Blog

It is undoubtedly right to highlight the landscape, historical and cultural heritage of Capri, focusing in particular on the famous Faraglioni of Capri which are three limestone rock formations eroded by waves similar to the formations of the Dolomites shape and composition. It is thought that the term comes from the Greek pho’ros or the Latin pharus (“beacon”): and it is therefore assumed that in ancient times they were used as primitive beacons, topped with signal fires that were lit in the night to ensure safe navigation. The Faraglioni are famous for their enchanting view, which emerges from a clear sea water and also for a rare lizard: the “lacertain muralis coerulea”, or simply “blue lizard” that lives only there.

Capri preserves traces of the passage of ancient peoples and civilizations witnessed by multiple archaeological finds such as Villa Jovis – During the 1st century AD, the Roman emperor Tiberius commissioned the construction of 12 villas on the island, including Villa Jovis, the largest and most sumptuous with great views of the Gulf of Naples. His architectural style combined the classic elements typical of Roman villas with those of a fortress. In the center were rainwater collection tanks, used for bathrooms, divided into frigidarium, tepidarium and traditional calidarium.

Another very interesting site to visit is Barbarossa Castle, an archaeological ruin and an ornithological station in Anacapri. Its name comes from the Ottoman pirate and admiral, Hayreddin, nicknamed Barbarossa (“Barbanossa”), who destroyed it in 1544. The date of construction is uncertain but perhaps dates back to the end of the 9th century. From 1898, the structure, now in ruins, was owned by Swedish psychiatrist Axel Munthe who donated it to his foundation. The surroundings, interesting for their botanical features, are home to the island’s ornithological station.

My house will be open for the sun, the wind and the voices of the sea – like a Greek temple – and light, light, light everywhere! – said Axel Munthe, the Swedish doctor, describing Villa San Michele, his home in Anacapri, built on the remains of an imperial Roman villa and a medieval chapel dedicated to San Michele.
Today it is a museum where during the summer season there is a music festival, “Concerti al Tramonto”

Another villa worth a visit is Villa Malaparte, the monumental and iconic villa built in 1938 for the Italian writer Curzio Malaparte in Punta Massullo on the island of Capri, appears as an extension of its position on the cliff, being carved out of the rock. Malaparte once said of the villa: “It represents the image of my desire”

Definitely not to be missed, Via Camerelle is one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Italy. If you like fashion and nature in this place you can see elegant shops with expensive Italian and international fashion brands and at the same time you can admire wonderful views of arcades and houses covered with colorful flowers.

The Amalfi Coast( Costiera amalfitana) is really wonderful with its blue and clear sea, the green of the Mediterranean maquis and the hues of citrus fruits spreading out over terraced cultivations blend with the typical architecture. Tortuous streets, breathtaking views, bays, inlets, cliffs and characteristic villages and small towns fascinate tourists and visitors, Like the following ones:
Amalfi, the town whose name indicates the entire coast. Dominated by the majestic Cathedral dedicated to Sant’Andrea (St. Andrew), Amalfi, an ancient Maritime Republic, offers innumerable testimonies of its glorious past.

Furore, located a few miles away, has got typical fresco-painted houses, public buildings and small piazzas. Many naturalistic itineraries are possible through perfumes of agave, Indian figs and rosemary. Furore is famous for its fjords: spectacular expression of the power of nature.

Positano is a true paradise, developed vertically with its streets full of shops that expose the colorful dresses of Positano fashion well-known all over the world. The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta that shows up with its large dome, tiled in majolica and sheltering some precious works like polychrome marble altars.

Ravello is an elegant village, characterized by beautiful villas. It is famous for its Festival: in the garden of Villa Rufolo you can listen to great classical music. The heart is represented by Piazza Vescovado, framed by the nice architecture of Palazzo Rufolo and the Cathedral.
Minori  is not only a nice seaside resort , but also an archaeological complex: in Villa Romana (Roman Villa) and in the Museo dell’ Antiquario (Museum of Antiquity) it is possible to admire several finds dating back to that period.
it is possible to admire ancient Roman objects, and the Museo dell’ Antiquario (Museum of Antiquity).

Praiano is an ancient and quiet fishing village that offers visitors a very suggestive landscape and a great artisan silk-spinning and manufacturing tradition.

Vietri sul Mare is well known for its artistic ceramic manufacturing

For travelers who want both to relax by the sea and enjoy cultural opportunities, a trip to the lovely islands in the Gulf of Naples, Procida, Ischia and Capri, could be really a nice holiday.

The smallest island, PROCIDA, has been the ideal setting for several cinematic masterpieces (like “il Postino). Of volcanic origin, it is also connected to the marvelous little Island of Vivara. Its clear sea and characteristic beaches are not the only attraction of Procida, but also its narrow streets and churches, walks through the town center to admire the architecture of centuries past: worth visiting in particular are the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, which had a central role in Procida’s religious and cultural history.

From Procida in less than half-hour you can reach ISCHIA, the largest of all the Campanian islands, welcomes about 6 million visitors annually. Among the six municipalities that it comprises, it is Ischia Commune that is the most extensive, and thus divided into two parts: Ischia Ponte is its evocative historic center marked by ancient paths and bottegas, while Ischia Porto is a tiny fishing village. The Aragonese Castle in Ischia Ponte, constructed by the tyrant Hiero of Syracuse in 474 B.C., is the most-visited monument on the entire Island.  Not to miss also the Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta where, in 1509, Ferrante d’Avalos and Vittoria Colonna exchanged their vows. In a crypt you can admire old frescoes by some Giotto’s followers. Moreover Ischia is full of natural springs with numerous  thermal bath parks and spas, appreciated all over the world.

CAPRI, the last Island, the last but not the least, a summer residence since Roman times, is really a charming place attracting poets, writers and legendary personages. The famous  Piazzetta di Capri is known all over the world.  Everything in Capri is full of ancient and modern splendor: from the spectacular Gardens of Augustus (from the 1930s), to the Certosa di San Giacomo, and the marvelous villas, like Villa Jovis, the ancient residence of Emperor Tiberius that dominates Capri’s position in Naples Bay. For those in search of a clean, clear sea, the Grotta Azzurra at Anacapri is and the Faraglioni, are the best places to visit.