments of with niches for benches and several marble flooring (Q, R, S, T, U, V) rooms (N O P) once decorated can still be seen. There was prob- with precious marble flooring, The servants’ quarters. ably also a second floor built winds along the edge of the hill

Entrance

Spa area

The servants’ quarters

Reservoirs

Imperial quarters

Specularium

Lighthouse tower (from a survey in Istituto Svizzero in Rome) 13 providing a panoramic view. support the weight of the upper The flooring of the triclinium (N) levels. was dismantled by the Bourbons Not all scholars of the history of and reconstructed in the church of Capri agree that the ruins on Santo Stefano. Monte Tiberio are the remains of The function of the -ended the residence of Tiberius. hall (Z) on the eastern side of the However, rare documentation left Spa quarters (F-E). villa is rather uncertain although it by writers describes villa is fairly sure there was once an Jovis as being situated on an inac- upper floor which overlooked the cessible rock with a sheer drop to sea. the sea - a small fortress with a At planimetric level, the series of tower to receive and send light dividing walls seems to suggest a signals - and in fact, Villa Jovis desire to create viewpoints from fully meets this description having wide windows overlooking the a sheer drop to the sea on two sides external footpath. The three niches of a large, solid construction more Niches in the apse-ended hall (Z). lined with marble flooring in this similar to a fortress rather than a footpath were probably designed villa and buildings organized a to hold various statues. In fact, central complex with a tower two marble parapets decorated (green) which was almost certainly with bas-reliefs depicting natural used as a lookout and signalling elements and a bas-relief known as post. La Cavalcata (the ride) were found in this area - the only remains of the luxurious decoration which once characterized the villa. The villa was built of limestone cement alternated with rows of tiles for practical and functional CAPRI. Take Via Longano and Via reasons - limestone was abundant- Sopramonte from Piazza Umberto I, then ly available following the levelling climb left along Via Tiberio and Viale of the rocky terraces while the Amedeo Maiuri. technique was perfect for the con- Opening hours: 9 am to one hour before struction of thick walls able to sunset. Lighthouse tower. 14 Villa di Gradola - Grotta Azzurra ()

Villa of Gradola lies immediately Inside the grotto, a sloping above Grotta Azzurra. Following slipway led to a small landing the typical plan of Roman villae stage next to which there was a maritimae, the buildings are strung quadrangular room with cocciopesto out across the villa’s terraces in a flooring which was probably used Grotta Azzurra (photo by Jab Photo). panoramic position along the slope. as a resting place. Excavated in the 19th century by A shaft in the rock - considered to American Colonel MacKowen - be a secret passage between Grotta who found capitals, fragments of Azzurra and Villa di Damecuta - statues, columns, flooring and was probably designed to catch marble picture frames walled into water. Use of the grotto in Roman Casa Rossa on Anacapri - the villa times as a luxuriously decorated was frequently reconstructed in nymphaeum was recently ancient times. Several reservoirs confirmed with the discovery of can still be found among the thick various statues depicting Tritons vegetation, while, six small build- and the god Poseidon. Cut off at ings still exist on the upper terrace knee height, the statues were - one of which still shows traces of originally positioned at water level yellow plaster on a red pedestal along the walls in such a way as to and white mosaic flooring. give the impression that were Villa di Gradola was joined to emerging out of the sea. Grotta Azzurra via a stairway cut out of the rock (restored in modern times). Apart from this stairway, the only means of accessing Grotta Azzurra was - and still is - by boat. MARINA GRANDE. Take the boat service Poseidon from Grotta Azzurra. The narrow opening - whose sur- from the port. Capri, Soprintendenza Archeologica. ANACAPRI. Take the Anacapri-Grotta face was probably smoothed in Azzurra bus service from Viale De Roman times to facilitate passing - Tommaso. separates the entrance from the Opening hours: from 9 am to one hour be- large cavern famous for the effects fore sunset. The grotto cannot be visited caused by light. when the sea is rough. 15 Grottoes and nymphaea As stated by Strabo, the large-scale Tiberius merely used these latter to building policy implemented by organize orgies with young people. Augustus throughout the island Despite the disparaging intentions was continued by Tiberius, to of the biographer, many grottoes on whom tradition attributes both the the island were certainly used construction of villas and the use of during Roman times and it is quite Grotta di Matermania: the large room. hollow rocks and caves. However, possible that many of the natural according to Suetonius’ malicious marvels of Capri were used as lusty version of the history of Capri, nymphaea. Grotta di Matermania Situated halfway along the coast very few traces remain. In no way line, Grotta di Matermania was can the obscure name Matermania artificially reshaped during Roman link the grotto to the worship of times as proved by the fact that the Magna Mater or the god Grotta di Matermania: the small room. walls date back to that age. Inside, Mithra, despite many attempts the grotto is divided into two founded on arbitrary and incorrect rooms and was originally lined with interpretations. In fact this grotto a barrel ceiling. was merely a nymphaeum like Unfortunately the ceiling has col- many other grottoes on Capri. lapsed. The larger room ends in an apse formed by two podia - a semi- circular platform supporting a CAPRI. Starting from Piazza Umberto I, second oval platform - both showing take Via Longano, Via Sopramonte, Via traces of painted decorations. Matermania and Via . A short stairway rises out of the Turn right down the steps of Via Grotta di Matermania till the grotto. centre of the two podia. Traces of To get back to the centre of Capri, continue plaster and the remains of the down the steps and then take Via vaulted ceiling can still be seen in Pizzolungo, Via Tragara, Via Camerelle the smaller room. The grotto was and Via Vittorio Emanuele III as far as decorated with marble statues and Piazza Umberto I. glass paste of which only The itinerary can also be reversed.

16 Grotta del Castiglione Grotta del Castiglione opens onto the were constructed although these steep southern wall of the hill of the probably destroyed any previous same name. It was probably already buildings. Grotta del Castiglione used in the Neolithic as a comfort- eventually became the property of able and spacious refuge from which Giorgio Cerio who knocked down the to control the sea and the coastline. medieval structures, restored the Castiglione hill with the grotto in the centre. In Roman times it became the Roman reservoirs and constructed a nymphaeum of the nearby villa and, house. Excavations of the area in fact, many ruins, including a reser- brought to light vases used in Roman voir, dating back to that time can times for cultivation of the flowers still be found. In the medieval times, which decorated the nymphaeum. Grotta del Castiglione became a refuge for the inhabitants of the A visit to Grotto of Castiglione is not to be island during pirate incursions. Many advised due to the terrible conditions of the defence and look out mechanisms footpath leading to the grotto.

Grotta del Castiglione: detail of the ancient Grotta dell’Arsenale building. Situated between Marina Piccola and the marble flooring and the coloured Punta Tragara, Grotta dell’Arsenale tiles - ruined during ancient excava- opens onto the sea and can be acces- tions - seem to indicated that Grotta sed via a water level slipway. Inside, dell’Arsenale was more probably several naturally formed rooms - used as a nymphaeum. The grotto whose grid and lattice decoration was successively used as a burial area and cocciopesto floor are still partially as indicated by the finding of a visible - are organized around the marble sarcophagus and as an arsenal wide central cavity. On the left hand in the Medieval times. Grotta dell’Arsenale. wall of the main room there are six niches while of the six niches of the CAPRI. Starting from Piazza Umberto I opposite wall only three plus a take Via Vittorio Emanuele III, Via fourth in a poor state of conservation Federico Serena, Viale Giacomo Matteotti remain. Originally considered to and . Approximately 150 metres have been used for as a workshop for after the last bend of Via Krupp take the repairing ships (arsenale) belonging footpath to the left down to the grotto. The to the Roman fleet, the remains of path is frequently blocked by falling rocks. 17 Detailed studies For a description of in Capri from 1500 to 1900: F. Giordano, De Capreis insulis, Napoli 1570. G. M. Secondo, Relazione storica dell’antichità, rovine e residui di Capri, Napoli 1750. N. Hadrawa, Ragguagli di varii scavi e scoverte fatte nell’Isola di Capri, Napoli 1793. D. Romanelli, Isola di Capri, Trani 1816. R. Mangoni, Ricerche topografiche ed archeologiche sull’Isola di Capri, Napoli 1834. Flooring from Tragara. Cappella del Rosario F. Alvino, B. Quaranta, Le antiche ruine di Capri, Napoli 1835. of the church of Santo Stefano. G. Feola, Rapporto sullo stato attuale dei Ruderi Augusto-Tiberiani di Capri, Napoli 1894. N. Douglas, Capri. Materials for a description of the Island, Florence 1930. A. Maiuri, Capri. Its history and its monuments, Rome 1958. C. de Seta (edit by), Capri, Torino 1983. For a summary of the history: J. Beloch, . Storia e topografia della Napoli antica e dei suoi dintorni, Napoli 1989. H. Kesel, Capri. Biografia di un’isola, Napoli 1997. A. Andrén, Capri from the stone age to the tourist age, Göteborg 1980.

The Crispina sarcophagus. Capri, ex-hotel For a complete scientific overview and update of historical and archaeological Grotte Bleue. problems regarding ancient Capri and a collection of all ancient documentation: E. Federico, E. Miranda (edit by), Capri antica. Dalla preistoria alla fine dell’età romana, Napoli 1998.

Capital and Roman column. Small cloister of the monastery of San Giacomo.

Tragara landing stage with the ruins of spicatum in the foreground. Museums and libraries

The Museum of the Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio, located in Piazzetta Cerio, 5, Capri (tel. +39 0818376681) brings together the 20,000 natural and archaeological findings mainly from Capri collected by Ignazio Cerio (1841-1921). The most important exhibits include the collections of fossils from Vanassina and Lo Capo and the palaeontological and prehistoric collections from the Quisisana and Grotta delle Felci. The museum also provides a well-stocked herbarium (500 species) and a fine collection of marine fauna (10,000 exhibits). Fragment of the side facade with polychrome mosaic decoration (2nd century AD). “Ignazio Villa San Michele, a dream house designed and built by Swedish doctor Axel Cerio” Museum. Munthe, houses the richest collection of ancient findings and art on the island of Capri. Villa San Michele is the only 19th century residence still preserved in its original state on the island. Located in Via Capodimonte 34, Anacapri (tel. +39 0818371401), the villa is open every day of the year, including Sundays and bank holidays. Free entrance for children under 10 years of age. Opening hours: May to - from 9 am to 6 pm. October and April - from 9.30 am to 5 pm. From November to February - 10.30 am to 3.30 pm. March - from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Situated in Piazzetta Cerio, 8a, Capri (tel. +39 0818376681), the Library of the Fragment of bas-relief with landscape scene. Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio houses all kinds of materials regarding the island of Villa San Michele. Capri - manuscripts, books, pamphlets, maps, photographs, newspapers and musical scores. Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - from 4.30 to 8 pm. Wednesday and Saturday - from 9.30 am to 1 pm. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays.

Located in the Carthusian monastery of San Giacomo (tel. +39 0818386241), the Public Library Luigi Bladier has a special section dedicated to the history of Capri including works in Italian, English, French and German. Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday - from 9 am to 1 pm. Monday and Wednesday - from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm. Church of San Costanzo with Roman ruins The Centro Archivistico e Documentale of Capri brings together and catalogues visible inside. many documents regarding the history of the island. It is situated in Via Le Botteghe, 30, Capri (tel. +39 0818386310). Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday - from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Opening hours may vary 19