Capri - Tragara - Pizzolungo - Natural Arch

At the end of Via Camerelle, to the left, via a short upward slope, one reaches Via Tragara.
Level and meticulously well kept, Via Tragara, is lined with luxury hotels and splendid villas. Buildings to be found along the road include the German Evangelist Church, built in typical transalpine style and very different from rest of the architecture of Capri; Villa Dicopoli, chosen residence of the writer Rainer Maria Rilke, the photographer Morgan Heiskell, the biologist Jacob von Uexkull, Queen Margaret; Villa Lo Studio where the poet Pablo Neruda stayed; Villa Tragara commissioned by the German artist Christian Wilheim Allers; Villa Quattro Colonne which belonged to the painter Goffredo Sinibaldi; and Hotel Punta Tragara which, it is said, was built with the contribution of the architect Le Corbusier.
Via Tragara comes terminates in a particularly romantic view point. To the left it is possible to catch a glimpse of part of the Amalfi Coast; straight ahead the Faraglioni rocks; to the right, a residential part of Capri with buildings clinging to the slopes of the island, the Castle topped Monte Castiglione, Monte Solaro and the bay of Marina Piccola.
From the Tragara view point one can access the Pizzolungo walk, which leads to the Natural Arch.
Along the route, which is without any refreshment services, walkers come across approximately 775 steps, alternating with level sections. Now and again, one can rest on one of the many benches placed along the pathway, or gaze out over any of the path’s spectacularly panoramic view points. The walk passes by a number of villas which display all of the characteristic elements of Capri’s traditional architectural style.
The whole area is named after the “Pizzolungo” monolith, also known as the Giant’s Tooth or Polyphemus, in the open area to the right.
The rock one can see further out to sea, is known as the Scoglio del Monacone .
The red construction, on the promontory known as Capo Fasullo, after the legendary fisherman, was built by Curzio Malaparte, and is one of the very few villas of Capri to have a private jetty.
The Pizzolungo route continues until reaching a steep flight of steps amidst a shady holm oak wood; ascending the steps one reaches the Grotta di Matromania or Matermania. Scholars have attributed the rituals performed in the cave to the cults of two pagan divinities, Mitra or Cibele.
Beyond the Grotta di Matermania, another 200 steps or so lead to the Natural Arch.
To get back to the Piazzetta of Capri walkers should take via Matermania.

Tips

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