Naples Travel Guide
Gateway to Vesuvius and Pompeii
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Looking out across the bay that bears its name Naples is the largest city in southern Italy and the capital city of the region of Campania. On its doorstep are world-class archaeological sites, volcanoes and mud pools, beautiful islands and remote country walks, but the city itself has much to offer, with renowned museums and palaces and churches to discover.
Naples is the main city of southern Italy, the third biggest in Italy and can trace its lineage back to the Greeks around the 8th century BC, for “Neapolis” was the new town of Partenope.
Romulus Augustulus, last emperor of the Roman Empire, was imprisoned here after being overthrown in 476 and by the 7th century the Byzantines had taken over the city; it was one of the last duchies to fall to the all-conquering Normans in 1039, as they founded the Kingdom of Sicily. Pope Clement IV gave Naples and Sicily to Charles of Anjou in 1266, and the capital moved from Palermo to Naples, but 18 years later the kingdom split and it stayed that way until 1816 when they formed the kingdom of Two Sicilies. Naples finally became part of the new Italy in October 1860.
Today Naples is a city where its people live life on the streets. It is tiring at times and there is poverty but the atmosphere is exhilarating. Naples gave the world the pizza and there are many pizza and other restaurants to enjoy as you take in this vibrant city.
Attractions in Naples
There is much to see in Naples whether you are looking for history, art or architecture, gardens and parks or just to use it as a base – it’s the perfect gateway to Vesuvius and Pompeii.
A walking tour is a great way of finding your feet and the Tourist Office or a local Travel Expert can arrange a guide. Take a wander down Grandoni Di Chiaia / Via San Caterina di Siena to see wonderful town houses and also head to Piazza Matteotti (at the crossroads of Via Monteoliveto, Via A. Diaz, and Via Battisti). Here you can find many of the city’s most important buildings.
The National Museum contains one of Europe’s most valuable archaeological collections, including the nude statues of Armodio and Aristogitone. Also worth visiting is the city’s Duomo or Cathedral, which dates from the 14th century. The National Museum & Gallery of the Capodimonte is housed in the 18th-century Capodimonte Palace and is a principal attraction of the city as is the Monastery of San Martino, located in the grounds of Castel Sant'Elmo.
If you love opera take in the Teatro San Carlo (San Carlo Theatre) - beautiful architecture and wonderful acoustics, a real treat.
Outside the city lie the ancient archaeological sites of Pozzuoli, Cumae, Baiae and Solfatara with its bubbling mud.
Activities in Naples
If based in Naples for your visit allow 2 days to see the city’s sights and then a further day to head to the outlying sites of Solfatara etc. and another for Pompeii (see separate Place of Interest).
Relaxing
Enjoy a pizza in the very city that invented the dish way back in the 17th century.
Getting Around
Buses are crowded and unpleasant, especially at rush hour. You can use the Metropolitana to cover much of the city and there’s also a funicular. Taxis are an efficient way ofgetting around but you need to be careful about the fare as tourists are often the subject of fare hikes for ‘the scenic route’. Many prefer to agree a fare in advance. The Circumvesuviana runs along the coast and is an efficient way of getting from the city to Pompeii, Herculaneum and all the way to Sorrento. Ferries link the offshore islands of Capri and Ischia with the city.
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