Blue Grotto at 200: Luigi Spina's photo exhibition on Capri runs until 20 December
The photo exhibition marking 200 years since the Blue Grotto was rediscovered stays open at the Certosa di San Giacomo until 20 December 2026. It makes a good winter visit, even when rough seas keep the grotto closed.
At a glance
- Where
- Certosa di San Giacomo, Chiostro Grande (the large cloister)
- Until
- 20 December 2026
- Hours
- 10:00-16:00, last entry 15:30
- Entry
- Included in the Certosa ticket
- Free day
- Wednesday 4 November
- What you see
- 20 photos by Luigi Spina and historic excavation images
What to know first
- Where: Certosa di San Giacomo on Capri, south side of the Chiostro Grande (the large cloister).
- Until: 20 December 2026.
- Hours from 1 November: 10:00-16:00, last entry 15:30.
- Entry: the exhibition is included in the Certosa ticket.
- Free: Wednesday 4 November, same hours.
The show is organised by the Capri museums and archaeological parks, with the towns of Capri and Anacapri. It is curated by Luca Di Franco and Luigi Spina.
What you will see
- 20 large-format photographs of the Roman nymphaeum (a shrine to water spirits): architecture, sea and light.
- Historic photos from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples showing the recovery of the statues.
- The story of the excavations led by Alfonso De Franciscis from 1964 to 1976, which yielded 5 statues and many marble fragments.
The nymphaeum was linked to the imperial residence of Gradola, used between the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius.
The bicentenary calendar
| When | What | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 17 August 1826 | The grotto is rediscovered | Anniversary |
| 3 July-18 October | "Il mito di Capri" exhibition | Ended |
| 31 July-20 December | Luigi Spina exhibition | Open |
Capri and contemporary art
Capri was a finalist for the title of Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2028, with a bid called "Le sirene del nuovo". The title went to Civita di Bagnoregio and Bolsena.
The island still has one new arrival from 2026: since 20 June, the Jago Museum at Villa Lysis.
Tip: in winter the grotto often closes because of the sea. Keep the Certosa as your safe option and take a morning hydrofoil, so you arrive with time to spare before last entry at 15:30.
Plan your trip
- Blue Grottoprices, hours and how to enter
- Capri in winterwhat is open
- Villa Lysis and Jago Museumhours and how to get there
- Ferries to the islandsports and connections from Naples
Frequently asked questions
When was the Blue Grotto discovered?
The Romans knew it and made it a nymphaeum. It was rediscovered on 17 August 1826 by August Kopisch and Ernst Fries, with the notary Giuseppe Pagano and the sailor Angelo Ferraro.
Is the Blue Grotto open in November?
Only when the sea is calm: the entrance is about 1 metre high and the grotto often closes in winter. Ask at the port before buying a boat transfer.
How much is the Blue Grotto exhibition on Capri?
There is no separate ticket: the show is included in entry to the Certosa di San Giacomo. Entry is free on 4 November. Check the current price on the Capri museums website.
Did Capri win Italian Capital of Contemporary Art 2028?
No. Capri was a finalist with Padua and Pozzuoli. The ministry chose Civita di Bagnoregio and Bolsena, which will share the title.
Where to stay on Capri
11 places to stay in Capri on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
