

The Classical Archaeology Collection
The Classical Archaeology Collection includes all the artefacts found on the island, generally dating back to the early Roman Empire, as well as ceramics of Magna Graecia of uncertain provenance.
The name Capri, as cited in classical literature, Capreae in Latin, Kapríe and Kapréai in Greek, means “island of the goats” and makes reference to the island’s ancient pastoral caprine economy. There are very few Greek artefacts, while those from the Imperial Roman period are more numerous. The island’s most significant archaeological remains include: the Scala Fenicia (Phoenician Steps), Villa Jovis, the Villa at Damecuta, Palazzo a Mare, The Villa at Gradola, and various grottos used as nymphaeums (for example, Matermania and the Blue Grotto).
The villas were decorated with plasterwork which was painted or embellished with mosaics and various types of marble. White and coloured stuccos decorated the vaults of the thermal areas or sheathed the columns. The large number of artefacts in the Museum trace the history of the Romans on the island. Moreover, it also possible to view ancient imported or locally produced pottery or everyday pottery, thin-walled ware and fine red Ancient Roman pottery with glossy surface slips such terra sigillate (sealed earth) or black-glazed ware.
The everyday objects on exhibit include a large number of oil lamps, as well as glass and metal objects from which it is possible to reconstruct the production techniques. Most of these objects, of unknown provenance, are from late nineteenth – early twentieth century private collections. For this reason, the collection is not organized on the basis of topographic criteria; however, it is possible to observe the production techniques involved in making the objects and how each object was used.
The Ignazio Cerio Museum, overlooking the Square of Capri, houses fossil, mineral, prehistoric, classical archaeology finds, as well as those related to the island’s fauna and flora.
Opening hours
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday 11:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, Sunday and holidays - closed
Tickets
Full price - 4,00 €
Reduced - 2,00 €, ages 18 to 25
Free - Capri residents, children and young adults under the age of 18, tour guides with licenses, Ministry personnel, I.C.O.M. members, journalists with their press documents.
- Last admission 15 minutes before closing.
- Groups can book a guided tour with aperitif on the terrace. For more information, please contact - museo@centrocaprense.org.
- The museum is inaccessible for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.