Villa Jovis

Villa Jovis stands on Monte Tiberio, 334 m above sea level, on the eastern edge of Capri, overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Perched on the eastern promontory of Capri, sheer above the sea, the Villa is the most imposing among the residences built by Tiberius, which according to Tacitus numbered twelve. Excavations have revealed a vast complex organised around a large quadrangular area with cisterns. Access is via ramps leading to the so-called avenue of myrtles and to a vestibule, followed by a tetrastyle atrium with cipollino marble columns. A mosaic corridor leads to the baths, with an apsidal calidarium, and to the living quarters. To the west are the service areas; more secluded, to the north, on the peak, is the emperor’s private residence, with a terrace and rooms decorated with polychrome marbles.