The Spectacular Via Krupp in Capri, the Road Carved into the Rock
During a vacation on the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento Peninsula, one thing you must do is take a day trip to Capri. This iconic Mediterranean island is famous for its mesmerizing Blue Grotto, the quiet charm of Anacapri, and the lively atmosphere of the Piazzetta. Among its most symbolic landmarks is Via Krupp—a winding path with a series of tight hairpin bends that connects the center of the island to the bay of Marina Piccola.
The History of Via Krupp
The history of this remarkable road is closely tied to the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp. Heir to a steel empire, Krupp was also a passionate marine biologist and chose Capri as his winter retreat in the early 1900s. He often stayed in the suite of a well-known hotel near the Piazzetta, mooring his yacht in the bay of Marina Piccola, where he carried out studies on the local marine life.
For a man used to overcoming challenges, the distance and elevation between his hotel and his boat were a significant inconvenience. He wanted a direct, private route to quickly reach his yacht. So in 1900, he commissioned engineer Emilio Mayer to design a path that would conquer the steep cliffside. Mayer created a bold solution: a series of eight sharp turns carved into the rock, so tight and elegant they resembled a piece of art. In just two years, the road was completed—a technical masterpiece that overcame a drop of about one hundred meters.
Unfortunately, Krupp’s time in Capri was cut short by a scandal related to his private life, which forced him to leave the island and never return. But the road remained, an unexpected legacy and extraordinary gift to the island he loved.
Reaching and Walking Via Krupp: Useful Unformation
Getting to Via Krupp is easy. From the Piazzetta in Capri, follow Via Vittorio Emanuele, continue along Via Federico Serena, and then Via Matteotti. The walk takes about fifteen minutes and passes through Capri’s most elegant shopping area before reaching the entrance to the Gardens of Augustus.
For decades, Via Krupp was closed to the public due to the risk of falling rocks. Fortunately, after extensive restoration and safety work, this spectacular path has now reopened.
Walking Via Krupp is a short but unforgettable experience. As you descend the narrow switchbacks carved into the cliff, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean, the Faraglioni rocks, and the coastline below. The path is beautifully constructed, with stone walls and turns that reveal new perspectives at every step. It’s not a long walk, but it’s a unique scenic route that captures the essence of Capri.
Access to Via Krupp is included in the entrance ticket to the Gardens of Augustus, which are typically open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer season.
The Gardens of Augustus
The Gardens of Augustus were also commissioned by Krupp, who had purchased the land with the intention of building a residence that was never realized. Today, the gardens are a small botanical park and one of the most stunning panoramic spots on the island. If you’re looking to stroll among well-kept flower beds, statues, and flower-filled terraces—and you’re too far from the famous villas of Ravello—this is the perfect prelude to the Via Krupp experience.
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