That Capri has existed for millions of years is testified by the pre-historic rocks and fossils conserved within the walls of the Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio, a museum and library founded in 1949 by the Engineer and writer Edwin Cerio and his sister-in-law, the American painter, Mabel Norman.
The museum, located within steps of Capri's famous Piazzetta, is comprised of four exhibition halls, home to the fossils discovered during the construction of the Quisisana hotel; items found in the tombs and villas of the Ancient Roman emperors who once resided on Capri; and examples of the island's unique land and marine fauna, such as the Blue Lizard, which inhabits the Faraglioni rocks.
As well as hosting high-profile conferences (numerous Nobel prize winners have made speeches here), the Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio organizes expert-led museum visits for school groups and all those interested in discovering the history of Capri.
Times and tickets
How to get to the Ignazio Cerio Museum: the museum overlooks the Piazzetta of Capri, the entrance is located in front of the Church of Santo Stefano, in Piazzetta Ignazio Cerio, 5.
Open: from April to October the museum is open on Mondays from 10:00 a.M. to 1:00 p.M., from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a.M. to 4:00 p.M, on Saturdays from 12:00 p.M. to 4:00 p.M. From November to March, the museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.M to 1:00 p.M.
Entrance: adults, EUR 3; children and teenagers under the age of 18, free; children between 18 and 25 years old, EUR 1.
Times and prices may vary during the season. You can ask for confirmation at the tourist information offices located in Marina Grande or in the Piazzetta or consult the Centre's website.