The Roman Nymphaeum of the Blue Grotto: Luigi Spina's Photography Exhibition in Capri

Capri celebrates the bicentenary of the discovery of the Blue Grotto with a photographic exhibition revealing its ancient Roman remains. From July 31 to December 20, 2026, the Certosa di San Giacomo hosts "The Roman Nymphaeum of the Blue Grotto. Photographs by Luigi Spina", an exhibition curated by Luca Di Franco and Luigi Spina himself, promoted by the Museums and Archaeological Parks of Capri in collaboration with the City of Capri and the Municipality of Anacapri.

The inauguration will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 6:30 PM In the Great Cloister of the Certosa, twenty large-format photographs depicting the Roman nymphaeum of the Blue Grotto will be displayed. Spina's shots offer a contemporary reinterpretation of one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating archaeological sites, conveying the site's material and luminous complexity.

From the discovery to the imperial nymphaeum

The Blue Grotto was rediscovered in 1826 by the German painter August Kopisch, who immortalized its cobalt blue waters. However, it was only between 1964 and 1976, with the recovery campaigns directed by Alfonso De Franciscis, that its true nature emerged clearly. Roman nymphaeum, a monumental complex linked to the system of imperial residences on the island, frequented by the emperors between Augustus and Tiberius.

The discovery of five statues and numerous marble fragments has allowed the cave to be traced back to a representative and leisure space of the imperial residence. The exhibition is dedicated to this historical period, bringing contemporary images of Spina into dialogue with a selection of period photographs from the Historical Archives of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which document the recovery operations of the statues in the 1960s and 1970s.

“With this exhibition, the Museums and Archaeological Parks of Capri continue their journey of valorising the island's archaeological heritage through dialogue between scientific research and contemporary languages,” declares Luca Di Franco, Director of the Museums and Archaeological Parks of Capri. "The Roman nymphaeum of the Blue Grotto represents a context of exceptional historical and landscape importance, a knowledge of which can be further deepened thanks to Luigi Spina's perspective."

Information on the exhibition

• Where: Charterhouse of San Giacomo, Via Certosa 10, Capri
• Period: July 31 - December 20, 2026
• Timetables: From July 31st to October 31st (10:00-18:00, last admission 17:30); from November 1st to December 20th (10:00-16:00, last admission 15:30)
• Entrance: included in the ticket to the Certosa di San Giacomo
• Closed: Monday (except holidays)

Who is Luigi Spina?

Luigi Spina is a photographer known for his projects on Italian archaeology and landscapes. His work is characterized by a profound attention to material, light, and the relationship between humankind and the natural environment, and has been exhibited in numerous international museums and galleries.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

When does the exhibition open?

The exhibition opens on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri.

How much is the ticket?

Entrance to the exhibition is included in the entrance ticket to the Certosa di San Giacomo.

How long does the exhibition last?

The exhibition will be open to visitors from July 31st to December 20th 2026.

How many photos are on display?

Twenty large-format photographs by Luigi Spina, plus a selection of historical photos from the MANN Archive.

Why does the exhibition celebrate the bicentenary of the Blue Grotto?

The Blue Grotto was rediscovered in 1826 by the German painter August Kopisch, who made it famous throughout the world.