The Piazzetta di Capri, also known as Piazza Umberto I or simply "The Little Square," sits at the heart of Capri town on the Italian island of the same name in the Bay of Naples. It is a compact square, and it is easy to find once you are in the town centre.
The square is often described as the "drawing room of the world," a phrase that fits its character. It has long been the social centre of the island, and visitors come here as much to sit and watch as to see any single sight. Cafés line its edges, so you can take a table, order something, and spend time simply observing the passing crowd.
What you will see
- The clock tower, which rises above the square and helps anchor it visually
- The Church of Santo Stefano, overlooking the piazza
- The cafés along the edges, with tables for sitting and watching
Why it is worth a visit
The Piazzetta is best suited to an unhurried visit. Its appeal lies in the atmosphere and the people rather than in a long list of attractions, so it works well as a stop between other parts of the island. Because it is the island's social heart, it gives a good sense of how Capri town gathers and spends its days.
From the square, you can explore the narrow streets that lead off it, where shops and small lanes offer more to see on foot. If you are planning a day on Capri, allow time to sit here for a while, perhaps over a coffee, and let the square set the pace of your visit.