Chiesa di San Costanzo - a church steeple with a clock on it
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Chiesa di San Costanzo

4.6
·74 reviews·Capri, Italy

Capri's oldest church, built on Roman ruins, offering a peaceful glimpse into ancient history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Chiesa di San Costanzo - a church steeple with a clock on it

Chiesa di San Costanzo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Capri's oldest church, built on Roman ruins, offering a peaceful glimpse into ancient history.

4.6
(74 reviews)

"Very pretty, I visited it years ago when I often went to Naples with my mom and a group of friends. Worth seeing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Reach

Located on the road to Marina Grande, it's a pleasant walk from the port. :athletic_shoe:

🕰️ Ancient History

Built on Roman ruins, explore layers of history from the 1st to 4th centuries. :scroll:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Roman Ruins

Ancient Roman Ruins

Beneath the church

Discover remnants of a Roman building, including a tepidarium and calidarium, offering a tangible link to Capri's ancient past.

Early Christian Basilica

Early Christian Basilica

Church interior

Marvel at the three-nave basilica structure, a testament to early Christian architecture on the island.

Arab-Style Bell Tower

Arab-Style Bell Tower

Exterior

Admire the unique, small bell tower with three bells, adding a distinctive touch to the church's exterior.

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Planning Your Visit

Capri's Oldest Gem

Discover Chiesa di San Costanzo, one of Capri's oldest churches, dating back to the 4th/5th century. Built on Roman ruins, it offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past. Plan your visit to avoid peak tourist times for a more serene experience.

Ancient Foundations, Island Charm

Explore the historical layers of Chiesa di San Costanzo, from its Roman origins to its early Christian basilica form. This small, charming church is a peaceful escape, offering a unique perspective on Capri's rich history away from the usual crowds.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, tranquil
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How not to wait in line at 📍Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola #rome #italy #mirrorselfie #viral
@mikiraiofficial
970.1K likes • 15.3M views

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Reach

Located on the road to Marina Grande, it's a pleasant walk from the port. :athletic_shoe:

🕰️ Ancient History

Built on Roman ruins, explore layers of history from the 1st to 4th centuries. :scroll:

Best €1 I’ve ever spent!📍Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola #chiesadisantignazio #rome #italy #PlacesToVisit #thingstodoinitaly
@minhpowell
361K likes • 2.6M views
Buon San Costanzo 💖 . #perugia #perugiacentro #sancostanzo #torcolo #visitperugia #visitumbria #29gennaio
grantourperugia
130 likes • 0 views

✨ Peaceful Escape

A calm and serene spot, perfect for quiet reflection away from busy tourist areas. :pray:

📸 Simple Beauty

Appreciate the understated charm and historical significance of this old island church. :camera:

Go to Rome’s most beautiful mirror at night and you don’t have to wait in a long line! #italy #travel #traveltiktok #chiesadisantignaziodiloyola #mirror #europe #traveltips #mostbeautiful #rome #skiptheline #beauty #church #lines #viral #fyp #churchmirror
@geoffog
297.9K likes • 2.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Reach

Located on the road to Marina Grande, it's a pleasant walk from the port. :athletic_shoe:

🕰️ Ancient History

Built on Roman ruins, explore layers of history from the 1st to 4th centuries. :scroll:

✨ Peaceful Escape

A calm and serene spot, perfect for quiet reflection away from busy tourist areas. :pray:

📸 Simple Beauty

Appreciate the understated charm and historical significance of this old island church. :camera:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(74 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe Chiesa di San Costanzo as a peaceful and calm historical gem on Capri. Many appreciate its ancient origins, noting its construction on Roman ruins and its early Christian basilica architecture. While small, its historical significance and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a quieter experience.

"Just stunning"

Lyn Jackson

"Peaceful and calm."

Nishita Patel

"Very pretty, I visited it years ago when I often went to Naples with my mom and a group of friends. Worth seeing. 👍"

Grazia Quattroni

What People Like

Peaceful and calm atmosphere
Ancient Roman and Christian history
Serene escape from crowds

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chiesa di San Costanzo is conveniently located along the provincial road leading to Marina Grande. It's a pleasant walk from the port, making it easily accessible for day-trippers and those staying nearby. The church is situated in the Torra or Torre district, known as the oldest settlement on Capri. Reddit

While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the church, it's a short walk from the main road connecting Marina Grande to Capri town. You can take a bus to Marina Grande and then enjoy a scenic walk to the church. Reddit

Yes, it's possible to walk from Capri town to Chiesa di San Costanzo, though it's a longer walk. The route offers beautiful island views. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Marina Grande and then walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Chiesa di San Costanzo is generally free to enter, as it is a historical church. There are no admission fees required to explore its interior and appreciate its ancient architecture. Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary, but churches on Capri are often open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or visit during typical daytime visiting hours to ensure access. Reddit

No, typically there is no entrance fee to visit Chiesa di San Costanzo. It's a historical site open for visitors to appreciate its architecture and history. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Chiesa di San Costanzo is one of the oldest churches on Capri, with an original structure possibly dating back to the late 4th/5th century. It was built on the ruins of a Roman building from the late Republican era, making it a site of immense historical importance. Reddit

The interior features a Greek cross plan within a square, with four chapels opening onto the diagonals. You'll find cross vaults in the chapels, a barrel vault where the arms meet, and a dome. Reddit

Compared to other major attractions on Capri, Chiesa di San Costanzo is generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful and serene experience. Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended for maximum tranquility. Reddit

Outside, you'll notice the church's simple facade and a small, distinctive Arab-style bell tower with three bells. The surrounding area is part of the historic Torra or Torre district. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chiesa di San Costanzo offers a gentle introduction to history for families. Its manageable size means kids won't get overwhelmed, and the story of it being built on ancient Roman ruins can spark their imagination. The peaceful atmosphere is a welcome change from crowded attractions, allowing for a more relaxed exploration. Consider it a quiet stop to break up a day of sightseeing on Capri. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by ancient history, Chiesa di San Costanzo is a must-visit. Its foundations lie on Roman ruins, including remnants of a tepidarium and calidarium, offering a direct link to the island's past. The early Christian basilica structure itself is a significant architectural find, showcasing the transition from Roman to early Christian periods. Delve into the historical information provided to fully appreciate its importance. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

Chiesa di San Costanzo provides a tranquil setting for solo travelers and couples seeking a peaceful moment. Its serene atmosphere is perfect for quiet contemplation or a romantic stroll. The historical significance adds an enriching layer to the experience, making it a memorable stop on your Capri itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Time: The History of Chiesa di San Costanzo

Chiesa di San Costanzo on Capri is more than just a church; it's a living testament to the island's layered history. While the exact construction date remains elusive, historians point to an original structure from the late 4th or 5th century. This early Christian basilica was strategically built upon the foundations of a Roman building, likely from the late Republican era. Archaeological evidence, including numerous artifacts from the 1st to 4th centuries, suggests the presence of Roman baths, specifically a tepidarium and calidarium, on this very site. The original basilica was a substantial structure, featuring eight columns and two apses, with a roof likely constructed from wooden trusses. Reddit

The church's interior layout is a fascinating example of architectural adaptation. It is designed in the form of a Greek cross, ingeniously set within a square. Four chapels radiate outwards from the diagonals, each covered by a cross vault. Where these arms converge, a barrel vault creates a space from which a dome gracefully opens up. This design showcases a blend of early Christian and Roman influences, reflecting the island's evolving cultural landscape. The exterior is marked by a simple facade and a unique, small Arab-style bell tower housing three bells, adding a distinctive visual element to this ancient edifice. Reddit

Located in the heart of the Torra or Torre district, believed to be the oldest settlement on Capri, the church stands along the provincial road leading to Marina Grande. This location further emphasizes its historical significance as a central point in the island's early development. Visiting Chiesa di San Costanzo offers a rare opportunity to connect with Capri's ancient past, providing a peaceful and insightful experience away from the more bustling tourist attractions. Reddit

Exploring the Architecture and Atmosphere

The architectural design of Chiesa di San Costanzo is a key element of its appeal. The interior's Greek cross plan, contained within a square, is a classic layout that creates a sense of balance and harmony. The four chapels, each with its own cross vault, offer intimate spaces for reflection, while the central dome, supported by a barrel vault and arches, adds a sense of grandeur to the relatively small church. This thoughtful design, combined with its ancient origins, contributes to the church's serene and contemplative atmosphere. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the peaceful and calm ambiance of Chiesa di San Costanzo. Unlike many of the more famous churches in Italy, it offers a quiet respite, allowing for a more personal connection with the historical and spiritual significance of the place. The simplicity of its facade and the distinctive Arab-style bell tower add to its unique charm. It's a place where one can truly appreciate the quiet beauty and historical depth of Capri. Reddit

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