Capri - Perilious itineraries

The following itineraries are a little different than your average tourist route, used predominantly by the locals, and botanists, explorers and zoologists rather than holiday makers. Sections of the alks require both agility and ability. Those attempting the walks are strongly advised to wear suitable clothing, with walking boots, full length trousers and, given that there are no refreshment points on the routes, to pack a supply of water and a little food (the prefect occasion to organize a picnic among friends!).

Itinerary 1b - Grotta del Castiglione

The Grotta del Castiglione is Capri’s most scenic cave and also its largest. In order to visit the cave, one can arrive from below, from Via Krupp, and climb up an eroded and extremely slippery flight of steps, or from above from the Castiglione, along a pathway to the left of the Castle entrance. This steep, downhill route, requires a great deal of care as the parapet of the path is damaged, with various segments having crumbled away.
The Grotta del Castiglione is approximately 100 meters high. Resulting from a fracture in the rock, its dimensions were increased by the defacing caused by atmospheric agents. The pavement is formed by debris and, within the interior a considerably large stalagmite can be seen.
It is believed that the cave might have been used as a nymphaeum for the Roman Villa above it, hypothesis fuelled by the findings of a number of amphorae here, of the type used by the Romans for the cultivation of flowers.
In the era of the pirate attacks, the cave was used as a hiding place by the indigenous population.
In the nineteen thirties Giorgio Cerio built a few small buildings against the western wall, in which he used to retreat.

Itinerary 2b -Grotta dell'Arsenale

From via Krupp, following a pathway in a fairly poor state of repair, one arrives at the Grotta dell’Arsenale, after having crossed, with some difficulty, the cliff which proceeds it. The Grotta dell’Arsenale’s name derives from the belief that, once open a time, boats were manufactured within the cave.
Exposed to the south-west, the Grotta dell’Arsenale enjoys a sheltered position, perfect place where to soak in the sun, even during the winter and, despite the danger of falling rocks, is a popular nudist site. In front of the Grotta dell’Arsenale there are ten meters or so of flat land.

Itinerariy 3b – The Pine wood of Via Tamborio

The route starts from Via Matermania. At the end of the road to the left there is a series of steps leading upwards to a beautiful pine wood screening a privately owned villa. Once at a crossroads, turning left one proceeds to link up with the Via Tamburio.
Turning to the right one begins the journey through the shrub land where, given the lack of well defined pathways, one has to trust ones sense of orientation. From here, some time ago, it was possible to reach the archaeological site of Villa Jovis. The route is now barred by thick metal fencing. Nevertheless, one can still get all the way to Via Vanassina, and on to Via Tiberio.

Itinerary 4b - From Villa Lysis to Villa Jovis

This footpath starts at Villa Lysis and represents a valid alternative for all those wishing to reach Villa Jovis, without having to turn back to the main road.
Opposite the gateway of Villa Lysis, walkers should proceed to the right, close to the villa’s boundary wall, following the route used by hunters. The route passes through the countryside offering walkers the whole variety of the island vegetation: broom, myrtle, mastic tree ; visitors walk close to the rock which overlooks the Punta Campanella promontory.
Following the various ramifications, one arrives at Villa Jovis.

Itinerary 5b - From Tuoro Viewpoint to Piazzetta delle Noci

From Via Tragara turn left straight after the steep slope, and after thirty meters, turn right for Via Cercola, to continue along Via Tuoro, a quiet residential road.
At the end of road there is a viewpoint overlooking Tragara.
At the top of the flight of steps, to the left, there is a second semicircular viewpoint which overlooks the Faraglioni and the Scoglio del Monacone.
From here one can climb further, following the pathway which becomes a dirt track through the countryside, leading to Colle Semaforo, area of Capri where a military barracks is situated.
Following the water pipes, one reaches the high part of Piazzetta delle Noci, opposite which rises the majestic Villa Jovis.
Descending, after having stopped at the area’s various viewpoints, one turns to the right for the Natural Arch or, takes the Via Matermania, to return to the Piazzetta.

Itinerario 6b – Il Passetiello. Hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella. Monte Solaro.

The itinerary commences at the Due Golfi axis. Following the carriageway one joins Via Torina. At a certain point the tarmac road ends and a dirt track begins. From this point onwards walkers should follow the red arrows painted on the rocks along the route.
The lush, wild vegetation which can be observed, especially in springtime, is comprised of numerous species of shrubs, trees and flowers. Following the red signs, excursionists often find themselves right on the cliff edge, from where to obtain a birds eye view of the island of Capri. During the gradual ascent, a series of spectacular viewpoints greet the walker, giving him the sensation of having the whole of Capri at his feet.
At the end of the climb, one is presented with the ruins of the Barbarossa Castle to the right, Monte Solaro to the left and, directly in front, the Cetrella valley.
At Cetrella one can visit the Church of St Maria a Cetrella, a hermitage once used as the spiritual retreat of monks belonging to the Franciscan and Dominican orders.
The homebound road is much less demanding; once at the iron cross one can decide whether to take the pathway to the left thereby continuing onwards towards Monte Solaro, or to head straight onwards descending as far as the Viale Axel Munthe.

Tips

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