Let's start this tour at Piazzetta di Capri,
right in the heart of the town of Capri. In the meantime, you will learn more about
the fascinating history of this beautiful island. But first, let’s enjoy amazing views
of the mountains and the Marina Grande. You can take a funicular from Marina Grande
to Piazzetta di Capri. Funicolare di Capri will take you to this place here,
the city of Capri, where we start this tour. Capri is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea
off the western coast of Italy. The island is a popular tourist destination
known for its dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, extravagant hotels,
luxury shopping, and more. You can hear bells from The Torre del Orologio. This clock tower is situated in La Piazzetta, the main center
of the island life, right in the heart of Capri. Capri has a long and interesting history. The island was first discovered by Caesar Augustus in 29 BC,
who decided to build villas, gardens, and temples here. But the island is supposed to be inhabited long before that;
some even say about 12,000 years ago. The island remained a Greek colony until Augustus took over
Capri in exchange for an island of what is now known as Ischia. Let's pass now through the square, Via Vittorio Emanuele,
and Via Camerelle to get to beautiful Giardini di Augusto. You will learn more about the history shortly,
right after we'll pass Via Camerelle shopping street. This is Church Santo Stefano (Chiesa di Santo Stefano),
a baroque-style Catholic church. We will pass by on the third part of this walking tour. Via Vittorio Emanuele is one of the main road arteries
of Capri, known for various hotels and bars. Via Camerelle was built by the Romans, but it used to be just
a stone path, known by the name of Via Anticaglia. It was named Via Camerelle in the 18th century. Its name is supposed to derive from the chambers (camerelle) serving as a terrace that connected Monte Castiglione
and Punta Tragara (it's just a theory). Nowadays, as you can see, it's a famous shopping street
with many boutiques, restaurants, bars, and hotels. We will return here and walk on Via Tragara later (Part 2).
But now, let's discuss some more about the history of Capri. Many animal remains on the island might be attributed
to its early Neolithic farming culture. The etymology of the name Capri serves multiple meanings, including
"goat island" (Latin: capreae) and "wild boar" (Greek: kapros). This suggests that the island was inhabited
by farm animals long before Caesar Augustus. There are many traces of the ancient cisterns
from the Roman Era using rainfall as a water source since there is no natural spring on the island. After the end of the Roman Empire, Capri had an interesting
history, and was under the rule of Naples, French and British. When a plague hit Capri in the 17th century, it left half of the
people dead. There were only 755 locals at this time, though. In the 19th century, the island became a popular spot for gay people
(men and women) where they could practice their sexuality. Capri also became a paradise for artists, writers,
and celebrities like Mariah Carey. Capri became a fashionable resort for European aristocrats. To this day, the island remains one of Italy's
most popular tourist destinations. Visitors from all around the World come to this island to enjoy
Roman villas in ruins, beautiful beaches, and lush gardens. Carthusia i profumi di Capri is a perfume brand that
was founded on the island of Capri in 1948. But the legend said the first perfume on the island
dates back to the 14th century. The brand takes its name from the Carthusian monks
(Carthusia, i.e. "Charterhouse) who once lived on the island. Carthusia perfums draws inspiration from
the natural beauty of the island. The perfumes are made with local ingredients,
including lemon, orange, jasmine, and lavender. Carthusia i profumi di Capri offers a wide range of products,
including colognes, body lotions, and scented candles. Some of them are made with old perfume formulae. Now, we are walking toward the breathtaking
Giardini di Augusto (The Gardens of Augustus). Giardini di Augusto (The Gardens of Augustus) are
a botanical garden established by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp in the early 20th century
when he built his mansion on Capri. Initially, they were called "Krupp gardens" and were later
renamed and known as Gardens of Augustus. The gardens with an unparraled view of Capri are a testament
to the rich flora on Capri with various ornamental plants and flowers. In the distance, you can see Faraglioni di Capri, a rock formation
eroded by waves. We will get closer on this walking tour (Part 2). The gardens are strategically placed at a 180-degree panoramic position,
providing views of Mount Solaro, Bay Marina Piccola, and Faraglioni. La Charterhouse of San Giacomo was built as a convent
by Count Giacomo Arcucci of Capri in the 14th century. During the 16th century, it was severely damaged
by assaults from the pirates. It was in restoration for the next few decades
until the French in the 17th century used the building for barracks, a hospital,
and a military prison. At the beginning of the 20th century,
the convent underwent extensive restoration. The premises also hold a high school
and serves as a spot for cultural events. You can also visit two cloisters, Chiostro Piccolo
(this one here) and Chiostro Grande (will enter soon). The island is a single block of white limestone
and dolomite, coated with volcanic tuff and ash from ancient volcanoes
from Campi Flegrei, Naples. The most iconic sight on Capri is the dramatic Faraglioni, three towering rock formations
on the south-eastern part of the island. The rocks are a fascinating example of nature's masterful work. Millions of years' worth of erosion and weathering
have created these stacks. Down here, there is a private beach club and a restaurant. Tourists usually visit Capri during the summer months,
between mid-June to mid-September. Spring is also an excellent time to visit the island since
Capri has a mild climate for enjoying the blooming flowers. But you can notice that the weather can change
within minutes. This walking tour was shot on the same day. We are now walking on Via Roma, then will enter Via Mulo
to arrive to Marina Piccola Beach (Spiaggia di Marina Piccola). Enjoy the views towards beautiful mountains, already
located on the weatern part of the island - Anacapri. Anacapri is located higher on Capri island. In Ancient Greek,
the prefix "ana" means up or above, hence the name Anacapri.
