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History of Capri
History of Capri
History of Capri
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The island of Capri is situated in the Gulf of Naples, between the Italian Peninsula and the islands of Procida and Ischia. Made of limestone, its lowest part is at the center, while its sides are high and mostly surrounded by steep precipices, which contain numerous caves. Its topography is dominated by the slopes of the Monte Solaro in the west and Monte San Michele in the east.

Prehistory and Greek period

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Prehistoric sites on Capri:
  Neolithic
  Chalcolithic
  Bronze Age
  Iron Age
  Pre- and protohistoric period
So-called Phoenician Steps

The first discoveries of prehistoric-age remains occurred more than two thousand years ago during the Roman Imperial era, when excavations for Imperial buildings on the island unearthed remains of animals that had disappeared tens of thousands before, as well as traces of Stone-Age occupants. The story was documented by the historian Suetonius (75–140) who described the interest shown by the emperor Augustus in preserving these remains, creating the first museum of paleontology and paleoanthropology in his villa's garden.[1]

The earliest mythical inhabitants were the Teleboi from Acarnania under their king Telon. Neolithic remains were found in 1882 in the Grotta delle Felci, a cave on the south coast. In historical times the island was occupied by Greeks who from the 8th century BC onward[2] first settled on the island of Ischia and the mainland, at Cumae, and later came to Capri. The historian Strabo wrote that "in ancient times there were two towns in Capri, which were later reduced to one".[3]

One of those two towns was the precursor to today's Capri town. This is confirmed by the remains of fortification walls, built with large limestone boulders at the bottom and square blocks at the top, visible from the terrace of the funicular railway, and a building at the foot of Castiglione, and these, together with other buildings now destroyed, complete the old town (5th to 4th century BC).

Regarding the second city, many hypotheses have been advanced, but the most reliable is that even then it was Anacapri, based on the existence of the Phoenician Steps that connect to the port (despite its name, the steps were not built by the Phoenicians, but by Greek colonists).

Since its first settlement, the natural shape of the island led to the creation of two communities, one in the east with hills sloping down to the sea, and one to the west on a large plateau, the steep slopes of Monte Solaro and with no access to the sea.

Capri subsequently fell into the hands of Neapolis (the former Greek colony called Naples today) and remained so until the time of Augustus, who took it in exchange for Aenaria (Ischia) and often resided there.

Roman period

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A topographic map of Capri showing the locations of some Tiberian villas

Tiberius spent the last ten years of his life at Capri and built twelve villas there,[4] the best known being the Villa Jovis whose impressive remains are still visible. All these villas can be identified with more or less certainty the best-preserved being on Anacapri consisting of a large number of vaulted substructures and the foundations perhaps of a Pharos (lighthouse). These include the Palazzo a Mare, villa di Gradola which included the Blue Grotto and Villa Damecuta. Ruins of one at Tragara could still be seen in the 19th century. South of the Villa Jovis are remains of a watch tower used to communicate with the mainland.

The numerous ancient cisterns show that in Roman, as in modern times, rain provided the island's water since it has no natural springs.

Ruins of Villa Jovis
Villa Damecuta

Apparently the main motivation for Tiberius's move from Rome to Capri was his wariness with the political manoeuvring in Rome and a lingering fear of assassination.[5] The villa Jovis is situated at a secluded spot of the island and the quarters of Tiberius in the north and east of the palatial villa were particularly difficult to reach and heavily guarded.[6]

According to Suetonius, Villa Jovis was the scene of Tiberius's wild debauchery, but many modern historians regard these tales as merely vicious slander by his detractors. These historians believe that he lived a modest, reclusive existence on the island.[7]

After Tiberius died, the island seems to have been little visited by the emperors, and we hear of it only as a place of banishment for the wife and sister of Commodus. The island, having been at first the property of Neapolis, and later of the emperors, never had any community with civic rights. Even in Imperial times, Greek was largely spoken there, as shown by both Greek and Latin inscriptions found on the island.

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century

[edit]

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Capri fell again under the rule of Naples, and suffered various attacks and ravages by pirates. In 866 Emperor Louis II gave the island to the comune of Amalfi. The political dependence of Capri to Amalfi, which had relations to the Eastern Mediterranean, is particularly evident in art and architecture, in which Byzantine and Islamic forms appeared. In 987 Pope John XV consecrated the first Caprese bishop.

Frederick IV of Naples established legal and administrative parity between the two settlements of Capri and Anacapri in 1496. Pirate raids by the Barbary corsairs reached their peak during the reign of Charles V. The medieval town was on the north side at the chief landing-place (Marina Grande), and to it belonged the church of S. Costanzo, an early Christian building. It was abandoned in the 15th century on account of the inroads of pirates, and the inhabitants took refuge higher up, in Capri and Anacapri. The pirate Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha, called Barbarossa, plundered and burned Capri seven times. The worst raid occurred in 1535, when Barbarossa captured the island for the Ottoman Empire and had Anacapri castle burned down, the ruins of which are now called Castello Barbarossa. This castle is on the property of Villa San Michele today.[8]) In 1553, a second invasion by Turgut Reis resulted in another capture and in the looting and destruction of Certosa di San Giacomo. The danger of such attacks led Charles V to allow the inhabitants to arm themselves, and new towers were built to defend the island. Only the 1830 French defeat of the pirates ended this threat.

A 17th-century visitor to the island was the French erudite libertine Jean-Jacques Bouchard, who may be considered Capri's first modern tourist. His diary, found in 1850, is an important information source about Capri.

In January 1806, French troops under Bonaparte took control of the island. In May 1806, the island was wrested from French control by an English fleet under Sir Sidney Smith, and strongly fortified, but in 1808 it was retaken by the French under Lamarque. By a simulated attack on the two docks of Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, British attention was diverted from the west coast, where the French were able to scale the cliffs and forced the enemy to surrender. In 1813 Capri, was restored to Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

In the latter half of the 19th century, Capri became a popular resort for European artists, writers and other celebrities, such as Norman Douglas, Friedrich Alfred Krupp, Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen, Christian Wilhelm Allers, Emil von Behring, Curzio Malaparte, Axel Munthe, and Maxim Gorky. The book that spawned the 19th century fascination with Capri in France, Germany, and England was Entdeckung der blauen Grotte auf der Insel Capri (Discovery of the Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri) by German painter and writer August Kopisch, in which he describes his 1826 stay on Capri and his (re)discovery of the Blue Grotto.

Also in the 19th century, the natural scientist Ignazio Cerio catalogued Capri's flora and fauna.

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

History of Capri

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Capri, a small located in the off the Peninsula in , boasts a that spans from prehistoric human settlements to its contemporary role as an exclusive tourist destination, shaped by its strategic maritime position, natural beauty, and appeal to elites across millennia. Archaeological evidence indicates human presence on Capri as early as the Lower Palaeolithic period, around 400,000 years ago, when the island was likely connected to the mainland and yielded stone tools alongside fossils of ancient elephants near the site of modern . By the era (4th millennium BC), maritime trade networks brought imported ceramics and to the island, as evidenced by findings in Grotta delle Felci, signaling early connections with distant regions like the Pontine and Eolie Islands. Greek colonization began in the 7th century BC, when settlers from established communities on to monitor and control shipping in the , eventually merging two ancient cities into what became the island's core settlements of and , linked by the Phoenician Steps. The Romans transformed into an imperial retreat starting in 31 BC, when Emperor acquired it from the city of in exchange for and initiated large-scale constructions; his successor elevated it to capital from 27 to 37 AD, erecting twelve lavish villas, including the prominent on Monte Tiberio. After ' death in 37 AD, Capri remained imperial property with limited high-profile activity, serving primarily as a site for exiles—such as the empress Crispina and in 182 AD—and witnessing minor restorations following the devastating of 62 AD, while epigraphic records highlight the presence of imperial slaves (vernae Caprenses) under Emperor . The in the AD marked a decline in elite Roman habitation, leading to reduced living standards amid broader imperial instability. In the medieval period, following the fall of the , Capri endured frequent pirate raids from the 7th century onward, prompting defensive measures like the 9th-century Castello Barbarossa (now in ruins) and refuge use of sites such as Grotta del Castiglione; the island initially fell under the and in the following centuries was successively dominated by the Longobards, , Angevins, Aragonese, and Spanish. By the 18th and 19th centuries, under Bourbon rule in the Kingdom of , Capri experienced a cultural and architectural revival, with the construction of ornate churches and convents reflecting Neapolitan artistic influence. The modern history of Capri is defined by its touristification, accelerating after Italy's unification in ; the construction of a harbor beginning in 1869 and the funicular railway in 1907 facilitated access, while the mid-19th-century rediscovery of the Blue Grotto drew European , artists, and intellectuals, establishing the island as a cosmopolitan haven with over 100 hotels by the early and cementing its legacy as a symbol of luxury and cultural allure.

Ancient History

Prehistory and Greek Settlement

The earliest evidence of human habitation on Capri dates to the period, approximately 400,000 years ago, when the island was still connected to the mainland via the Sorrento Peninsula. Archaeological excavations at sites like have uncovered bifacial stone tools and remains of continental fauna, such as antiquus, indicating that early hunter-gatherers exploited the area's resources before rising levels isolated the around 10,000 years ago. During the era, from the , settlements emerged with evidence of a settled, production-based economy, including imported ceramics and tools that suggest maritime trade networks linking Capri to the Pontine and Eolie Islands. The Grotta delle Felci, a cave on the southeast excavated in 1882 by Ignazio Cerio, yielded key Neolithic artifacts such as tombs, ceramics, a flint dated 3500–2300 BC, and implements, highlighting the site's ritual and domestic functions into the . Greek colonization of the region began in the with settlements at (Pithekoussai) and on the mainland, establishing a foothold in the Bay of Naples for trade and resource control. By the 7th to 6th centuries BC, Greeks from extended their influence to , integrating with indigenous populations and founding communities that served as outposts for monitoring maritime traffic in the . Early included the construction of the Scala Fenicia, a steep 921-step carved into the rock face connecting Marina Grande to the higher plateau of , facilitating access and transport of goods despite the island's rugged . The island's , dominated by Mount Solaro and Mount San Michele, led to the establishment of two distinct ancient towns, as noted by the geographer , who described as having "two small towns in ancient times, though later on only one." From the , Capri came under the jurisdiction of Neapolis (modern ), fostering trade relations that integrated the island into broader Greek commercial networks in . This period of Greek dominance ended in 29 BC when Emperor acquired Capri from Neapolis in exchange for the larger island of , drawn by its strategic beauty and resources. Augustus showed appreciation for the island's prehistoric heritage by collecting local fossils and artifacts, such as bones of large mammals and marine creatures, for display in a proto-museum at his villa.

Roman Imperial Period

The Roman imperial period marked Capri's transformation into an exclusive retreat for the elite, beginning with Emperor 's visit in 29 BC following his victory at . Struck by the island's scenic beauty and tranquility, Augustus negotiated its exchange with the Neapolitans for the more fertile (Aenaria), establishing it as a personal haven away from the mainland's political turbulence. He developed the island by constructing villas adorned with rare antiquities, including colossal bones of sea monsters and mythical beasts—dubbed "giants' bones"—alongside heroic weapons, effectively creating an early form of to showcase his patronage of culture and natural wonders. This imperial interest built briefly on earlier Greek colonial patterns of settlement along the coasts, adapting them for luxurious leisure rather than trade. Augustus's successor, , elevated Capri's status further by making it his primary residence from 27 to 37 AD, withdrawing from to govern the empire remotely amid growing paranoia and health concerns. He commissioned twelve opulent villas across the island's most picturesque sites, each named after a from the Roman pantheon, with on Monte Tiberio serving as his grandest and administrative , perched at 334 meters for panoramic views and defensive isolation. These complexes featured advanced engineering, such as multi-level terraces, heated baths, and , reflecting the emperor's desire for seclusion and indulgence in Capri's mild climate and rugged terrain. Ancient historians like described 's retreat to as a deliberate escape into solitude, where he constructed twelve lavish country houses amid the island's sheer cliffs and sheltered bays, fostering an environment of private excess and political intrigue far from public scrutiny. Lacking natural springs, the island's water supply depended entirely on an extensive network of rainwater cisterns, a system essential for sustaining the villas' baths, fountains, and agriculture, with Greek remaining the lingua franca among the educated elite and resident freedmen. further detailed the luxurious yet reclusive infrastructure, noting 's immersion in secluded gardens and erotic displays that underscored 's role as a hedonistic imperial sanctuary. After Tiberius's death in 37 AD, Capri continued as a site of imperial exile and leisure into the 2nd century, notably serving as the banishment destination for , wife of , accused of adultery in 192 AD, and his sister following her failed conspiracy in 182 AD. Architectural remnants from this era, including the seaside Palazzo a Mare—initially built by and expanded by for maritime leisure with its , xystus garden, and porticoed —attest to Capri's enduring role in elite Roman recreation until the 4th-5th centuries AD, when the Western Empire's decline shifted focus elsewhere.

Medieval Period

Early Middle Ages and Saracen Raids

Following the fall of the in the AD, Capri fell under Byzantine influence as part of the , which maintained nominal ties to the Eastern Empire while asserting local autonomy amid Lombard expansions in . In the 6th-7th centuries, the island came under Longobard dominion. The island's early Christianization is exemplified by the construction of the Basilica of San Costanzo in the AD on the ruins of a late-Roman palace, with later rebuilds in the 9th-11th centuries; the structure was dedicated to the island's , reflecting the shift toward monastic and ecclesiastical centers in the post-imperial landscape. Some ruins were repurposed for defensive or religious uses, while others were abandoned as settlements relocated to higher, more secure elevations. By the mid-9th century, escalating threats from Arab-Muslim forces prompted Emperor Louis II to grant to the Republic of in 866 AD, entrusting the maritime power with its defense in exchange for naval support against invaders. This arrangement integrated into 's protective network, which included alliances and conflicts with groups operating from bases in and the mainland. raids intensified during the 9th and 10th centuries, transforming from a peripheral outpost into a frequent target of coastal depredations that caused widespread destruction and depopulation. A notable occurred in 812 AD, when a fleet of 40 vessels ravaged the Bay of and adjacent areas including , compelling inhabitants to seek refuge in natural caves and hilltop sites. By 920 AD, local resistance had grown, as islanders captured and destroyed a ship, though such victories were rare amid ongoing vulnerability that reduced the population to scattered communities focused on survival. In response to these persistent threats, ecclesiastical authority was formalized when consecrated the first bishop of in 987 AD, elevating the island to diocesan status as a suffragan see under and centering religious life at the Basilica of San Costanzo. Defensive measures proliferated, including the Castiglione tower erected in the 9th-10th centuries on the island's eastern heights to serve as a watchpost and signal station, complemented by early medieval churches that doubled as refuges. Throughout this era up to the , Capri's sparse population sustained itself through on terraced slopes and small-scale fishing in sheltered bays, with trade limited by insecurity and isolation.

Norman Conquest to Aragonese Rule

In 1073, the conquered the Republic of , to which had been subject since the , thereby incorporating the island into their expanding domain in . This marked the beginning of Norman rule over , integrating it into the County of and later the Kingdom of Sicily under Roger II, and bringing a measure of feudal to the island's governance. The conquest addressed the lingering threats from Saracen raids by initiating defensive measures, including the construction of hilltop fortresses like those at Castiglione and the early phases of what would become Castello Barbarossa, designed to protect against pirate incursions. Following the Sicilian Vespers revolt in 1282, Angevin rule persisted in mainland until 1442, when seized the Kingdom of , but remained under Angevin control from 1266 onward as part of this territory after Charles I of Anjou's victory over the at . During the , under Angevin patronage, Count Arcucci founded the Certosa di San monastery between 1371 and 1373 on land donated by Queen Joan I, establishing a Carthusian community that served as both a religious center and a fortified refuge amid persistent pirate threats. These developments reflected the Angevin emphasis on ecclesiastical architecture and defense, with the monastery's Romanesque-Gothic elements underscoring the era's cultural influences. Aragonese dominance over Capri solidified after 1442, aligning the island fully with the Crown of 's Neapolitan holdings. In 1496, King Frederick IV of issued a establishing legal and administrative parity between the towns of Capri and , ending centuries of rivalry over governance and resources by granting equal status under a single . This stabilized local feudal administration, reducing internal disputes while maintaining the island's role as a peripheral outpost in the Kingdom of . Under the feudal lords of the Norman, Angevin, and Aragonese periods, Capri's economy centered on , with terraced cultivation of olives for oil production and vineyards for wine serving as primary activities to sustain the sparse population and enable limited exports to the mainland. influenced surviving structures, such as the Basilica of San Costanzo, which adopted Romanesque features for durability against invasions, while the island functioned as a strategic, if isolated, component of the Kingdom of Naples through the late . The enduring legacy of raids further necessitated these Norman-era defenses, shaping Capri's medieval landscape of fortified settlements.

Early Modern Period

Spanish and Bourbon Domination

Capri came under Spanish rule in 1504 following the surrender of to Spanish forces during the , integrating the island into the of as part of the Habsburg domains. This period marked a continuation of feudal governance inherited from the Aragonese era, with local privileges ratified by Ferdinand the Catholic in 1507, including tax exemptions due to the island's agricultural limitations. Administrative structures maintained parity between the communes of and , as established in 1496 under Frederick of Aragon, granting Anacapri semi-autonomous status akin to nearby islands like and ; this balance persisted through shared civil and military governorships, with expenses divided equally by the late 18th century. The 16th century saw intensified threats from Ottoman and Barbary pirates, peaking under Charles V, whose Habsburg forces struggled to protect Mediterranean outposts. In 1535, Ottoman admiral raided Capri, capturing the island and burning the castle, whose ruins still bear his name as Castello Barbarossa. This incursion devastated fortifications and prompted inhabitants to flee inland. Eighteen years later, in 1553, Turgut Reis (known as ) launched another assault, looting the Certosa di San Giacomo monastery and further ravaging the island for the . These attacks, part of broader corsair campaigns, led Charles V to authorize arming the local population and constructing enhanced coastal towers, such as those at Punta Carena and Damecuta, alongside walls to bolster defenses against recurring maritime threats. The economy during this era relied heavily on fishing and small-scale trade, with exemptions from royal duties on grain imports—dating to medieval grants but reaffirmed under Spanish oversight—sustaining the population amid soil infertility and intermittent warfare. Socially, the period witnessed feudal decline as centralized viceregal authority eroded baronial powers. This shift coincided with ongoing pirate raids, fostering a resilient community structure centered on monastic institutions like the Certosa, which endured challenges including the 1656 plague that decimated the population. In 1734, the Treaty of Vienna transferred the Kingdom of Naples to the Spanish Bourbon line under Charles III (formerly Charles of Bourbon), ending Habsburg viceregal rule and ushering in direct monarchical oversight. The Bourbons granted privileges for local development, including incentives for vine cultivation and olive oil production, which bolstered the island's agrarian economy alongside traditional fishing and trade. Ferdinand IV (later Ferdinand I) visited annually in the late 18th century for hunting, using the Palazzo Inglese as a base and improving signal systems for defense. These reforms maintained administrative parity between Capri and Anacapri, with a permanent civil governor appointed in 1764 following local petitions. The disrupted Bourbon control, with French forces briefly occupying in January 1806 before British Admiral Sidney Smith captured it in May, establishing a with infrastructure like roads and under Governor . French troops under recaptured the island in October 1808 after a , holding it until 1813 amid ongoing guerrilla resistance. British forces reoccupied briefly in 1813 before restoring it to I of the Two Sicilies that year, reinstating Bourbon rule and ending the era of foreign domination until the Risorgimento. Throughout these upheavals, the island's social fabric—marked by declining feudal ties and emerging local influence—adapted to intermittent warfare, preserving economic reliance on maritime activities.

Romantic Rediscovery in the 19th Century

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Naples emerged as a vibrant cultural hub within the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, attracting British travelers on the Grand Tour who sought classical antiquities, scenic beauty, and exotic experiences in southern Italy. Capri, accessible by short sea voyage from Naples, began drawing these visitors as an extension of the tour, with the Bourbon rulers granting privileges for island improvements, including enhanced fortifications that provided safety for early tourists. By the 1830s, British arrivals in Naples numbered around 1,000 annually, fueling demand for excursions to Capri's rugged cliffs and ancient ruins, which evoked Romantic ideals of unspoiled nature and historical mystery. The rediscovery of the Blue Grotto in 1826 marked a pivotal moment in Capri's Romantic allure, when German painter August Kopisch and artist Ernst Fries, guided by local fisherman Angelo Palumbo, entered the sea cave through its narrow aperture and were awestruck by its luminous azure waters. Although known to locals as early as 1822, the site had been largely forgotten by outsiders since Roman times; Kopisch's vivid account in his 1838 book Entdeckung der blauen Grotte auf der Insel Capri popularized it across , inspiring artists and writers to flock to the island for its sublime, otherworldly beauty. This promotion ignited a wave of fascination, transforming the grotto into a symbol of Romantic escapism and drawing initial waves of cultured visitors eager to experience its ethereal light effects. From the mid-19th century, Capri saw an influx of artists and intellectuals captivated by its picturesque landscapes and bohemian potential, establishing early creative colonies that celebrated its and natural drama. Painters from the Neapolitan Posillipo School, such as Giacinto Gigante, Achille Vianelli, and Edward William Cooke, documented the island's cliffs, fishing villages, and ruins in luminous watercolors and oils, emphasizing its idyllic isolation. Foreign artists like British painter William Page and later further amplified Capri's reputation as an artistic haven, with their works portraying it as a Mediterranean paradise free from industrial intrusion. Italy's unification in 1861 incorporated Capri into the Kingdom of Italy, ushering in modest infrastructure developments that facilitated access and supported emerging tourism. Key projects included the construction of Marina Grande harbor beginning in 1869 and the road linking Capri town to Anacapri completed in 1874, improving connectivity from the mainland and enabling easier visitor arrivals. This period witnessed an economic pivot toward tourism, as the island's population grew from approximately 4,500 in 1861 to over 6,000 by 1901, driven by seasonal influxes and service-related employment. Hotels proliferated to accommodate the rising tide of elite travelers, with establishments like the Pension Quisisana (opened 1845, expanded as a hotel by 1870) and Hotel Pagano (1822) providing comfortable lodging amid the scenic hills, marking the onset of Capri's transformation into a premier cultural destination.

Modern and Contemporary History

20th-Century Developments and World Wars

At the turn of the , Capri underwent significant infrastructural advancements that enhanced accessibility and solidified its appeal as a resort destination. The , a remarkable engineering feat, was commissioned in 1900 by German industrialist to provide a direct pedestrian path from his yacht moored in Marina Piccola to the Grand Hotel Quisisana, his preferred accommodation on the island. This winding footpath, carved into the rocky cliffs with a series of hairpin turns ascending approximately 100 meters, was completed between 1900 and 1902 and represented a bold fusion of private luxury and public innovation. Shortly thereafter, construction of the funicular railway began in 1905, connecting the port at Marina Grande to the town of and revolutionizing transport for visitors and residents alike; the line, built by the Swiss firm Von Roll, officially opened in 1907 and facilitated the island's growing influx of tourists. These developments marked Capri's transition from a secluded retreat to a more modern, approachable haven, building on its 19th-century romantic allure. In the years leading up to , Capri emerged as a vibrant hub for European intellectuals, drawn by its serene landscapes and bohemian atmosphere. Austrian poet spent time on the island in 1907, where he composed several works, including poems inspired by its natural beauty, during a period of creative renewal that included an encounter with Russian writer on 12. Similarly, Scottish author established a residence on Capri in 1913, immersing himself in the island's artistic community and drawing from its exotic charm for his writing until the war's outbreak in 1914. Amid the escalating European conflict, Capri maintained neutrality, reflecting Italy's official stance of non-belligerence from August 1914 until its entry into the war on the Allied side in May 1915; the island's isolation spared it direct involvement, allowing it to serve as a temporary refuge for expatriates and locals alike. During the , under Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime, Capri experienced accelerated tourism growth supported by state-backed infrastructure improvements. The and saw expanded hotel capacity and enhanced roadways, aligning with Italy's broader push for modernization and , which promoted domestic leisure as a tool for national unity. These investments transformed Capri into a symbol of Italian resort elegance, attracting affluent travelers seeking respite from the era's political tensions. World War II brought profound disruptions to Capri's tranquility, as the island became entangled in the broader Italian campaign. Following Italy's armistice with the Allies on September 8, 1943, German forces swiftly occupied Capri as part of , using it as a strategic overlooking the Bay of amid Allied advances in . The occupation was marked by Allied bombing raids in late 1943, which targeted nearby and caused collateral damage, while German troops fortified positions and requisitioned villas. Liberation came swiftly on October 12, 1943, when British Motor Torpedo Boats accepted the island's formal surrender, transitioning Capri into an Allied base for operations, including covert meetings between U.S. agents and anti-Fascist Italian naval officers. By 1944, as the front lines stabilized, Capri served as a rest-and-recreation site for Allied troops, though the war's toll on infrastructure and the local economy lingered. In the immediate years up to 1950, Capri focused on economic rebuilding centered on its sector, leveraging its pre-war reputation to aid Italy's national reconstruction. With many villas unoccupied during the conflict, the island repurposed them for returning tourists and transitioning to civilian life, fostering a gradual revival of luxury accommodations amid the devastation of mainland . This period emphasized restoring transport links, such as the , and promoting Capri as a symbol of renewal, with early visitors contributing to a modest influx that laid the groundwork for the 1950s boom in . By 1950, these efforts had positioned the island as a key asset in Italy's recovery, emphasizing and scenic escapes to stimulate employment in hotels and guiding services.

Post-War Tourism Boom and Recent Challenges

Following , Capri underwent a dramatic transformation into a premier luxury tourism destination, with a surge in visitors during the 1950s and 1960s fueled by its idyllic landscapes and emerging global allure. The island attracted high-profile celebrities, including Jackie Kennedy, who visited in the early 1960s and symbolized American elegance amid the jet-set lifestyle; , who appeared there in 1962 alongside director ; and , who stayed in 1959 with , enhancing Capri's reputation as an exclusive retreat for the elite. This celebrity endorsement, combined with post-war economic recovery and improved accessibility via ferries from and , propelled annual visitor numbers to exceed 1 million by the , marking the onset of mass tourism on an island previously known for elite, extended stays. To support this growth, infrastructure expanded significantly, including enhanced ferry services to handle surging demand—now accommodating thousands daily during peak season—and the proliferation of luxury hotels, such as major developments at the Grand Hotel Quisisana and new boutique properties that catered to affluent travelers. The longstanding prohibition on cars for non-residents preserves Capri's pedestrian ethos, prioritizing scenic boat arrivals. Cultural milestones amplified the island's prestige, notably the 1999 filming of The Talented Mr. Ripley in locations like the Faraglioni rocks and nearby waters, which showcased Capri's dramatic cliffs and azure seas to international audiences, and recurring high-fashion events like designer showcases at Piazzetta Umberto I that drew global media attention. Entering the , however, this prosperity brought challenges from , with annual visitors reaching approximately 4 million by the , straining resources on the 10-square-kilometer island. Regulations intensified to curb congestion and emissions, including the longstanding car ban for non-residents during high-season periods ( to ). Environmental threats from , such as rising sea levels eroding coastal paths and acute shortages exacerbated by demand, have prompted preservation efforts, including discussions of recognition for Capri's millennial cultural landscape to safeguard sites like . A in June 2024 temporarily halted ferry arrivals until resolved on June 22, highlighting vulnerabilities. In 2024, authorities announced plans to limit day-trippers to address . overwhelmingly dominates the , comprising over 80% of local GDP by the 2020s through hotels, retail, and services, though seasonal fluctuations highlight vulnerabilities. Post-COVID recovery from 2021 to 2025 has emphasized sustainable practices, such as limits on day-trippers via a €5 entry fee introduced in 2024 (applied to ) and initiatives for eco-friendly accommodations to mitigate and promote long-term resilience.

References

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  20. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dc553.html
  21. https://www.academia.edu/30235215/Fragile_Borders_beyond_the_Strait_Saracen_Raids_on_the_Italian_Peninsula_8th_11th_century_A_D_
  22. https://www.normansicily.org/en/resources/learn/group_one/
  23. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Angevin-Dynasty
  24. https://www.opencampania.it/en/poi/Certosa-San-Giacomo-Capri/
  25. https://www.understandingitaly.com/aragons-in-italy.html
  26. https://www.britannica.com/place/Island-of-Capri
  27. https://www.capri.com/en/e/history-2
  28. https://www.trips2italy.com/campania/capri/history-t2i
  29. https://www.fortmed.eu/Caserta_2025/Fortmed_VOLUME_21.pdf
  30. https://realcasadiborbone.it/en/monarchy/charles-of-bourbon/
  31. http://www.naplesldm.com/battlecapri.php
  32. https://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/18th-may-1918/16/the-british-in-capri-1806-1808-by-sir-lees-knowles
  33. http://www.naplesldm.com/muratnavy.php
  34. https://www.academia.edu/10319470/TOWARDS_A_HISTORY_OF_TOURISM_NAPLES_AND_SORRENTO_XIX_CENTURY
  35. https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.4159/9780674726208-006/pdf
  36. https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/25832/
  37. https://www.quisisana.com/en/5-star-hotel-capri-center/history
  38. https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/hotel-la-palma-capri/history/
  39. https://www.insightguides.com/inspire-me/blog/visual/via-krupp-capri-island-italy
  40. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/via-krupp-of-the-island-of-capri/articleshow/40668434.cms
  41. https://www.jstor.org/stable/30160671
  42. https://www.levantineheritage.com/testi42.htm
  43. https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/neutrality/
  44. https://www.nps.gov/articles/oss-in-action-the-mediterranean-and-european-theaters.htm
  45. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1605964/
  46. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80001364
  47. https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/explore/alphabetical-index/interviewees/30-interview-html-text/614-ershow-walter-e
  48. https://www.casainitalia.com/Capri.html
  49. https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/celebrity-and-capri-italy
  50. https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en-US/noartistknown/maria-callas-in-capri-italy-1959-b-w-photo/black-and-white-photograph/asset/6106909
  51. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-lure-of-capri-1003163/
  52. https://movie-locations.com/movies/t/Talented-Mr-Ripley.php
  53. http://www.capritourism.com/en/statistical-data
  54. https://www.traghettiup.com/blog/en/ban-on-disembarking-on-the-island-of-capri-with-cars-motorbikes-and-mopeds/
  55. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/22/capri-water-emergency-tourists-mayor
  56. https://nationalemergingartprize.com.au/newserx/22290-capri-italy-water-emergency-understanding-the-crisis-and-its-implications
  57. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/capri-covid-free-vaccination
  58. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/tourists-move-italians-are-squeezed-out-holiday-island-capri-2024-04-28/
  59. https://www.bernama.com/misc/rss/news.php?id=2355999
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