Capri, valuable finds recovered from the depths of the Blue Grotto

The Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the Naples Metropolitan Area, in collaboration with the Campania Regional Museums Directorate, the Carabinieri Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale Command of Naples and the Carabinieri Nucleo Subacqueo Command of Naples, recovered important archaeological finds from the waters of the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri, Naples . The collaboration between the institutions involved made possible an effective and coordinated intervention to recover these important finds, which will contribute to the knowledge and appreciation of the local archaeological heritage. After a thorough investigation based on a careful study of archival documentation, the Superintendency decided to conduct surveys on the bottom of the Blue Grotto.

The cave, once a sumptuous imperial nymphaeum, was connected to the Roman villa of Gradola located above it, the remains of which are still visible even from the sea. Thanks to new surveys, a number of worked stone blocks, presumably part of the original sculptural furnishings of the imperial nymphaeum, were identified on the seabed. Between 1964 and 1975, Superintendent Alfonso de Franciscis had already recovered five statues and numerous fragments depicting Neptune and his retinue of Tritons. Currently, the five sculptures are on display in the Blue Grotto Museum at the Red House in Anacapri, where they can be accessed through a new exhibit created in collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Anacapri.

On Feb. 5, 2024, the Carabinieri patrol boat from the Naples Diving Unit, Superintendent Mariano Nuzzo and officials from the Ministry of Culture headed in front of the Blue Grotto, where the divers spotted one of the sculptural artifacts already identified by archaeologists from the Superintendency and part of a marble statue. The find was brought out of the cave through the opening located about 3 m (10 ft) deep, and was later brought to the port of Capri. It temporarily resides in the Town Hall building waiting to be taken to the Certosa di San Giacomo’s storerooms, where it will be restored, studied and finally valorized.

The recovery made on Feb. 9, on the other hand, relates to a shaped block, probably belonging to a statue base.

“The protection of Capri’s archaeological sites together with study and research are the first step toward the best enhancement of the cultural heritage, for all to enjoy and access,” released Superintendent Mariano Nuzzo.

Capri, valuable finds recovered from the depths of the Blue Grotto

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