Completed in AD 27, Villa Jovis was the largest and grandest of several palaces built on Capri for the Roman Emperor Tiberius, who made the island his home for most of his reign.
Ascending the Imperial throne on the death of his stepfather, Augustus, in AD 14, Tiberius was a reluctant emperor, and, wary of the political machinations in Rome, he retired to Capri in AD 26, at the age of 69, making Villa Jovis his main residence for the rest of his life.
The 'Villa of Jupiter' was built on a monumental scale, covering an area of around 7000 square meters in a remote clifftop location on the northeastern tip of Capri, which posed a number of problems for the emperor's architects. Privacy and security, rather than practicality, were Tiberius's main concerns, and he remained fearful of assassination attempts throughout his reign, ruling the Roman Empire from his small island home.
The complex was excavated in the 1930s, and the extensive ruins overlooking the Mediterranean are still an impressive sight today and a rewarding stopover for anyone visiting Capri on an Amalfi Coast yacht charter.
He acquired a reputation for still grosser depravities that one can hardly bear to tell or be told, let alone believe
Surrounded by parkland and mature trees, Villa Jovis offers a moment of peace and calm, as well as a fascinating insight into the opulent private life of a Roman emperor and his court. Built on a vast scale, it is one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Italy. It is situated just a stone's throw from the palatial building of Villa Lysis.
Accessible only by foot from Capri Town, Villa Jovis still has an air of seclusion and tranquillity, with breathtaking views out across the Bay of Naples.
Visitors exploring the palace today can wander through its timeworn corridors, archways, living quarters and bathing areas and imagine themselves stepping back two thousand years in time.
Braver souls can take a peek over the vertiginous cliff-edge known as Tiberius's Leap, from where, according to legend, those who had incurred the emperor's displeasure were hurled to their deaths.
If you are visiting Capri on a superyacht charter, be sure to make some time to explore this unique remnant of the Roman Empire and immerse yourself in the rich history of this enchanting Mediterranean island.
If you would like to incorporate a trip to this extraordinary villa as part of your charter itinerary, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker.
Alternatively, you can start planning your next luxury vacation by viewing the entire fleet of superyachts available for Amalfi Coast yacht charters.
