Naples and Mount Vesuvius
Situated in the southern part of Italy, between two volcanic areas, Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei, Naples is unofficially called the capital of the south and for good reason. This is a city that has one of the longest traditions in Italy, close to that of Rome. The very origin of Naples lies in the several colonies established by the Greeks in this part of the peninsula. From the 7th century BC till modern times, Naples has passed through the hands of many cultures and it has known a large number of different rulers, thus we could mention the Byzantines, the Normans, the Swabians, the Aragonese, the Bourbouns and even the French at the time of the French Revolution.
Nowadays, Naples charms its visitors by the immense cultural treasures that are waiting to be discovered and explored. The largest tourist attraction in the area is the Santa Chiara complex, a cluster of religious edifices that include not only monasteries, but tombs, archaeological sites and even a museum. This landmark of Naples was originally built in a Gothic architectural style, and was later restored in the Baroque style. This is the place to admire splendid frescoes by Giotto, and vestiges of the kings and queens. The facade may look austere the first time you spot it, but you can’t remain untouched by the great rose-window that dominates it.
Any visitor to Naples may feel like a real prince or princess, there are so many castles in the area, that the entire vicinity seams to have been crafted from a fairy-tale. The most famous of these aristocratic sights is the Castle dell’Ovo or Egg Castle. The building lies on the small island that used to be the original centre or axis of the colony. On the original ruins several villa-like structures were erected until the Castle got to the present day image. Most of the remains date from the medieval times as shown by the fortifications: there is a bastion, a causeway, a large promontory that used to serve as a docking area. This is a very popular place to take photos and experience dining in one of the fine restaurants.
Naples Castle
For art fans, I strongly recommend another palace and museum this time: the Palace of Capodimonte. This used to be the Bourbon residence in Naples, an impressive building that houses some of the most valuable art collections in Europe. You have two entire floors of exhibited art works to cherish, all belonging to famous names such as Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, El Greco and many others. Furthermore, part of the museum’s heritage is the Farnese collection, including famous sculptures that had belonged to the noble family of Parma. Not only are the items from the Roman antiquity, but what’s even more exciting is that they are absolutely intact. Plus you even get the chance to visit the royal chambers, you’ll love it!
For a complete image of Naples, it is highly advisable that you take a walking tour in the very centre of the old city on the main boulevard called Spaccanapoli. The name itself shows the fact that this street actually separates Naples in two distinct areas. Historically, it is tributary to the Greek and Roman period, and it is definitely a favourite spot for tourists since it offers some of the most spectacular of sights. Moreover, there are plenty of boutiques and souvenir shops where you can enjoy shopping for presents. Or you can try one of the coquette coffee houses that provide an intimate and very cozy atmosphere.
If you’re interested in a fun and adventurous experience in Naples, then you can also visit it underground. There are Greek and Roman reservoirs that the ancients cut together with a whole web of tunnels that served even the bay of Naples in the old times. Besides catacombs and reservoirs dug at thirty metres below the city’s level, underground Naples served as a temporary shelter during World War II bombings. You can find the testimony of those times of dire need and suffering in the inscriptions on the walls. Seeing this side of Naples will definitely teach you that there is much more to this city when you scratch beneath the surface, literally.