Nestled in the cliffs of Sorrento, Bagni della Regina Giovanna (The Bath of Queen Giovanna) is a natural, clear oasis surrounded on all sides with ancient, stone ruins.
Meaning of the name "Bagni della Regina Giovanna"
Bagni della Regina Giovanna is named for stories. These stories tell that in the fourteenth century, this retreat was favored by Queen Giovanna d’Angiò—the then ruler of Naples.
Known for her charm and vivaciousness, Queen Giovanna is rumored to have visited that place with her lovers.
Whether or not this folktale is true, the hushed romance and serene calm that ooze out the Bagni della Regina Giovanna’s Roman architecture make it feel almost too beautiful to be real.
The Kayak Tour at Bagni Regina Giovanna
As the sun started to set, two local guides led us from the shores of Marina Grande on a kayak ride toward Bagni della Regina Giovanna. We rowed around both moored boats and swimmers who lazed in the clean, clear sea.
It felt a little odd to steer a kayak over the waves, but I loved how the waves rocked me forward and around the ocean. The view from my kayak was unbelievable—all colors seemed so much more vivid than I’d ever seen them before.
Villa di Pollio Felice
After we arrived at the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, I left the main area to look around at the remnants of a villa from Ancient Rome known as Villa di Pollio Felice (or the Villa of Pollio Felice).
Dated to 1st century BC, these ruins are full of mosaics, columns, and surrounded on all sides with wildlife. Believed to have once been the villa of the Roman Pollio family, the location of Villa di Pollio Felice is a wonderful place to sit down, take in the views, or even stop for a picnic.
For me, the existence itself of such an old, well-maintained ruin makes me think about how long what we built exists for after we, ourselves, aren’t here. Those who built Villa di Pollio Felice would have never imagined I, so much time later, and so far away, could ever see it—but I did, and I’m so thankful I had the chance.
