Piazzetta

Capri Piazzetta

It may be small, but it's the most fashionable square in the world!

Piazza Umberto I, better known as the Piazzetta, is a surprisingly small little square enclosed within ancient edifices and dominated by the profile of the island's Monte Solaro. In the past, the Piazzetta was home to a lively fish and fruit market - that was until 1938 when the young islander, Raffaele Vuotto, opened a bar here and arranged a few small tables and chairs outside, where customers could relax over a cup of coffee or glass of wine. A number of his fellow citizens soon followed suit, and from that moment on, the Piazzetta became the heart of Capri's social life, so much so that, in no time at all, the square earned itself the label of "salotto del mondo" (the world's sitting room).

Today, locals and holidaymakers vie for seats outside the Piazzetta's historic bars, to partake in a leisurely breakfast, a lunch time snack, or an aperitif after a day on the beach and, of course, to indulge in a little people-watching. In addition to its elegant pavement cafés and jewelry shops, the Piazzetta is home to Capri's municipal offices, located in the former bishop's residence.

The panoramic terrace in front of the island's funicular railway, which connects the center of Capri with Marina Grande, is located just around the corner form the square, on the other side of the Torre del Orologio. The main terminal for buses running between Capri and Anacapri, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande is situated just a few meters away from the Piazzetta.

From the Piazzetta, an impressive flight of steps leads up to the 17th century Church of Santo Stefano, once Capri's cathedral and principal house of worship, and the Cerio Museum, housed within the 13th century Palazzo Arcucci.

The most emblematic work of architecture in the Piazzetta is, without doubt, the 17th century Torre del Orologio, believed to be the old bell tower of the cathedral, which sports a splendid clock, decorated in majolica. On display in the courtyard of the Municipal offices there are fragments of an old marble column and pedestal, discovered in the 1920's during the construction of the port, and which scholars have attributed to the Ancient Roman villa of Palazzo a Mare.

Sites of interest

Tips

Capri Time

Jewellers

Capri Time watches: from the Piazzetta to your wrist

Isidoro

Restaurants

Bar, restaurant and pizzeria in the center of Capri.

La Capannina

Restaurants

Traditional delicacies of the land and sea await guests dining at the De Angelis family's Restaurant...

Other ideas

Restaurants

Al Grottino: Since 1937, Capri's "Al Grottino" restaurant, located in an ancient...
Aurora: The finest "gastronomical museum" on the island
Buca di Bacco: A charming little restaurant situated in the heart of the old town
Capri's: Bar-Restaurant with breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples.
D'Amore: D'Amore: prepared with passion, cooked to perfection
Da Giorgio: Renowned restaurant with traditional cuisine.
Donna Rachele: Capri's Donna Rachele is the perfect venue in which to conclude a memorable...
Isidoro: Bar, restaurant and pizzeria in the center of Capri.
La Capannina: Traditional delicacies of the land and sea await guests dining at the De...
Pulalli Wine Bar: Open air wine bar near the clocktower of the famous "Piazzetta&qu...
Terrazza Tiberio: Terrazza Tiberio will seduce even the most discerning of gourmets with...
Villa Verde: Tantalize your tastebuds at Villa Verde!

Jewellers

Capri Time: Capri Time watches: from the Piazzetta to your wrist
Watches Jewels Capri - Shop Online: Watches and jewels from Capri on the web.

Wellbeing

Spa Tiberio: Spa Tiberio is the new wellness center of the prestigious Capri Tiberio...

Miscellaneous

Fondazione Capri: Fondazione Capri: sustaining and nurturing the island's greatest passions...

5 Star Hotels

Capri Tiberio Palace Hotel & Spa: Capri Tiberio Palace Hotel & Spa: elegant design combined with the...
La Scalinatella: La Scalinatella is a charming Italian boutique hotel where to enjoy world...

Luxury Villas

Villa Paradiso: Part luxury island home, part art museum: Villa Paradiso, Capri

Small Boutique Hotels

Casa Morgano: The Casa Morgano is the smaller twin of the nearby Scalinatella overlooking...
La Minerva: La Minerva is an elegant 4 star hotel in the historic center of Capri....

3 Star Hotels

Capri Wine Hotel: Capri Wine Hotel: how to transform an old winery into a beautiful boutique...
Esperia: Small, welcoming and with a spectacular view of the town of Capri and the...
La Prora: Located in the old medieval center of Capri, a mere 100 meters away from...

Bed & Breakfast

La Casa di Viola: La Casa di Viola: the simplicity of an island home, the warmth of a family-run...

Guest Houses

Villa Palomba: Your home-from-home within steps of the Piazzetta: authentic island hospitality...

House rental

Sweet Home: Sweet Home is a stylish apartment located within steps of the Piazzetta...
Villa La Conchiglia: Experience luxury, Capri-style, at Villa La Conchiglia: an authentic maison...
Villa Silia: From the terraces of Villa Silia, a luxury villa just a two minute walk...