Villa Jovis, Capri, Italy - SpottingHistory

Villa Jovis is a Roman palace on Capri, southern Italy, built by emperor Tiberius and completed in AD 27. Tiberius mainly ruled from there until his death in AD 37.

Villa Jovis is the largest of the twelve Tiberian villas on Capri mentioned by Tacitus. The entire complex, spanning several terraces and a difference in elevation of about 40 m, covers some 7,000 m² (1.7 acres). While the remaining eight levels of walls and staircases only hint at the grandeur the building must have had in its time, recent reconstructions have shown the villa to be a remarkable testament to 1st-century Roman architecture.

The north wing of the building contained the living quarters, while the south wing saw administrative use. The east wing was meant for receptions, whereas the west wing featured an open-walled hall (ambulatio) which offered a scenic view towards Anacapri.

As water was difficult to come by where the villa was built, Roman engineers constructed an intricate system for the collection of rainwater from the roofs and a large cistern that supplied the palace with fresh water.

South of the main building there are remains of a watch tower (specula) for the quick telegraphic exchange of messages with the mainland, e.g. by fire or smoke.

Access to the complex is only possible on foot, and involves an uphill walk of about two kilometres from Capri town.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

p bailey (6 months ago)
Visited October 2024. Approximately a one hour walk from Capri town the Villa is at the summit of Mount Tiberius - sounds daunting but not really. The path leading to the villa is paved/tarmac/concrete and is wheelchair (wheel) friendly. Having said that this is a two-thousand year old site, wheels would be very difficult once inside. A wonderful piece of history with a modest entrance fee and a relaxed atmosphere once inside. Restored in places but most of the structure looks authentically old. With panoramic views of The Bay of Naples including a fantastic view of Sorrento, if you make the effort you will be rewarded when you get there.

Katarina Martić (6 months ago)
It is about 1.4 km uphill from the center of Capri to the villa. It is only important that you prepare for it and everything else is easy. :) You will be greeted by a wonderful view as well as pygmy goats at the top. :)

Peter Hadfield (10 months ago)
We had a very interesting visit to Villa Jovis, it's well worth the effort. There is a long and often steep walk up to the villa, but you can have a break at Bar Jovis on the way. I suggest that you read about it before the visit as there is minimal information on site. There are tremendous views in all directions as it is on a high point of the island

Josephine Farriss (11 months ago)
So devastated Villa Jovis was closed for some reason, I think perhaps some renovations? But there was absolutely no signage anywhere closer to the bottom where the roads and signs were indicating. My parents had visited 30 years ago and have been talking about it all my life saying how incredible it was! Travelled all the way from Sydney, Australia to Capri to see this marvel and I know it’s obviously just bad timing… but was just so disappointed when we got there and it was closed off, honestly was so close to crying ? Had to tell lots of people on the way up it was closed, saw a few others arrive and they were frustrated there was no signage either (as it’s a bit of a walk) and a huge trek off the beaten track from Villa Lysis

Samantha Bonelli (11 months ago)
Great ruins and amazing hike up to them. Be sure to download an audio guide beforehand if you don’t speak Italian (Audio culture has a great one) and stop at the park next door while walking in. Bring lots of water! There is nothing up there to buy.

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