The Gardens of Augustus are small terraced gardens on the southern edge of Capri Town, a short walk from the Piazzetta. Paths wind between geraniums, dahlias, bougainvillea and pines, and classical statues stand among the beds. The main reason to come is the lookouts. From the railings you see the Faraglioni sea stacks in the water below and the switchback Via Krupp cutting down the cliff. The garden is compact, so plan a short visit built around the views.
From Krupp's garden to a public park
The gardens were created in the early 20th century by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, who had fallen in love with the island. They were known as the Krupp Gardens until the municipal administration renamed them after the Roman emperor Augustus following the Second World War.
Two marble lions that Krupp commissioned for a villa he never built are still on view here. A monument to Vladimir Lenin also stands in the garden. Lenin stayed on Capri in 1908 as a guest of the Russian writer Maxim Gorky.
Krupp was also behind Via Krupp, the coastal path that zigzags down the cliffs from the gardens to Marina Piccola. The engineer Emilio Mayer, the island's director of public works at the time, designed the road, which opened in 1902.
What you see from the lookouts
The eastern terraces give a close view of the Faraglioni, three limestone sea stacks rising out of the water. Because the garden sits high on the cliff, the views are wide and the stacks look small and sharp below.
The southern walls look down on Via Krupp. Its narrow switchbacks are cut into the rock, and the path drops about 91 metres to Marina Piccola bay, which is also visible from the terraces.
Look for Aphrodite's pond among the statues and flower beds. Benches along the paths offer a place to sit and watch the sea.
Plants and shade
The beds hold geraniums, dahlias, bougainvillea, tall pines and fragrant juniper. Many of the plants are native to Capri. Flowers are most abundant from spring to autumn.
Pines and palms give the paths shade, which helps on sunny days. The terraces farther from the trees are more exposed to the sun.
Planning the visit
The garden is about a 10-minute walk from the Piazzetta, Capri Town's main square. You can walk through the whole garden in about 10 minutes, so most of your time will go to the lookouts and photographs.
Public restrooms are located near the gardens. Using them costs 50 cents.
Access to Via Krupp itself has changed over the years, so check locally before planning a walk down the path.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a small fee applies, reported at about €2 to €2.50 per person. Figures vary between visits, so confirm the price at the entrance.
How long do you need?
Most visitors need 20 to 40 minutes. Allow more time if you want to take photos at the lookouts.
How do you get to the Gardens of Augustus?
The gardens are about a 10-minute walk from the Piazzetta, Capri Town's main square.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon is best, before tour groups arrive and when the lookouts are less crowded.
Are there toilets nearby?
Public restrooms are located near the gardens. Using them costs 50 cents.
