Capri

Capri, a small island off the Sorrentine Peninsula on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, has been a celebrated resort spot since ancient Roman times (the name derives from the Latin word caper, "goat," because the island is said to resemble a goat's shape). The beauty of the island attracted several Roman emperors to build imperial villas there, the most spectacular of which was the Villa Iovis (Villa of Jove)-the villa built by Tiberius to which he permanently moved and from where he ruled Rome for the last 10 years of his reign. Interest in travel to Capri developed in the 19th century after the publication of the German painter and writer August Kopisch's description of his travels to Capri and his rediscovery of the Blue Grotto. Today Capri remains a popular resort location, with its ritzy hotels and shops attracting numerous celebrities.

	The Marina Grande The Marina Grande is the main port of Capri (this picture was taken from the cafe terrace overlooking the port). The port was built in 1928 and is where ferries and hydrofoils dock when bringing tourists to the island. At the Marina Grande, one finds a small village, Capri's largest public beach, and can board the funicular to ride up to the main city.
	The Coast of Capri A boat ride alongside of the coast of Capri offers magnificient views of the island's various cliffs, grottoes, and rock formations. Unlike other isles near Naples, Capri is actually of sedimentary, not volcanic, origin and was formed by calcareous land. This picture shows a view of rock formations near the famous Faraglioni Rocks.
	The Faraglioni Rocks Pictured here is one of the most famous images associated with Capri: the Faraglioni Rocks. The Faraglioni Rocks are three rocks which have survived coastal landslides and erosion. Each rock has a name: the first, still attached to land, is called Stella; the second, separated by a small stretch of sea is called Faraglione di Mezzo; and the third, stretching farthest into the sea is called Faraglione di Fuori or Scopulo. The last of these rocks is famous for a species of the blue tinted lizard, which is the only place where it can be found.
	The Elephant Rock Throughout the centuries, travelers have found that the magnficient rock formations of Capri resemble the shapes of animals. Here is pictured the "elephant rock"- a rock formation in which the body of an elephant appears to rise out of the cliff and its "trunk" connects with another part of the cliff.
	The Funicular After arriving at the Marina Grande, one must take a funicular ("rope-car") to travel to the main town of Capri which is upon a hill. The main town of Capri is where one will find the island's finest boutiques, restaraunts, hotels, and spas. From the main town of Capri, one can also reach the smaller town of Anacapri.
	The Gardens of Augustus The Gardens of Augustus were built on ancient Roman ruins on land once owned by the wealthy German industrialist Frederic Afred Rupp. He lived on the Isle of Capri in the 19th century and later donated this land to the Isle of Capri. The gardens were renamed for the emperor Augustus, and its scenic terraces provide magnificient views of Capri's coastline.
	View From the Gardens of Augustus The terraces of the Gardens of Augustus offer magnificient views of the Gulf of Naples. Here one sees the Faraglioni rocks from a terrace at the edge of the Gardens of Augustus. One can also see the many boats gathering around the famous rock formations.

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