Villa Jovis

Apparently, the main motivations for Tiberius's move from Rome to Capri were his wariness of the political manoeuvring in Rome and a lingering fear of assassination. The villa is situated at a very secluded spot on the island and Tiberius's quarters in the north and east of the palatial villa were particularly difficult to reach and heavily guarded. The Villa Jovis is also, at least according to Suetonius, the place where Tiberius engaged in wild debauchery. Most modern historians regard these tales as sensationalized, but Suetonius's stories at least paint a picture of how Tiberius was perceived by the Roman people at the time.

Villa Jovis is situated in the very northeast of the island atop Monte Tiberio; its 334 m (1,096 ft) elevation makes it the second-highest peak of Capri, after Monte Solaro (589 m [1,932 ft] elevation) in Anacapri. The north wing of the building contained the living quarters, while the south wing saw administrative use. The east wing was meant for receptions, whereas the west wing featured an open-walled hall (ambulatio) which offered a scenic view towards Anacapri. As water was difficult to obtain at the villa's location, Roman engineers constructed an intricate system for the collection of rainwater from the roofs and a large cistern that supplied the palace with fresh water. South of the main building there are remains of a watch tower (specula) for the quick telegraphic exchange of messages with the mainland, e.g. by fire or smoke. Access to the complex is possible only on foot, and involves an uphill walk of about two kilometres (one mile) from the town of Capri.