The mesmerizing Blue Grotto, nestled along the picturesque coast of the island of Capri, has long captivated the imagination of visitors with its enchanting waters and intricate cave system. Recent underwater explorations, led by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Metropolitan Area of Naples, have unveiled a remarkable find—a submerged architectural element resting on the seabed within the depths of the Blue Grotto.

Measuring an impressive 60 meters in length and 25 meters in width, the Blue Grotto boasts a narrow arched entranceway that allows sunlight to create a mesmerizing blue glow on the water's surface. This natural phenomenon has made the grotto famous, attracting visitors from around the world to witness its beauty. However, beneath the surface lies a hidden treasure—a submerged worked stone block that promises to reveal more about the historical significance of this natural wonder.

Dating back to antiquity, the Blue Grotto served as a private retreat for Emperor Tiberius during his reign from AD 14 to 37. The emperor commissioned the construction of an Imperial nymphaeum within the cave, adorned with statues depicting various Roman gods. The grotto's connection to Tiberius is further solidified by the discovery of three statues of Roman sea gods, Neptune and Triton, during underwater excavations in the 1960s. Additionally, seven statue bases were recovered from the grotto floor in 2009, shedding light on the rich history hidden beneath the waves.

The Imperial nymphaeum is intricately linked to the Villa di Gradola, situated directly above the Blue Grotto. Historical records, as documented by the Roman historian Tacitus, suggest that this villa is one of the twelve villas of Tiberius’ on the island. The submerged worked stone block, discovered at a depth of 3 meters beneath the water surface, is believed to be a sculptural furnishing of this imperial nymphaeum, providing archaeologists with a tangible link to the past.

In a press announcement, the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Metropolitan Area of Naples revealed that divers, utilizing balloons, carefully maneuvered the stone block through the cave opening. The artifact has since been transported to the port of Capri for further study, promising to unveil more secrets about the Blue Grotto's historical significance and the opulent retreat of Emperor Tiberius.

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