The Olive Trees of Capri

This illustrated reportage, written and drawn by Simonetta Capecchi, chronicles a year spent among Capri’s olive trees alongside the members of “L’Oro di Capri,” who are dedicated to sustainable agriculture, landscape restoration, and the revival of long-lost traditions on this small island in the Gulf of Naples, southern Italy.

Away from the bustling tourism and celebrity allure, there lies a different Capri—one that is less known but no less captivating. Presented as a watercolor travel sketchbook, this detailed account, composed entirely on location, tells an extraordinary story: that of a collective effort to restore (and cultivate new?) olive groves, rediscover traditional farming methods, and explore the relationship between human labor and nature. The narrative follows a year of dedicated work in Capri’s olive groves, situated on steep terrain between rocky cliffs and the sea. This timeless agricultural practice, which remained largely unchanged for centuries, has been revitalized with modern, sustainable, and regenerative approaches. The story is deeply rooted in community, cultural identity, and a vision for the future that prioritizes long-term stewardship over short-term gain, involving schools, institutions, local stakeholders, and artists in the process. L’Oro di Capri is an association dedicated to the conservation of olive trees on the island of Capri. This sustainable development project focuses on restoring Capri’s traditional olive cultivation, with goals of protecting the landscape and producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Published in both Italian and English. Translation from Italian into English by Angela Federico. Enclosed is watercolor map of the island, highlighting its centuries-old olive trees, scenic walks, and panoramic viewpoints at a scale of 1:10,000.