EXPERIENCE

Santo Stefano

The Former Cathedral of Santo Stefano is the main religious building of the municipality of Capri and overlooks the famous Piazzetta, reached through its monumental staircase. The church was designed by the Neapolitan architect Francesco Antonio Picchiatti, who was also responsible for important architectural projects in Naples, with the aim of transforming the former Benedictine convent dating back to the 16th century. The construction took place between 1688 and 1695 under the direction of the Capri-born master builder Marziale Aniello Desiderio.

Among the most distinctive features of the church’s architecture are the domes and the raised vaults of the side chapels, which enhance the building’s Baroque character. The interior follows a Latin cross plan, with a central nave flanked by side chapels containing reliquaries. One of these chapels houses the tombs of Giacomo and Vincenzo Arcucci: Giacomo, founder of the Certosa di San Giacomo, is depicted holding the project of the monastery he commissioned.

Inside the Former Cathedral, some sections of the flooring are made with marbles recovered from the excavations of Villa Jovis, one of the twelve residences built on the island by Emperor Tiberius. The church also preserves the statue of Saint Costanzo, the patron saint of Capri, who is celebrated every year during the traditional procession dedicated to the island’s protector.