TRAVEL THERE: A MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEW
I couldn’t find much back story to Giardini de Augusto. A rich European industrialist is responsible for its creation and it is the primary attraction in the town of Capri. History is not all that makes a site worth visiting. I’m glad I went. If you get the opportunity, you should, too.
Watch for It on the Left
If you go on your own, you can probably just follow the crowds across the town to get from the Piazza Umberto I. In the final stretch you will need to be a little more careful.
There’s a perfumery on this path and not far from it, this lovely lemonade stand. Can you believe the size of those lemons? I was told they are organic and they are the size of a grapefruit. Once you see these two landmarks, keep a close eye on the left. A very small entry way and an equally small bule tile sign are all that warn you that you have arrived. I’m quite sure the small street continues to who knows where, but you want to stop at the garden.
Views to Die For
The three stone in the picture above are the Farglioni or Stacks, as seen from the Augustus Garden. It really is an outstanding view – one you could spend a day enjoying, but it’s not all that’s there. It’s nothing grand and expansive like Dallas’ Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Just a verey well kpt little garden where tourists come to take pictures.
Once again, I wished to be there without the tourists. Even though I am not a fan of lemons, I was tempted to try Capri’s version of the concoction and perhaps shop in the perfumery. It was nice to contemplate sipping on a refreshing drink and enjoying the view.
Here’s what I mean.
Back to the Piazza
Paolo had cut us loose in the garden with instructions to be back at the Piazza at a certain time. We’d lost Deb and Vik somewhere along the way and we couldn’t find them in the garden anywhere, so we had to assume they’d already headed back. Bill and I took our leisure strolling along with the Bagleys.
We began to appreciate Paolo more and more. We’d wondered why he’d raced at such a pace across the island, but it soon became clear. For one thing, this sidewalk had not been nearly as crowded as we made our way to the garden. For another, the temperature was rising with great speed. It was downright hot.
The crowds are concentrated at the gardens and in the Piazza. Between the two points we were able to stroll along in relative peace, even if we were very, very hot. The town of Capri is lovely. I wanted to linger, buy a gelato and do some shopping, but my companions just wanted to get back to the Piazza.
At the Piazza the Bagleys peeled off in search of adult beverages and public restrooms. Bill and I went to the assigned meeting spot and enjoyed the view. Eventually, everyone was back together. Paolo showed up with our return tickets for the funicular and told us what time to meet him at the ferry for Sorrento.
Once down at Marina Grande, we split up again. The Bagley’s were still interested in adult beverages and I believe the girls were shopping. Bill and I wandered down a side street and got some great pictures. Below you’ll see a mixture of the photos we took in the Piazza and some from the charming side street.
Next we’ll take the ferry to Sorrento, so come back next week.
jane sadek 