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The isle of Capri is situated just off the coast of southern Italy, near Naples. It has an enduring reputation as a sybaritic paradise. It has seen many uses throughout history, including serving as the home of emperors, the seat of monasteries, and a place of exile. Its popularity is no wonder when considering the constant sunshine and reputation as a Garden of Eden.
Among the sites to see aside from the stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, are the Grotto Azzurra, the Blue Grotto, which is a cave bathed in iridescent blue light. Capri's main port, the Marina Grande consists of an array of colorful houses overlooking the harbor while ferry boats sail to and from Naples. Aside from Capri, the island's main town, and Anacapri, the island's second town, there is also the Certosa di San Giacomo. It was founded in 1371 on the site of Roman emperor Tiberius's villa as a Cathusian monastery. However, it was suppressed in 1808 and now serves as part of a school. By the way, the Villa Jovis, Tiberius's imperial villa covers an enormous area, the ruins of which can still be seen today.
The region of Umbria, also known as the "Green Heart of Italy", has been inhabited since the 8th century BC. Aside from Assisi, the PVPHS travelers will also be visiting the town of Perugia in this region.
Perguia is a lively medieval walled hill town with an old center that is dominated by the Fontana Maggiore, a 13th century fountain at the northern end of the Piazza IV Novembre. Just behind that rises the 15th century Duomo with its entrance flanked by a state of Pope Julius II (1555). The third pillar in the south nave of the cathedral holds a Renaissance painting of the Madonna delle Grazie by Gian Nicola di Paolo. The figure is said to have miraculous powers and mothers bring newly baptized children to kneel before it.
Perugia's most extravagantly decorated church is San Pietro, which lies beyond the old city walls. It was founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in 1463. One of the most outstanding features of the stunning interior is the wooden choir dating back to 1520. Umbria's finest public building is the Palazza dei Priori with its monumental walls. Its raised doorway is guarded by a pair of large bronzes made in 1274: a lion and a griffin, the medieval emblem of Perugia.
