Grotta di Matormania, Campania Travel Guide

Grotta di Matermania, also known as Grotta di Matermonia or the Marriage Cave, is a captivating cave located on the southeastern coast of Capri. This natural grotto was significantly altered by the Romans, who transformed it into a luxurious nymphaeum, a monument consecrated to the nymphs. The cave's name is believed to be derived from Mater Magna, the Roman name for the Phrygian goddess Cybele, to whom the cave may have been dedicated. Another theory suggests the name comes from the worship of the god Mithras.Inside the Grotta di Matermania, you can see the remains of Roman walls and what was once an amphitheater cut into the rock. Traces of mosaic walls decorated with shells are still visible. The cave is divided into two rooms; the larger room ends in an apse formed by two podia, semicircular platforms that once supported another oval platform. A short stairway rises from the center of the podia. Although the ceiling has collapsed, traces of plaster and remains of the vaulted ceiling can still be seen in the smaller room. The statuette of the goddess Cybele and the relief of the god Mithras which were excavated in the cave are kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.To reach the cave, visitors can take the scenic Pizzolungo walking route from the Belvedere di Tragara or descend the steps from the Arco Naturale. Be aware that the steps from Arco Naturale are steep and may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties. The Grotta di Matermania offers a tranquil escape from Capri's bustling tourist spots, providing a memorable visit filled with natural beauty and historical intrigue.