Capri The history of Capri island

Classical era

  • Early history - The Grotto of the Ferns and excavations at the Quisisana hotel and other localities testify to the presence of prehistoric inhabitants from the Neolithic period up to the Bronze Age.
  • VIII Century B.C. - Colonisation by the Teleboi, an Acarnanian people, led by Teleno. The megalithic wall visible from the Funicular Terrace is attributed to these settlers.
  • V-IV Century B.C. - The Greeks of Cumae also settle in Capri.
  • 328 B.C. - Greek Capri passes under the domain of Rome after the "Fedus Neapolitanum".
  • 269 B.C. - Coins recovered in the Guard district bearing this date testify to trade between the island and mainland.
  • 9 B.C. - Augustus acquires Capri.
  • 14/37 A.C. - Withdrawal of Tiberius to Capri.
  • 128 A.C. - The Emperor Commodus banishes Lucilla and Crispina to the island.

Middle ages

  • 450 A.C. - Construction of the Early Christian Basilica of St. Costanzo (Constant) by the Basilian monks.
  • 523 A.C. - Patrizio Tertullo donates Capri to the Benedictines.
  • 592 A.C. - Letter from Gregory Magno to Bishop John of Sorrento requesting him to go to Capri to bless the relics of St. Agatha, preserved by Abbot Savino at the Monastery of St. Stefano (Stephen).
  • 80-681 A.C. - Arrival of St. Costanzo on the island.
  • 750 A.C. - Capri, patrimony of St. Peter, is leased for 28 years by Gregory VII to Theor, Duke of Naples.
  • 812 A.C. - Start of Saracen raids in the Mediterranean.
  • 866 A.C. - Emperor Ludovick II donates Capri to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
  • IX Century - Byzantine reconstruction of the Basilica of St. Costanzo.
  • 987 - Appointment of the first Bishop by the Amalfi Archbishop.
  • 991 - Failed landing by the Saracens under the command of Boalim.
  • 998 - Construction of Anacapri Castle, later known as “Barbarossa” Castle.
  • 1003 - Construction of Capri Castle.
  • 1137 - Roger the Norman conquers Amalfi and Capri.
  • 1230 - Eliso Arcucci, Admiral of the Swabian fleet is made Count of Capri.
  • 1266 - Angevin occupation and construction of lookout towers.
  • 1284 - Sergio De Nicola, Governor of Capri, repels the Aragonese.
  • 1367 - Construction of the Convent and Church of St. Francesco (Francis) at Marina Grande under the direction of Count Arcucci.
  • 1370 - Expansion of the Church of St. Costanzo with the construction of the presbytery, pronaos and new entrance on the north side.
  • 1371 - Construction of the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo (James) under the direction of Giacomo Arcucci, Secretary to Jeanne I, Queen of Naples.
  • 1441 - Alfonso I of Aragon conquers Capri.

Modern and contemporary period

  • 1496 - Frederick II of Aragon founds the University of Anacapri, effectively separating it from Capri.
  • 1535-1553 - Invasion led by Kair-ed-Din, otherwise known as Barbarossa, and Dragut.
  • 1656 - Plague epidemic that kills 350 of the island's 755 inhabitants.
  • 1775 - Ferdinand II of Bourbon elects Capri as his summer residence where he goes to hunt quail.
  • 1786 - Archaeological excavations by Nobert Hadrawa.
  • 1806 - Capri is occupied by the French and reconquered by the English who fortify the island.
  • 1807 - The French troops of Joachim Murat reconquer Capri. Fortification of the island.
  • 1818 - Suppression of the Bishop's seat at Capri.
  • 1826 - Rediscovery of the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra). Capri becomes the popular destination of writers and painters who stay at Hotel Pagano.
  • 1874-1877 - Construction of road to Anacapri.
  • 1905 - Excavations undertaken to expand Hotel Quisisana uncover prehistoric remains.
  • 1910 - Construction of the Capri-Marina Grande funicular, and start of works in the port.
  • 1932-1935 - Archaeological excavations by Amedeo Maiuri at Villa Jovis, Villa Damecuta and the Palace by the Sea (Palazzo a Mare).
  • 1938 - First electric power station.
  • 1950 - Growth of tourism in Capri.

Tips

Transport and Rental

Capri Transfers

...over land, sea, and by air

Travel agencies

Capri Tours & Excursions

Capri and surroundings tours

Transport and Rental

Capri Relax Transfers

Transfer service from the airport to your hotel

Excursions by sea

Blue Sea Capri
Sail around the Island of Capri and along legendary Amalfi Coast
Bluride Capri Boat Charter
Discovering the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast by boat.
Capri Aboard Boats
Exclusive boat service throughout the Bay of Naples.
Capri Boats The Original
Boat trips around the island
Capri Marine Limousine
Boat trips and water taxis from the island of Capri to Sorrentine...
Capri Relax Boats
The professional sailors
Capri Sea Dream
Comfort and style
Capri Sea Service
Diving Club & boat rental
Capri Time Boats
Exclusive boat tours & private sea transfers
Capri Yacht Charter
Charter rental service
Giancarlo Guarracino
Motorboats and a traditional Gozzo
Gianni's Boat
Fabulous tours around the island by boat
Laser Capri
Boat tour around the island

Specialty Tours

Capri Time Tours
Private cultural tours, exclusive boat tours and sea transfers

Transport and Rental

Bluride Capri Boat Charter
Bluride Capri Boat Charter is specialized in boat trips, tours of...
Capri Aboard Boats
Flawless VIP boat transfers with Capri Aboard Boats
Capri Boat - Banana Sport
Discover the sea of Capri
Capri Boats Transfer The Original
Fast and comfortable transfers
Capri Relax Transfers
Transfer service from the airport to your hotel
Capri Scooter
Motor your way to freedom!
Capri Sea Service
Transfer, diving & boat rental
Capri Transfers
...over land, sea, and by air
Motoscafisti di Capri
Boat service for Blue Grotto
SAM Helicopters
Fly to Capri with SAM helicopters.
Staiano Autotrasporti
Transport solutions in Capri
Tecnomar Boat Capri
Assistance, maintenance and mooring

Travel agencies

Agency Trial Travel
Private transfers and tours
Capri Tours & Excursions
Capri and surroundings tours

Tips

Transport and Rental

Capri Transfers

...over land, sea, and by air

Travel agencies

Capri Tours & Excursions

Capri and surroundings tours

Transport and Rental

Capri Relax Transfers

Transfer service from the airport to your hotel

Travel agencies

Agency Trial Travel

Private transfers and tours

Featured hotels

Casa Morgano

5 Star Hotels

The hotel situated along Via Tragara, one of the most panoramic walking street of Capri, will...

Relais Maresca

4 Star Hotels

One of the most ancient structures existing on the island of Capri, not far from the shore of the...

Villa Marina Capri Hotel & Spa

5 Star Hotels

Culture and luxury: the key elements of the new exclusive Capri's hotel Villa Marina.

Luna

4 Star Hotels

You'll have a hard time finding a more spectacular view of the Faraglioni rocks than that enjoyed...