Palazzo a Mare, Archaeological site in Capri, Italy
Palazzo a Mare is an archaeological site on the northern coast of Capri, set on terraces that descend toward the sea above the Gulf of Naples. The remains include stone walls, room outlines, and the traces of water features that once formed part of a large Roman residential complex.
The site began as a residence built for Emperor Augustus, who used Capri as a retreat, and was later reworked by Emperor Tiberius. Over the centuries, part of the structure gradually sank below sea level as the ground along this stretch of coast slowly subsided.
The name Palazzo a Mare simply means "palace by the sea" in Italian, which tells you exactly where it sits. Visitors can walk among the stone foundations and get a sense of how closely Roman architecture was tied to the landscape and the water.
The site is reached by a footpath with steep sections descending from above, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. The location is fully exposed to the wind and sun, so bringing water and checking the weather before visiting is worth doing.
Part of the original walls now sits underwater just off the beach, because the coastline here has slowly dropped over the centuries. On calm days with clear water, the submerged stonework is visible from the shore without any diving equipment.
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