Villa di Gradola and Blue Grotto

Arranged along the north-western slope of the island of Capri, the remains of the Villa di Gradola rise above the famous Blue Grotto. Of the complex, laid out on terraces according to the model of maritime villas, at least three levels are still recognisable, with ancient pavements, substructures, cisterns and walls in opus reticulatum. The grotto-nymphaeum below, renowned for its intense blue created by light reflected from the seabed, formed part of the imperial residence. Accessible by boat, it once housed Roman sculptures, some of which are now displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Capri at the Certosa di San Giacomo. Since 1826, the year of its rediscovery by the wider public, it has inspired painters, poets and writers.