There is a precise spot on the island of Capri where two thousand years of history converge in a single glance. From the Gardens of Augustus, perched above the void, your gaze descends along the impossible switchbacks of Via Krupp down to the blue of Marina Piccola, with the Faraglioni closing the horizon like the wings of a natural theatre. It is the most photographed panorama on the island - and one of the most famous in the Mediterranean. If you are wondering what to see in Capri beyond the famous Blue Grotto, this walk is your answer.
This is not simply a scenic walk. It is a journey through time that begins with the Roman emperors, passes through the Belle Epoque of a German steel magnate, and arrives at the present day with one of the most audacious roads ever built by human hands on a cliff face.
The Gardens of Augustus: Two Thousand Years of Beauty
The Gardens of Augustus are located in the heart of Capri, just a few minutes' walk from the Piazzetta — the iconic historic center of the island where things to do in Capri begin for most visitors. The name pays homage to Emperor Augustus, who in 29 BC purchased the island of Capri from Naples, inaugurating what would become the most famous imperial retreat in Roman history.
It was his successor Tiberius, however, who transformed Capri into his permanent residence. From 27 AD until his death in 37 AD, Tiberius governed the Roman Empire from this island, building twelve imperial villas across its entire surface. The largest and most famous, Villa Jovis, rises on the eastern peak and dominated the Gulf of Naples like a palace suspended in the sky.
From Krupp to Public Gardens
The gardens in their current form were created in the early 1900s by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, who conceived them as a private botanical garden for his Capri residence. After his premature death in 1902, the area was purchased by the Municipality of Capri and transformed into a public garden.
Today the gardens house a rich collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants: bougainvillea, agave, maritime pines and Mediterranean scrub blend in a design that naturally frames the panorama below. But the true masterpiece is the view: the main viewpoint is arguably the most iconic spot on all of Capri.
From the viewpoint you command a 180-degree panorama encompassing the three Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, the southern coast of the island and, below, the vertiginous switchbacks of Via Krupp snaking like a serpent through the limestone rock. On clear days your gaze reaches Punta Campanella and the Amalfi Coast.
Via Krupp: The Impossible Feat
Via Krupp is a pedestrian road of approximately 1.3 km carved into the rock face of Capri's southern cliff. It connects the Gardens of Augustus (above) to Marina Piccola (below) via a series of 8 zigzag switchbacks that slot into the cliff with almost surgical precision.
It was commissioned in 1900 by Friedrich Alfred Krupp, heir to the mighty industrial dynasty of Essen, who needed a direct route from his favourite hotel (the Grand Hotel Quisisana) to Marina Piccola, where his yacht was moored. The cost was enormous for the era: approximately 3 million lire.
The engineering
The road was designed by engineer Emilio Mayer and carved out of limestone rock with explosives and pickaxes. Each switchback is a small engineering masterpiece: the carriageway is about 2 metres wide, protected by local stone walls, with gradients never exceeding 8%.
The tragedy of Krupp
Friedrich Alfred Krupp never saw his masterwork completed. He died in November 1902, just months before the inauguration, overwhelmed by a personal scandal. The road was completed in 1902 and donated to the Municipality of Capri by the Krupp family.
The landslide problem
The limestone rock of the cliff is fragile and prone to collapse. Via Krupp has been closed and reopened numerous times over the decades for safety works. Even when closed to foot traffic, it remains fully visible from the Gardens of Augustus.
The Route: From the Piazzetta to Marina Piccola
The full route from the Piazzetta to Marina Piccola via the Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp takes about 45 minutes on foot (downhill only). Here are the stages.
Stage 1 · 10 min
Piazzetta → Certosa di San Giacomo
From the Piazzetta, head down Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Federico Serena. You pass the Certosa di San Giacomo, a 14th-century Carthusian monastery with a magnificent cloister (free entry). Worth a 15-minute stop.
Stage 2 · 15-20 min
Gardens of Augustus
The entrance is just steps from the Certosa. Inside: botanical paths, panoramic benches and the main viewpoint with the view of Via Krupp and the Faraglioni. The most famous photo spot on Capri. Entry ~1 euro.
Stage 3 · 15 min
Via Krupp (if open)
From the southern exit of the Gardens, the descent begins along the 8 switchbacks. Each bend offers a different perspective on the sea and the cliff. The surface is stone-paved, slippery when wet. Closed-toe shoes recommended.
Stage 4 · Arrival
Marina Piccola
The descent ends at Marina Piccola, Capri's most beautiful bay. Here you will find beach clubs, waterfront restaurants and boat services for island tours. To get back up: ATC bus to Capri centre (~2 euro).
Villa Jovis: The Palace of Tiberius
To complete the "imperial" experience of Capri, Villa Jovis is unmissable - the largest of the twelve villas Tiberius built on the island. It is reached on foot from Capri centre in about 45 minutes (a challenging but scenic climb).
Built on a promontory 334 metres above the sea, Villa Jovis covered an area of approximately 7,000 sq m and included thermal baths, cisterns for collecting rainwater, service quarters and the imperial apartments with 360-degree views. From here Tiberius governed the Empire via a system of light signals and sea couriers.
The so-called "Tiberius' Leap" is a sheer 297-metre cliff beside the villa, from which, according to legend (reported by Suetonius), the emperor had condemned men thrown. Today, the view from the precipice is one of the most vertiginous on Capri. Entry to Villa Jovis approximately 6 euro.
4 Local Tips
1. Visit the Gardens of Augustus early in the morning
Before 10:00 AM the light is perfect for photographing the Faraglioni and Via Krupp, and there is almost nobody around. In the early afternoon the sun is behind you and the colours flatten out.
2. Check if Via Krupp is open before you go
Via Krupp is frequently closed due to landslides. Check the Comune di Capri website or ask at the tourist office in the Piazzetta. Even if it is closed, the view from above is still worth the visit.
3. Combine it with the Certosa di San Giacomo
The Certosa is on the path between the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus. Entry is free and the 14th-century cloister is magnificent. Worth a 15-20 minute stop.
4. Take the bus back from Marina Piccola
The climb back on foot from Marina Piccola to Capri centre is demanding (~25 min steep uphill). Take the ATC bus that departs every 15 minutes from the Marina terminus. Ticket ~2 euro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Via Krupp open in 2026?
How much does entry to the Gardens of Augustus cost?
How do you reach the Gardens of Augustus?
What is the connection between Tiberius and the Gardens of Augustus?
Can you see the Faraglioni from the Gardens of Augustus?
Who was Friedrich Alfred Krupp?
Written by
Amalfi Coast Travel
Local guides · Island of Capri
