Forts of Capri
Fortifications in Capri, Italy / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The forts of Capri, also called coastal forts of Anacapri[1] or Bourbon forts,[2] are located in the town of Anacapri, Campania.
Forts of Capri | |
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Anacapri, Campania in Italy | |
Type | Fortification |
Site information | |
Condition | Can be visited from the trail of the same name |
Site history | |
Materials | Stone |
Battles/wars | Invasion of Capri |
Events | Transformation of the structures and the trail into an ecomuseum |
The structures, built between the 9th and 15th centuries, were initially used as watchtowers, since Capri was continually subjected to pirate raids. Destroyed by Saracen pirates, in the early 19th century these ancient military constructions were rebuilt by the British or the French, who, although in different time frames, came into possession of the island in the early 19th century. In 2004 the forts became an ecomuseum, with the restoration of the structures and the affixing of tiles describing their flora and fauna.
Today it is possible to easily reach the forts thanks to a path that also connects the Blue Grotto with the Punta Carena lighthouse. The vegetation along the path of the forts is sparse, discontinuous and able to survive a harsh environment, being repeatedly hit by water splashes. On the other hand, there are not many animals, which generally live in the sparse forests or in the sea.