Discover Anacapri: Art, History and Landscape

Anacapri can be explored through specific interests: art collections and architectural history sit alongside landscape destinations, handicrafts and traditional dishes. If you are looking for a hotel in Anacapri, this variety can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. The places below show which cultural and landscape themes can inform your choice of destination.

Art, architectural history and collections

Villa San Michele combines an art collection with a garden whose sequence of spaces creates its own distinctive atmosphere. Most of the collection is of Roman, Etruscan or Egyptian origin. These three origins give the collection a clear cultural and historical framework. The garden also has a distinctive progression: it begins in the shade of the wisteria on the pergola, reaches its sunny high point at the Sphinx Terrace and ends at an elegant avenue of cypress trees. At one site, a focus on art-historical collections sits alongside a landscape experience shaped by garden spaces.

At Casa Rossa, painting and architectural history come together. Its picture gallery includes the two collections of paintings “Le luci del Mediterraneo” and “L'isola dipinta.” The building was constructed between 1876 and 1899 next to an old 15th-century tower; the tower was built by Colonel John Clay MacKowen. The different periods help distinguish the architectural history: Casa Rossa dates from the late 19th century, while the neighboring tower dates back to the 15th century. Unlike Villa San Michele, whose collection is described by its origins, two collections of paintings are distinguished by name here.

The Chiesa di Santa Sofia adds a change in the town’s history to the picture. It was built in 1510, replacing the former parish of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. The year of construction therefore also marks the replacement of an older parish. At Villa Rosa, a permanent exhibition displays works by Raffaele Castello (1905–1969). Alongside architectural history and collections, a single artist is the central point of reference here.

Landscape and different routes

Monte Solaro is the highest peak on the island of Capri; the chairlift there starts in Anacapri. The Phoenician Steps offer a different point of reference for the landscape: they consist of more than 900 steps, rise about 350 meters and are considered one of the island’s most beautiful scenic routes. For Monte Solaro, the peak and starting point are specified; for the Steps, the number of steps and the elevation gain are given. These are different criteria you can use to align your interests in landscape and physical activity with your stay.

Cetrella is also among the natural attractions: a valley surrounded by nature that can be reached from Monte Solaro. The church of Santa Maria a Cetrella is located in the valley. Religious services are still held there; in the past, the church was a place of pilgrimage for fishermen. The pilgrimage belongs to the past, while services continue to be held today. Cetrella therefore brings together a landscape landmark and the church’s different historical and present-day roles.

Town center, handicrafts and cuisine

Via Giuseppe Orlandi is a pedestrian street that runs through the town center and is lined with handicraft shops. Special souvenirs on offer include Capri sandals and handmade ceramics. The street can therefore be understood both as a central pedestrian route and for the handicrafts found there. In the area around Via Giuseppe Orlandi, you can try traditional dishes in restaurants and bars. Handicrafts and cuisine offer two different ways to get to know the town center.

Discover more destinations: Calvizzano, San Paolo Bel Sito, Casoria, Monte Di Procida, Serrara Fontana, Castellammare Di Stabia, San Giorgio A Cremano, Pompei

For the broader travel overview: Naples.