British singer and actress Gracie Fields visited Capri for the first time in 1927 and fell madly in love with the island. From that moment on she spent every spring there. Capri became her second home. She decided to buy an ancient fort at Marina Piccola, built by the french in 800 to protect Marina Piccola and the surrounding coastline. After the second world war Miss Fields turned the fort into a bathing establishment and restaurant with every form of comfort and luxury, a concept which was totally new on the island at that time. La Canzone del Mare was born. The name is inspired by the song of de Sirens in Homers Odyssea...
Especially in the 1950's, Capri's golden years, Gracie's place became a great success. It was a refuge for her Hollywood friends, important politicians and aristocratic families. It was at the Canzone where Emilio Pucci's colourful fashion designs became famous. The guest list included people like Onassis and Jackie Kennedy...
Nowadays La Canzone del Mare remains one of the most beautiful and exclusive bathing establishments in Capri, owned by Zio Luigi and his family, the uncle of Francesco. Even though Dame Gracie Fields has passed away many years ago you can still feel her presence through the huge vintage photographs at the entrance and in the restaurant. Looking at these images always makes me daydream of the glamorous past of La Canzone...
Especially in the 1950's, Capri's golden years, Gracie's place became a great success. It was a refuge for her Hollywood friends, important politicians and aristocratic families. It was at the Canzone where Emilio Pucci's colourful fashion designs became famous. The guest list included people like Onassis and Jackie Kennedy...
Nowadays La Canzone del Mare remains one of the most beautiful and exclusive bathing establishments in Capri, owned by Zio Luigi and his family, the uncle of Francesco. Even though Dame Gracie Fields has passed away many years ago you can still feel her presence through the huge vintage photographs at the entrance and in the restaurant. Looking at these images always makes me daydream of the glamorous past of La Canzone...
Gracie Fields dancing at her Canzone del Mare
Jack and Francesco enjoying a swim there, 50 years later...
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