The most famous landmark of Capri is formed by the so called Faraglioni. These are the rocks that rise out of the sea like natural sentries in front of the coast of the island. Especially from the Garden of Augustus one has a beautiful view of these picturesque islands.
Faraglioni Capri
History and description
The three rocky islands called Faraglioni are located just off the southern point of the islands.
The only one of the three still connected to the mainland is the Faraglione di Terra. Also called Faraglione di Saetta, it measures 110 meters, making it the highest of the three.
The Faraglione di Mezzo (or Faraglione di Stella) is, thanks to the hole in the middle, the most photogenic of the three. This hole forms a sixty-meter-long natural corridor through the rock.
The Faraglione di Fuori (also called the Scopolo) is 104 meters high. It is the natural habitat of the rare blue lizard.
In reality, there is a fourth faraglione, which rises from the sea behind the other three. This one is called Scoglio del Monacone, or “Monk’s Rock.” It is named after the foca monaca (“monk seal”), which until 1904 used to inhabit this island. Of this endangered seal species, unfortunately only about 500 specimens are still alive.
Curiosities
The word faraglioni comes from the Greek word for “lighthouse”, pharos. In the past, fires were lit on the rocks at night so that ships knew where they were.
For writers, the Faraglioni have been a source of inspiration for centuries. According to Homer, they were huge boulders thrown into the sea by the cyclops Polyphemus, while Virgil’s sirens made sailors perish there through their lovely singing.
How to reach the Faraglioni
From the Tragara belvedere, one can walk down a steep staircase on foot. Those who don’t feel like doing this can take a shuttle from the Marina Piccola.