Traces of history: discover the ancient secrets of Capri
April 11, 2025
Capri, a picturesque island off the coast of Italy, has fascinated tourists for centuries with its unique charm and rich history. It is a place where ancient Roman ruins meet breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. A trip to Capri is not only an opportunity to relax on the beautiful beaches, but, above all, a journey back in time to discover the secrets hidden by this small, but culturally rich island. In our article, we will take you on a fascinating journey in the footsteps of Capri's history, visiting the most important ancient monuments and sites that still tell the stories of past rulers, artists and ordinary inhabitants of this magical island.
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Villa Jovis - the palace of Emperor Tiberius
Our journey back in time begins with a visit to Villa Jovis, one of the most important ancient Roman monuments on the island of Capri. This impressive residence, built on the orders of Emperor Tiberius in the 1st century AD, still impresses today with its grandeur and location. Villa Jovis is located on top of Mount Tiberio, 330 meters above sea level, which guarantees unforgettable views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding islands.
To reach Villa Jovis, we have to take a rather steep road that leads from the center of Capri. The route takes about 45 minutes on foot, but the effort is worth taking. Along the way we pass charming streets and gardens, which are already a tourist attraction in themselves.
When we arrive at the site, the impressive ruins of the palace, which once covered an area of more than 7,000 square meters, appear before our eyes. Despite the passage of time, we can still admire the remains of the palace complex, baths, water supply systems and viewing terraces. Particularly impressive is the so-called 'jump of Tiberius' - a cliff from which, according to legend, the emperor was said to have knocked down his enemies.
Villa Jovis is not only ruins - it is a place that allows us to feel the atmosphere of ancient Rome and imagine what life was like at the imperial court. Note the preserved fragments of mosaics and frescoes, which testify to the former splendor of the residence.
When visiting Villa Jovis, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. The facility is open daily, but opening hours may vary depending on the season. An entrance ticket costs about 6 euros (as of 2023), but prices are subject to change, so it is worth checking the current information before visiting. Due to the location and weather conditions, it is recommended to bring comfortable shoes, headgear and water.
Giardini di Augusto and the Carthusia of San Giacomo -. oases of tranquility and history
Continuing our journey through Capri's history, we move on to the Giardini di Augusto (Augustus Gardens). These beautiful terraced gardens, established in the early 20th century, offer not only a chance to relax amidst lush vegetation, but also breathtaking views of the Faraglioni, the distinctive rocks that are the symbol of Capri.
Giardini di Augusto is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing for a while and feast your eyes on the beauty of nature and the panorama of the island. The gardens are relatively small, but extremely charming. Here you will find a variety of Mediterranean plants, colorful flowers and well-kept alleys. It's also an excellent vantage point for the famous Via Krupp, a spectacular winding road carved into the rock, which unfortunately is often closed for safety reasons.
There is a fee to enter the gardens (about 1 euro, as of 2023), but it's definitely worth the small cost. The gardens are open daily, except on certain holidays, and the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the view in peace.
Not far from the Augusta Gardens is another fascinating monument - the Carthusia of San Giacomo (Certosa di San Giacomo). This 14th-century monastery is the oldest surviving building on Capri and a real gem for lovers of history and architecture.
The Carthusia of San Giacomo was founded in 1371 and served as a Carthusian monastery for centuries. Today it is a museum and cultural center where we can admire the beautiful cloisters, frescoes and contemporary art exhibitions. The monastery complex consists of three main parts: The Great and Small Monastery and the Prior's apartments.
When visiting Carthusia, pay special attention to the beautiful frescoes in the chapel and the panoramic view of Marina Piccola that extends from the monastery gardens. This is a place where history meets art and nature, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Carthusian Monastery is open to the public all year round, except on Mondays and certain holidays. An entrance ticket costs about 6 euros (as of 2023), but the price can change, so it's worth checking the current information before visiting.
Both the Giardini di Augusto and the Carthusia San Giacomo offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Capri's history and culture, while providing moments of respite from the hustle and bustle of the tourist paths. These are the perfect places to feel the true spirit of this magical island.
Piazzetta di Capri and Belvedere Tragara - the heart of the island and its most beautiful views
Our journey through the historic corners of Capri would not be complete without visiting the heart of the island - the Piazzetta di Capri, and admiring the incredible views from the Belvedere Tragara.
Piazzetta di Capri, officially known as Piazza Umberto I, is the vibrant center of the island. This small but extremely charming square is where the paths of all visitors to Capri meet. It's here that you'll find the famous funicular (funicolare) station that connects the port to the city center, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants and elegant boutiques.
The history of the Piazzetta dates back to when Capri was a small fishing village. Today, the square is the heart of the island's social life, where you can feel the true atmosphere of dolce vita. A distinctive feature of the square is the clock tower, which provides the perfect backdrop for souvenir photos.
The Piazzetta is the perfect place to start or end a day of sightseeing. Here you can sip an espresso in one of the iconic cafes while watching the colorful crowd of tourists and locals. It is worth remembering that the prices in the establishments on the square are higher than in other parts of the island, but the atmosphere is unique.
From the Piazzetta we can take a walk towards one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island - Belvedere Tragara. The route leads through the charming streets of Capri, passing elegant villas and lush gardens.
Belvedere Tragara is an observation deck that offers a breathtaking view of the distinctive Faraglioni rocks and the island's southern coastline. This is one of those places that remain in the memory forever and often appear on postcards of Capri.
The view from Belvedere Tragara is especially beautiful at sunset, when the last rays of the sun illuminate the Faraglioni rocks, giving them an amazing golden glow. It's the perfect place for a romantic stroll or just a moment to contemplate the beauty of nature.
There are also luxurious hotels and restaurants near Belvedere Tragara, offering the opportunity to enjoy the view with an exquisite meal or a drink. However, it is worth remembering that prices in this area are among the highest on the island.
Both the Piazzetta di Capri and the Belvedere Tragara are accessible year-round and do not require entrance tickets. The best time to visit these places is early morning or late afternoon, when you can avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet.
To sum up our journey through the historical and picturesque corners of Capri, it is worth noting that each of the described places offers unique experiences and allows you to get to know different facets of this fascinating island. From the ancient ruins of Villa Jovis, to the tranquil gardens and monasteries, to the bustling center and breathtaking viewpoints, Capri has something to offer for every lover of history, culture and beautiful views. Whether we are here for the first time or the next, this island always has new secrets and beauty to discover.
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