There is the Capri della Piazzetta, jet set, extra-luxury shopping, panfili and Faraglioni. And then there is Anacapri, the other municipality of the island, which is all another story. Here the echoes of the Dolce Vita were not rushed, but you take the time to enjoy the sweet life of one of the most charming islands of the Mediterranean.
And that's exactly what I did during my recent weekend in Capri for the blogtour #Anacapriwhynot in collaboration with ♪, dedicated exclusively to Anacapri what to see of its more or less hidden treasures. If you want to follow me, in addition to a pair of Capri pants of order, do not forget to pack even comfortable shoes, because I warn you that there will be to walk, and a lot.
Index of Article
Anacapri what to see
Anacapri Center
To get into the island mood, disembarked in Marina Grande take one of the typical cabriolet taxis that in a blink of an eye will take you to the village along the beautiful panoramic road that at each curve gives views of the port of Capri and the Gulf of Naples. Sure, there are also the bus lines, definitely cheaper, but you want to put the pleasure of a car ride with the wind in your hair, like a diva of the Fifties?
A Anacapri Center However the car does not need, since it is largely pedonalized and turns quietly on foot. Let yourself be seduced by the atmosphere lively and relaxed of the Mediterranean village, with whitewashed houses, quiet squares and secret gardens unveiled by bouganville waterfalls and scent of jasmine in the air.
Villa San Michele
The most famous of all, anything but secret, indeed very famous, is that of Villa San Michele, which was the residence of Axel Munthe, physician, writer and art collector of Swedish origin, who built it at the end of the 1800s on the site of an ancient Roman imperial villa. Stipped with period furniture and works of art, it remained such and which he left it.
But the real wonder is the garden, a romantic dream scattered with rare and Mediterranean essences, marbles and ancient statues, which at all last year was rewarded as the Most Beautiful Park in Italy. The reason? Take the picturesque pergola avenue that opens in terraces and panoramic spots, until you reach a spectacular view on Capri and the Gulf of Naples and you will understand it in flight.
Church of San Michele
Not less amazing, but of all kinds, it is also the garden in the church of San Micheleoverlooking a small square in the historic centre. Come in and in the shadows you will find a unique masterpiece in the world: the eighteenth century majolica floor composed of more than 2500 riggiole (the typical Neapolitan tiles) that depicts the Earthly Paradise with Adam and Eve.
A work of the master maiolicaro Leonardo Chiaiese who alone is worth travelling to Anacapri. Climb the spiral staircase that takes you to the cellar and you can admire this majolica carpet throughout its magnificence.
Then descend into the aisle and walk through the wooden catwalks to admire from close to the minucious details: from the fantastic zoo of real and mythological animals placed near the entrance, to the central scene of the Archangel Michael with the fuzzy sword that hunts Adam and Eve, to the grandiose Tree of Life under a sky full of stars.
Traditions and ancient districts of Anacapri
Allegre majolica colored also decorate the benches scattered around the old town. But these are modern, the work of the master Sergio Rubino who can be in a certain sense considered the heir of Chiaiese. Look for them if you want to rest a bit before continuing the walk.
The most beautiful are those of Piazza Diaz, on which the church of Santa Sofia opens, where St. Anthony, patron of Anacapri, is venerated, celebrated every year with the traditional procession of June 13 through the streets of the ancient city districts: Door, Chain, Tower, Stones and Boffe. Just behind the church of Santa Sofia is the Boffe, perhaps the most characteristic, all alleys and squares.
You can explore the country on your own, but if you prefer visit Anacapri with an insider that lets you discover the most curious and hidden corners of the island, you can contact theCultural Association Kaire Art Capri. Not simple guides, but young professionals engaged in the valorization and promotion of the island heritage through guided tours and thematic paths.
The Treasure of the Red House
Walking through the historic center, you will certainly not miss a bizarre building painted in Pompeian red. This is about Red House, in fact, home of American Colonel John Clay McKowen, another of the many nineteenth-century travelers who landed in Capri and then left it no longer, bewitched by the landscapes and atmosphere of the island.
Inside, among various works of art and archaeological finds, you can admire a truly unique treasure as the statues that decorated the famous Blue Grotto, which unlike what many think is not in Capri, but in the territory of Anacapri.
Hotel Anacapri: Villa Ceselle
It’s painted a beautiful bright yellow the elegant Villa Ceselle, which was long a meeting of artists and intellectuals passing through the island. In a laid position, but still comfortable in the center, today is a cosy charming hotel that was my "home away form home" during your stay in Anacapri.
The strong point of hospitality in Villa Ceselle? Surely the princely breakfasts, where you will never miss freshly baked brioches and sweets, such as the legendary Caprese cake or the Neapolitan pastries. Nestled in a Mediterranean garden, it has only a dozen rooms, recently renovated in the classic style of Capri.
There is no restaurant, but the owners also manage Da Gelsomina alla Migliara, one of the most famous tables on the island...But of this I will talk to you in the next post on Anacapri.
