Santo Stefano

Santo Stefano is a baroque church standing on Capri's main square with three sections inside and a central dome overhead. The interior is divided by columns that separate the spaces and create a sense of depth within the church.

This structure was completed in 1697 under architect Francesco Antonio Picchiatti and replaced an earlier monastery founded in the 6th century. This shift from monastic to parish church reflected how island life and religious practices changed over time.

The chapel dedicated to Saint Ursula holds paintings depicting martyrdom and offers a quieter space for visitors to sit and reflect. These side chapels with religious artwork shape how people experience the interior of the church.

The church has regular opening hours and requires appropriate dress when entering, with direct access from the main square. The interior lighting is dimmer than outside, so visitors may want to allow a moment for their eyes to adjust when stepping inside.

The church floor is inlaid with marble pieces excavated from Emperor Tiberius's ancient Roman residence nearby. These fragments of the past are built into the floor itself, creating a direct connection between the church and the island's classical past.

Location: Capri

Inception: 1688

Architects: Francesco Antonio Picchiatti

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Address: Piazzetta Cerio, 13, 80076 Capri NA, Italy

GPS coordinates: 40.55054,14.24309

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01