The emperors Augustus and Tiberius made an important contribution to the history of the island of Capri. This itinerary is a journey through time, exploring what remains of the imperial villas. The history of Roman Capri starts in 29 B.C., year in which Octavian, the future emperor Augustus, first visited the island. Legend has it that a dying plant was miraculously brought back to life on his arrival. Apparently, this auspicious episode convinced Augustus to subtract the island from the dominion of Naples and place it under that of Imperial Rome. On his death, in 14 A.D., Augustus was succeeded by Tiberius, who elected Capri as his residence. The legend makes reference to twelve imperial villas, although the remains of only three can be seen today: Villa Jovis, Palazzo a Mare and Damecuta.
Villa Palazzo a Mare, was a magnificent seaside residence. Attributed to Augustus, the edifice is located on the Northern coast of the island, close to today's port of Marina Grande and next to the Bagni di Tiberio. The complex extended over a vast area of coast, an area now occupied by a sports field and by private habitations.
A large exedra, a nymphaeum which opens onto the sea bordered by an imposing construction in stone, the vestiges of a number of swimming pools, and a small landing wharf, are all that remains of what was once the imperial villa. It is likely that above this area there were other parts of the residence, such as cisterns for the collection of water, gardens, lodgings for the servants, and the imperial rooms.
Villa Jovis, splendid residence built for Tiberius, is the largest of the imperial villas on the island, situated on the summit of Mount Tiberius. From the center of Capri, a thirty minute walk through the picturesque streets of Capri leads from the Piazzetta to Villa Jovis.
From the heights of Mount Tiberious, the villa enjoyed a commanding view over the surrounding landscape. It position, overlooking the entire Bay of Naples, consented the control of the island and the gulf. Extending over an area of almost 7000sqm, Villa Jovis was both stronghold and sumptuous residence. This immense construction incorporates all the elements of a fortress together with those features found in the most luxurious Roman palaces. The Villa was articulated on various levels, created on terraces carved in to the hillside. The atrium was built on the South facing side of the villa where the baths were also located. The remains of the "apodyterium", "tepidarium" and "calidarium" are still visible.
The Western side of the complex was reserved for servants lodgings and kitchens. To the North, and in the highest section of the residence, there were the imperial quarters. Pieces of the marble floors which adorned the emperor's apartments are still visible. The legend of Villa Jovis tells a tale of imperial extravagance and debauchery, of a licentious Tiberius indulging in every form of sensual pleasure, but also of a cruel tyrant gleefully hurling his enemies and concubines from the precipice known as the "Salto di Tiberio", macabre gesture which marked the end of the festivities.
Villa Jovis is built up around a central block formed by four large cisterns designed to collect the rainwater and ensure the large quantity of water needed to supply the whole complex. On a panoramic terrace directly above the sea, and overlooking Punta Campanella and the Gulf of Naples, there is the "ambulatio", adorned with niches and decorative features.
Villa Damecuta is situated in Anacapri, on the western coast of the island and in the vicinity of the famous Grotta Azzurra. This construction was built on the cliff edge from where it enjoyed a view out across the entire Gulf of Naples and represented the western defence on the island. The three Roman villas were, in fact, positioned so as to form a perfect military curtain, controlling both the island and the gulf.
Today, Villa Damecuta is an archaeological park, in which the foundations of the villa, the central section of which built in semicircular form, can still be observed. This area was built on a series of small but robust arches. From here the "ambulatio" led to the emperor's apartments. Traces of the plaster work in what is thought to have been the emperor's bedroom, or "cubiculum", can still be seen.
Just a few minutes separate Damecuta from the island's legendary Grotta Azzurra. One of the symbols of Capri, the Grotta Azzurra further testifies to the presence of the Romans on the island - a number of statues dating back to the roman period having been found on the seabed inside the cave.
