Capri
History
Of all the islands of the
Parthenopean Gulf, Capri is
the only one not of volcanic origin in this almost exclusively
volcanic area.
Capri has been settled since the
Late Stone Age, as archeological excavations at the beginning of this
century have confirmed.
At the time the Phlegrean volcanoes were
at their most active, Capri and
the Sorrento Peninsula formed a solid
block.
Under the pressure of the orogenic forces during the ensuing
geological periods, Capri
gradually broke away. Soaring up from the depths of the sea, Capri's
limestone composition is revealed in the island's slopes and its steep
but unusually lovely dolomite walls, not to mention its numerous
natural grottoes that, together with the cliffs in the southeast, have
made the Isle of Capri world
famous.
Capri's elevation above sea level
is very unstable, as can be seen from the slow but unrelenting
fluctuation in the island's shoreline. In the course of many centuries
this fluctuation caused a drop in the water level in the famous "Grotta
Azzurra" (Blue Grotto) and the "Bagni
di Tiberio"
(Tiberian Baths). This has been proved beyond doubt by architectural
finds from Roman times that were made in both this places.
The origin of the name "Capri" is a hotly disputed subject:
while Strabo called the island Caprea
or Island of the Coarse Stones, Varro
named the island Capreae after its odd profile and its
characteristic fauna, predominately wild goats. Other theories contend
that this name is not correct and regard "Capros"
(wild boar) as the origin of the present "Capri". At
any rate, it is certain that the island was a Greek colony, even
though it is hard to pinpoint the exact date it was colonized.
In 29 BC Caesar Augustus visited
the island, which he acquired from the Neapolitans in exchange for the
neighboring Isle of Ischia.
The island attained its greatest glory under Caesar
Augustus' successor, Tiberius,
whom took up residence on Capri
about 26 BC, from where he ruled the Roman Empire for the last
ten years of his reign. His stay on the island is reflected in
numerous names that still appear on today's maps. The ruins can still
be seen of at least three of the 12 villas built by Tiberius,
The Roman Emperor whom legend has sheathed in mystery and ruthless
violence. The most famous of these villas is undoubtedly the "Villa
Jovis" (Jupiter's Villa), which commands a view of the entire
Gulf of Naples from its location atop the Capo.
This is said to have been the residence of Emperor Tiberius.
The remain of another villa can be inspected in Damecuta,
while other finds dating from Imperial Rome can still be seen near
Case Palazzo a Mare, the site of the Bagni
di Tiberio, the
Emperor's Bath. All traces have been lost of the other nine villas,
said to have been erected in honor of the 12 main Roman gods,
particularly since it is so difficult to recognize them in the
abundance of Roman ruins that cover the island.
After the death of Tiberius the island
fell into a inexorable decline, shared in the fate of Naples or
the most important ruling families, was attacked by barbarians and
pirates, and was repeatedly struck by earthquakes that played a major
part in wiping out the traces of the island's ancient heritage.
The Lombards and Normans alternately took possession of the island,
only to be followed by a succession of Aragonese and Anjous, until it
finally came under control of the Spanish, who dominated the entire
Neapolitan area for a considerable period of time.
In the 17th century, the island's residents succumbed to the
plague. Thereafter, the Bourbons took over the island, followed by
struggles between the English and the French over Capri's
strategic location.
Prior to the unification of Italy, Capri
belonged to Naples. From the beginning of the previous century
up until today.
Capri has been sought out by
numerous writers and scholars. Of the many men of letters from various
countries who came to this Tyrrhenian island in search of inspiration
for their great works of literature the Swedish physician
Axel Munthe deserves special mention; needless to say, many
other famous names from world literature can also be found here.
The
Isle of Capri today
Only a mere 5 Km of sea
separate Capri from Punta
Campanella on the tip of Sorrento
Peninsula.
The 11 Km2 island supports a population of about 12,500,
distributed between the two townships of Capri
and Anacapri.
The island is approx. 6 Km long and 3 Km wide and has a
coastline of about 17 Km .
The simple road network runs along the main axis between Capri
and Anacapri with few side roads
and can only be travelled by local residents; the island has just been
declared a pedestrian zone, especially as a means of protecting the
countryside. On the other hand, the narrow streets that thread their
way through the island's towns are hardly suitable for traffic. The
automobiles of non-residents are only allowed on the island off
season.
The highest point on the island is Monte
Solaro (589 m.) and can be reached by chairlift or
along a trail from Anacapri. Tje
island's other important peaks are Monte
Cappello (515 m.), Monte
Tiberio (335 m.), Monte S.
Maria (499 m.) and Monte
Tuoro (262 m.). The rock mass is of a definite
limestone composition (cretaceous rock), however Eocene rocks can also
be observed. The volcanic eruptions of Mount
Vesuvius and in the nearby Phlegrea region left deposition of
tufa and pozzolana here.
The island's vegetation is distinctly Mediterranean with a
proliferation of 850 different species and 133 varieties
of plants.
The most popular form of wildlife on Capri
is the seagull, however special mention is also due the rare
blue lizard and the endangered monk seal.
Capri earns its livehood from the
tourist trade, which has developed on an almost industrial scale since
the end of the 19th century.
Charming local towns, extraordinary hospitality as well as excellent,
well laid-out tourist facilities open the island's beautiful to its
many visitors from all over the world. Capri's
popularity with international tourist is due in good part to its
rediscovery by some of the world's most famous writers. In addiction
to its historic, literary and scenic wonders, Capri
can be boast of excellent beaches, making it one of the world's
leading swimming and climatic resorts.
Capri is serviced daily from the
mainland by a large number of ferries and hydrofoils. The Isle
of Capri can be reached from Naples (Molo
Beverello) by ferry in approx. 1 1/2
hrs. Hydrofoils make the trip in about 1/2 hr. (from Naples
Mergellina, Via
Caracciolo). Capri also has
ship connections to Sorrento and, in season, to Positano,
Amalfi and Ischia.
Capri
Capri,
main town on the Isle of Capri, is
located on the saddle between Monte Santa
Maria and Monte Tiberio
in a commanding location above the two "Marinas",
and offers an unparalled view that sweeps from Ischia to the Sorrento
Peninsula, taking in the entire expanse of the Gulf
of Naples.
With its characteristic
arcades that merge into a labyrinth of narrow alleys and streets, Capri
works its own special charm on every visitor.
The steps of the famous Piazzetta
are an unofficial rendezvous for a colorful congregation of guests
from all over the world, who take in the attractive view from here.
The Parrocchiale di Santo Stefano
(Parish Church of St. Stephan) was constructed in the 17th century
on the ruins of an earlier cathedral and is well worth a visit.
Works of art in the Baroque style are also found here, of which the
multicolored marble floor in the Villa Jovis
rates special mention.
On a rise not far from Capri is Santa
Maria del Soccorso with its beautiful panorama of the Sorrento
Peninsula and the ruins of Villa
Jovis, commonly known as the Palazzo
di Tiberio (Palce of Tiberius), a typical example of Roman
villas. Legend has it that Tiberius
himself ruled the Roman Empire from this villa, and the entire area
abounds with sagas and legends about the Roman Emperor. The "Salto
di Tiberio" occupies a special place in the legends as a
steep precipice, off which the Emperor's enemies were pushed.
A short distance from Villa Jovis are the ruins of an old lighthouse,
the Torre del Faro.
The part of Capri known as Marina
Grande is the island's most important harbor, fully
equipped whit modern port facilities. Moreover, Marina Grande is a
famous swimming and sunning resort.
The cog railway makes the trip to Capri
in four minutes. There is also a well paved road to Capri,
along which are the Chiesa di San Costanzo
(Church of St. Costanzo) from the 11th century and the Scala
Fenicia (Phoenicians Stairs), climbing steeply to the
castle Castello di Barbarossa.
For centuries, these
stairs were the only connection between Capri
and Anacapri.
Also recommended is an excursion from Marina
Grande to Palazzo a Mare
and the Bagni di Tiberio, remnants
of the Roman Empire constructed by Emperor Tiberius.
Also highly recommendent from Capri
is a trip to Belvedere di Tragara
along the road by the same name. The view to the rocky Faraglioni
cliffs below and Marina Piccola, a
famous swimming resort, is fantastic. From Belvedere di Tragara
continue in the direction of Arco Naturale
(Natural Arch) to the Grotta Matermania,
a reminder of the ancient Cybele cult.
Do not fail to visit the Certosa di San
Giacomo (Carthusian Monastery of St. James) in Capri,
where there are valuable works of art and two cloisters from the
15th-16th centuries.
A boat trip around the island, especially in season, can be a
very enjoyable experience, showing Capri
from a completely different viewpoint and providing rare views of the
breathtaking beauty that makes Capri
so famous.
Anacapri
Second largest town on the island, is situated on a fertile plateau at
the foot of Monte Solaro.
It is a captivating vacation resort surrounded by Mediterranean
country side of exceptional beauty.
Monte Solaro, 589 m., an unforgettable lookout point, is
reached from Anacapri by means of
a chairlift or foot trail. Visible near the mountain station of the
chairlift are the ruins of a fortress that was erected by the British
in 1806 on the foundations of a medieval structure (Fortino
di Bruto).
Along the trail to Monte Solaro a road turns off at la Crocetta
to shrine "Santuario Santa Maria a
Centrella". This is also the vantage point for a
magnificent view of Capri and the Sorrento
coast.
From Caprile do not fail to make a
side trip to Belvedere della Migliara
and to the lighthouse Faro di Punta Carena
and enjoy the fantastic view once again.
On the way back, the ruins of the castle, Castello
di Materita can be seen on the right.
Along the road from Anacapri to Damecuta
are the excavations of the last three villas from the days of Imperial
Rome.
In Damecuta itself, rich in archeological finds, a tour can be
made to the tower Torre di Damecuta,
that was erected in the Middle Ages to defend Capri's
coasts against marauding pirates. From here, too, there is a splendid
view of Ischia, Procida and the Gulf
of Naples.
Another point of interest reached from Anacapri
is the world-famous Grotta Azzurra (Blue
Grotto), undoubtedly one of the world's most famous beautiful
limestone caves. The Blue Grotto is also accessible by boat from
Marina Grande. The source of the Grotto's enduring fame is the strong
reflection of color as well as the submerged remains of Roman walls,
definite proof that the grotto was once above sea level.
In a panoramic location on the left side of the road from Anacapri
back to Capri is the Villa
di San Michele, built by the Swedish doctor Axel
Munthe on the ruins of a Roman villa near
the Chapel of St. Michael.
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