Sorrento is a great launch spot for a day trip on Capri…
we hopped onto our water taxi and said goodbye to the grand hotels and high sea walls of Sorrento.
As you may have read, on my previous trips to this glamorous little rock, the scope of my focus was the Blue Grotto, shopping and eating.
With Zia Lucy I learned there was so much more to explore {including Capri Mojitos}. For instance, the beautiful Carathusia Purfume factory, and just beyond it the stunning views from The Augustus Gardens.
While we had some free time to explore, our main mission for this voyage was to hike to the highest peak of Capri, Mount Tiberio, to tour the remains of the grand Villa Jovis {or Villa Jupiter} which was constructed in the 1st century and is a extraordinary example of early Roman Architecture.
From the chic shops on the Piazzetta we walked along Via Longano,
leaving behind the charming restaurant Al Grottino,
and the spectacular Sour Sarafina di Dino,
following the signs, we continued along via Sopramonte
and finally reached via Tiberio, which took us past many of the more elegant villas
and gardens of Capri. Including this welcoming wisteria wonderland at Villa Sarah, an lovely looking hotel where I would definitely consider staying.
In about 45 minutes we reached the archeological site of Villa Jovis E L’imperatore Tiberio, 334 meters above the sea.
This massive estate covers 1.7 acres of land. Next to the ruins is the church Santa Maria del Soccorso. The site was excavated in 1932-35 by archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri using strict scientific criteria.
photo credit: Capri.com
It is hard to even imagine how this massive structure was planned and built, especially after hiking up to it on the narrow roads that the laborers would have had to use to bring the materials up back in the 1st century B.C. {I’m guessing they were not paved yet!} Because it was built into the hills, on some sides there are 8 levels of walls and stairs.
This is a grand example of early Roman architectural ingenuity and creativity.
Water has always been an issue on this sunny stone so the Roman engineers constructed a system for collecting massive amounts of rainwater from the roofs to run into large cisterns like this one for supplying fresh water to the house.
Formerly the Imperial home to Agustus, Empereor Tiberous had the villa renovated when he moved here for the final years of his life from 27 – 37 AD when he fled Rome for fear of assassination.
Listening to his history from Lucy, you can see why he feared for his life. This fellow was not a nice guy. In addition to security these walls provided, it also allowed him the privacy to indulge in debaucherous behavior. It’s said that when he became tired of a guest or employee he would have them pushed off the cliff.
So, if you find yourself on Capri, I recommend you order a pair of sandles and then take this 2 km walk to Villa Jovis to see this remarkable site.
Leave a Reply