CAPRI Villa Jovis

2:22

Villa Jovis is the grandest of the imperial residences built on Capri by Tiberius in the 1st century AD.

This extraordinary 7,000-square-meter villa is located at the northeastern tip of the island, on one of the highest rock spurs, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.

It was built around the year 27 AD, when the Emperor Tiberius decided to retire to Capri, moving away from Rome and its intrigues, but not from politics.

Despite the distance, he was able to communicate with the capital of the empire quite efficiently. A complex system of signal towers along the coast sent and received coded light signals and transmitted them, from tower to tower, all the way to Rome.

Unfortunately, after Tiberius' s death in 37 AD, the villa gradually fell into disuse and was partly looted.

It was rediscovered in the 18th century, but the actual excavations did not begin until the following century, bringing to light much of the structure we can admire today. These excavations have provided a better understanding of the architectural complexity of the villa and the luxury in which Tiberius lived during his final years.

The villa is structured on several levels, following the lay of the rocky terrain, and consists of a series of residential buildings, baths, gardens, and service areas, all connected by corridors and stairways. The complex also included a lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world, which guided ships in the bay.

The main entrance led into a vast courtyard, which in turn led to the various parts of the residence. At the center of the complex was the emperor's private residential area, consisting of a series of rooms that faced an inner garden surrounded by porticoes. One of the most striking features of the villa is the cistern, a huge underground tank for collecting rainwater.

Although many of the rich original decorations have been lost, excavations have uncovered remnants of mosaics, frescoes, and floors that testify to the luxury and elegance of the interior. The villa was decorated with artwork, sculptures and precious objects that reflected the emperor's status and power.

 

TravelMate recommends
Choose the option
that suits you
Buy Amalfi Coast
Permanently unlock the app with all content of Amalfi Coast for
€ 7,99
Buy
Promotion
Unlock audio content of all available cities for 3 years at the promotional price
€ 19,99
Buy
Don't miss out!
AMALFI COAST
1 Audio

AMALFI COAST

This Italian gem, known as the "Divine Coast," reveals its magic in charming towns such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Cetara, but there are other less well known - but equally delightful...
THE WONDERS OF LOCAL CUISINE
1 Audio

THE WONDERS OF LOCAL CUISINE

One of the first courses I can recommend, in addition to the classic tagliolini with lemon, is ndunderi di Minori: gnocchi made with flour, fresh ricotta and eggs, topped with a succulent meat sauce...
AMALFI
3 Audio

AMALFI

Amalfi was founded around the 4th century AD by Roman refugees who had fled from Melfi, tormented by barbarian hordes. Right from the beginning, the inhabitants took advantage of the natural...
POSITANO
2 Audio

POSITANO

Positano is a charming fishing village that runs up through cobblestone alleys, steep steps, and houses that climb up the hillside. As you venture through its narrow streets, amid the brightly colored...
RAVELLO
2 Audio

RAVELLO

Despite this, thanks to the reconstruction and restoration work carried out over the centuries that followed, Ravello is today once again one of the most beautiful places on the entire Amalfi Coast....
MINORI AND MAIORI
2 Audio

MINORI AND MAIORI

I recommend visiting it, because it is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites on the Amalfi Coast, a treasure that reveals the elegance and luxury of the way of life of the Roman...
FURORE
1 Audio

FURORE

The Fjord of Furore is undoubtedly the main attraction. This deep, narrow cleft in the rock has been created by the the Schiato stream over thousands of years. The “fjord” is crossed by a...
CETARA
2 Audio

CETARA

Cetara's history dates back to medieval times, and its name probably derives from "cetaria," which in Latin means tuna nets, or from "cetus," meaning big fish. Its origins are...
CONCA DEI MARINI
2 Audio

CONCA DEI MARINI

In addition to its natural marvels, the village also has some interesting historical sights, such as the Church of San Pancrazio Martire, overlooking the bay and with a spectacular view of the sea,...
TRAMONTI
1 Audio

TRAMONTI

Each of these tells a story, has at least one church, and is perfect for enjoying a peaceful, quiet walk. Among the best-known hamlets are: Pucara, with the Conservatory of San Giuseppe and Santa...
VIETRI SUL MARE
1 Audio

VIETRI SUL MARE

In addition to visiting artisan workshops, a wander through the narrow little streets will reveal a rich and fascinating history rooted in Roman times. The Etruscan city of Marcina,...
PRAIANO
1 Audio

PRAIANO

Since the Middle Ages, the town was divided into two main parts: Praiano, located high up and inhabited mainly by farmers, and Vettica Maggiore, lower down, where fishing was the predominant activity....
ATRANI
1 Audio

ATRANI

In this uniquely shaped village, the colorful houses are piled almost on top of each other, forming an intricate labyrinth that winds through an urban fabric of medieval origin. Atrani's history is...
SORRENTO
2 Audio

SORRENTO

It is one of the most beautiful villages on the Sorrento Peninsula, a promontory of limestone rocks that stretches below the surface of the water and resurfaces with the island of Capri....
CAPRI
5 Audio

CAPRI

A boat is the only way to visit the magnificent Blue Grotto, an unmissable natural spectacle. In any case, I recommend that you get yourself a pair of comfortable shoes and set out to discover this...
TravelMate App
DOWNLOAD NOW
THE TRAVELMATE APP
Purchase your activation code, download the TravelMate App, and turn your smartphone into your personal travel companion!
Listen to audio guides about the wonders of the world with TravelMate.
HAVE FUN!