Naples, south of Rome in the Campania region, is the third largest city in Italy and has a lot to offer to the traveler. Naples is a lot of fun, Sunny, lively, sassy and simply unforgettable. Superbly positioned on a bay, Naples has a little – and often a lot – of everything. It pulsates with noisy street markets and their colourful characters. Naples is music, theatre, Vesuvius, coffee, pizza and the sea… all those colors, sounds and aromas that capture your attention, win you over and seduce you.

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Naples is a mixture of heart-stopping beauty, life-threatening chaos and a strong sense of life being lived to its limits, right in your face. If Milan is Italy’s ego, Naples is its id. Squeezed in between Europe’s second-largest active volcano on one side and the sulphurous springs and boiling mud pools of the Flegrean fields on the other, all hemmed in by the blue bay around which the city clusters.

Arrival By plane: Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) is about 8km northeast of the city centre, it is southern Italy’s main airport, linking Naples with most Italian and several major European cities. For getting to or from the airport, there are two possibilities: ANM bus 3S (30mins, every 15mins) from Piazza Garibaldi, or the Alibus airport bus (20mins, at least hourly) from Piazza Municipio. Alternatively you can get a taxi.

By train: The central station of Naples is very well connected to the rest of Italy by a very frequent train service. The city is served by regionale, diretto, Intercity and the superfast Eurostar trains. They arrive and depart from Stazione Centrale (tel: 081 554 31 88) or Stazione Garibaldi (on the lower level). There are up to 30 trains daily to/from Rome.

The Ferrovia Cumana and the Circumflegrea (tel: 800 00 16 16), based at Stazione Cumana on Piazza Montesanto, 500m (0.3mi) southwest of Piazza Dante, operate services to Pozzuoli (every 22mins) and Cuma (six per day). The Circumvesuviana (tel: 081 772 24 44; Corso G Garibaldi), about 400m (0.25mi) southwest of Stazione Centrale (take the underpass from Stazione Centrale), operates trains to Sorrento via Ercolano, Pompeii and other towns along the coast. There are about 40 trains daily running between 05:00 and 22:30 with reduced services on Sunday.

By bus: Most buses for Italian and some European cities leave from Piazza Garibaldi in front of Stazione Centrale. Check destinations carefully or ask at the information kiosk in the centre of the piazza because there are no signs. Maco (tel: 080 310 51 85) has buses to Bari (3hrs); Miccolis (tel: 099 735 37 54) runs to Taranto (4hrs), Lecce (5.5hrs) and Brindisi (5hrs), while CLP (tel: 081 531 17 07) serves Foggia (2hrs), Perugia (3.75hrs) and Assisi (4.75hrs).

You can buy tickets and catch SITA (tel: 081 552 21 76; www.sita-on-line.it, Italian only) buses either from the port, Varco Immacolatella, or from Via G Ferraris, near Stazione Centrale; you can also buy tickets at Bar Clizia (Corso Arnaldo Lucci 173). Within Campania, SITA runs buses to Pompeii (40mins) and several other towns on the Amalfi Coast, and Sa lerno (by motorway). Casting wider, it also links Naples with Bari (3hrs) and operates a service to Germany, including Dortmund via Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. You can connect from this service for Berlin and Hamburg.

By boat: Ferries and hydrofoils leave for Capri, Sorrento, Ischia, Procida and Forio from Molo Beverello in front of the Castel Nuovo. Longer-distance ferries for Palermo, Cagliari, Milazzo, the Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) and Tunisia leave from the Stazione Marittima, next to Molo Beverello. Alilauro and SNAV also operate hydrofoils to Ischia, Procida and Capri from Mergellina. Tickets for shorter journeys can be bought at the ticket booths on Molo Beverello and at Mergellina. For longer journeys try the offices of the ferry companies or travel agents.

By car: Naples is on the major north-south Autostrada del Sole, numbered A1 (north to Rome and Milan) and A3 (south to Salerno and Reggio di Calabria). The A30 skirts Naples to the northeast, while the A16 heads northeast to Bari.

When approaching the city, the motorways meet the Tangenziale di Napoli, a major ring road around the city. The ring road hugs the city’s northern fringe, meeting the A1 to Rome and the A2 to Capodichino airport in the east and continuing towards Campi Flegrei and Pozzuoli and the west.

City Transport An energetic walker armed with a streetmap can see most of central Naples on foot. However, Naples is a large, sprawling city, so sooner or later it’s recommendable to use the means of public transport which includes buses, trams, funiculars and Metro trains. Most city ANM buses depart from Piazza Garibaldi. The mostly above ground underground, Metropolitana, runs from Gianturco, just east of Stazione Centrale, via Piazza Garibaldi and Bagnoli to Pozzuoli. Funicular railways connect downtown with Vomero.

The public transport ticket is the same no matter which way of transport you use, you can buy it at counters in the metro/train/funicolare stations, tobacconists and in all the shops that show the logo Gira Napoli – Napoli Pass. A ticket is valid for 90 minutes of unlimited travel by bus, tram, Metropolitana, funicular, Ferrovia Cumana or Circumflegrea. A daily ticket is good value. These tickets are not valid to Pompeii or Ercolano on the Circumvesuviana train line.

Bus: Most city ANM buses operating in the central area depart from and terminate in Piazza Garibaldi. To locate your stop you’ll probably need to ask at the information kiosk in the centre of the square. There are four frequent routes (R1, R2, R3 and R4) that connect to other (less frequent) buses running out of the centre. A night bus operates from 24:00-05:00 (hourly departures) from Stazione Centrale through the city centre to the Riviera di Chiaia and on to Pozzuoli, returning to Stazione Centrale.

Funicular: Three of Naples’ four funicular railways connect downtown with Vomero: Funicolare Centrale ascends from Via Toledo to Piazza Fuga; Funicolare di Chiaia travels from Via del Parco Margherita to Via D Cimarosa; and Funicolare di Montesanto climbs from Piazza Montesanto to Via Raffaele Morghen. The fourth, Funicolare di Mergellina, connects the waterfront at Via Mergellina with Via Manzoni. Giranapoli tickets are valid for one trip only on the funicular railways.

Metro: You will find that there are 2 metro networks. One starts from the Gianturco passing by Napoli-Piazza Garibaldi, the railway station, and goes to Pozzuoli, the local call this just Metropolitana or “Metropolitana di Piazza Garibaldi”. This serves the hystorical centrum and is the one you’ll most likely use as tourist. Be a bit careful when using the Metropolitana, specially in the dead hours. The second and newest line serves for the moment the newest part of the city leaving from Piazza Vanvitelli and going to Secondigliano, in the near future also this metro should arrive to Napoli-Piazza Garibaldi. The local call this Metropolitana Collinare to distingush it from the previous one.

Tram: Adding to the array of public transport options in Naples are trams. Tram 1 operates from east of Stazione Centrale, through Piazza Garibaldi, the city centre and along the waterfront to Piazza Vittoria. Tram 29 travels from Piazza Garibaldi to the city centre along Corso G Garibaldi.

Taxi: Official taxis are white, metered and bear the Naples symbol on their front doors, but they don’t seem to respond to the classic kerbside hail. There are taxi stands at most of the city’s main piazzas. Be prepared for an extraordinary range of extra tolls on top of your fare, such as luggage in the boot, airport tolls and travelling on Sundays. Because of traffic delays, even a short trip may end up costing more than you anticipated.

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A point of embarkation for emigrants in the past, Naples now has a large traffic of merchandise (petroleum, carbon, cereals) and passengers. In the vast urban area one can distinguish many different neighborhoods: the old center, characterized by buildings closely crowded together, is bordered on the west by the new administrative district and on the east by the business district, into which flows almost all the road and rail traffic. Other neighborhoods, with narrow climbing streets, rise around the base of the San Martino and Capodimonte hills. These neighborhoods have experienced intense development, typically of the simpler kind, in contrast to that of the residential neighborhoods that stretch out comfortably along the Vomero and Posillipo hills.

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Today Naples is a filthy, large, overbearing and crime-infested city – but in all these things lies the city’s charm. Although the living circumstances for most of Naples’ inhabitants are low, they know how to survive and to enjoy the joys of live.

Naples is a surprisingly large city, and a sprawling one, with a centre that has many different focuses. The area between Piazza Garibaldi and Via Toledo, roughly corresponding to the old Roman Neapolis (much of which is still unexcavated below the ground), makes up the old part of the city – the centro storico – the main streets still following the path of the old Roman roads. This is much the liveliest, most teeming part of town, an open-air kasbah of hawking, yelling humanity that makes up in energy what it lacks in grace. Buildings rise high on either side of the narrow, crowded streets, cobwebbed with washing; there’s little light, not even much sense of the rest of the city outside – certainly not of the proximity of the sea.

But the insularity of the centro storico is deceptive, and in reality there’s another, quite different side to Naples, one that’s much more like the sunwashed Bay of Naples murals you’ve seen in cheap restaurants back home. Via Toledo , the main street of the city, edges the old centre from the Palazzo Reale up to the Museo Nazionale Archeologico and the heights of Capodimonte ; to the left rises the Vómero , with its fancy housing and museums, and the smug neighbourhood of Chiaia , beyond which lies the long green boulevard of Riviera de Chiara , stretching around to the districts of Mergellina and Posillipo : all neighbourhoods that exert quite a different kind of pull – that of an airy waterfront city, with views, seafood eaten al fresco and peace and quiet.

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Naples, located southern Italy is a vibrant city with many historical places of interest. When staying in this large city which has a charm all its own, notwithstanding the noise and pollution, graffiti on monuments & trains, and unemployment protest marches, there are so many things worth visiting. Among the must-see places is the Archeological Museum founded by Ferdinand IV in the 18th century, which offers a massive showcase of awesome ancient statuary that is considered an important archeological collection. This was mainly acquired from the Roman Farnese family. There is also the Duomo, a Gothic-style cathedral consecrated in 1315, and has seen many changes. By visiting Duomo, visitors can gain access to the age-old ChristianBasilica of St. Restituta, and the Chapel of San Gennaro (Cappella di San Gennaro). Another place worth checking out is the Spaccanapoli, which is characterized by a neopolitan atmosphere. Spaccanapoli, expect to see a sequence of streets that wend their way to the heart of the city’s historical center. Famed sites that may be seen are the church of Gesú Nuovo and the Santa Chiara church, to name some. The inner courtyard of the Santa Chiara monastery complex is quite interesting. History records that during the period 1739 until 1742, Italian painter and architect Domenico Antonio Vaccaro designed a colorful garden with majolica benches and pillars.

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Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is noted as a World Heritage city. For the first time traveler raring to experience first hand the allure of , it’s best to get settled first and check in at a hotel with s superb location. A good option is the Piazza Garibaldi, which happens to be one of the most beautiful squares in the heart of Napoli. It is where one can find the Palazzo del Comune , a massive brick building designed way back in 1632. Another good option may be a nice hotel along Naples bay. There’s a hotel which offers a splendid view of the gulf and Mount Vesuvius.

Other artistic places to visit while in Naples are the Teatro San Carlo, whose acoustics is considered the best in Southern Italy; the Via San Gregorio Armeno, Christmas market stalls never fail to attract people on the lookout for tiny trinkets and other special items. Near the Teatro di San Carlo is the Piazza del Plebiscito, began by the Bonapartist King Joachim Murat and finished by the Ferdinand IV. Indeed, Naples is a destination that fascinates – then and now. It’s a place that has been conquered by the Romans, utilized as residence of emperors and famous personalities likeVirgil and Nero, and dominated by people of diverse nationalities, all of whom have left an imprint of their cultural heritage. Roberto is a marketing consultant providing Bed and Breakfast Napoli accommodations tips and resources to spend exciting weekends in the earth of ancient Napoli, living in cheap but confortable B&B Napoli rooms, located in the center of the city.. Visit Discover the Artistic Treasures of Historic Naples.

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There is a saying in Italy that goes ‘vedi Napoli e poi muori’. Translated, this means ‘see Naples and die’. The actual meaning of this refers to being overwhelmed by what a beautiful and an incredible city Naples is. (although some may argue that what it really means that Naples is such a dangerous and chaotic city that it will kill you!)

Love it or hate it, Naples really is a city and a half. It is full of life and the life is full of passion. And yes, you may have heard some negative things about Naples, but there are so many more positive things about Naples, it would be a shame to make a judgement without ever having visited the place yourself. In my opinion, it is probably the most colourful, vibrant and magical city in Europe, if not the World.

True, Naples could be considered as chaotic, with cars and vespas racing around the city not paying attention to traffic lights -and in some cases, especially around the historical centre, there are no pavements, but long narrow roads in which to accommodate both traffic and people. It could also be considered as corrupt or dangerous by some, with gang warfare by the Camorra (Neapolitan Mafia) still operating here, and teenage street boys that mug people by snatching their bags while scooting past on vespas (Not to mention stories circulating such as a woman who went into a shop to buy some clothes, but never came out….when the police were alerted by her husband she was apparantly found in the old city ruins underneath the shop being smuggled to god knows where……)

But one thing that Naples could NEVER be considered is….BORING!

Yes there are some bad points, but there are considerably many more good points than bad. The whole point of Naples is that the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ contrast each other to such an extreme it is breathtaking. The long, narrow, dusty, cobbled roads that can be found, especially in the historical centre (centro storico) can be found filled with washing hanging from balconies and washing lines, vespas constantly beeping their horns and scooting around, street urchins (or ‘scugnizzi’ as they are called) playing football in the street, stray dogs or cats rooting around the streets for food, and shady characters selling contraband cigarettes by the side of the road-but turn the corner or just happen to glance upwards from all the chaos and confusion and you could suddenly find yourself looking at the most beautiful church you have ever seen, or a view of the amazing Amalfi Coast and Vesuvious overlooking the sea.

You just never know with Naples. That is the beauty and the magic of it. Beautiful churches, museums and architecture are to be found all around the city, many forgotten about, because there are just simply so many. The city is full of history, culture and art. I once brought a friend to Naples, and she said she could ‘feel’ the history. This was such a great statement, as you really can feel the history; there is just so much art and culture around. Most of the buildings in the centro storico are the original buildings and palazzi which date back to the 12th or 13th century, with very high ceilings and original paintwork. Most original palazzi that used to belong to Neapolitan Aristocracy or Royalty are now just family homes or bed and breakfasts. There is also an underground city in Naples, (you can go on an organised tour) and some Greek ruins to be seen in Port’Alba (an area in Naples in centro storico that used to be frequented by poets and students, and is still quite bohemian), which there are still stories of people using this network for smuggling.

As mentioned before, it is the contrast of things which can sometimes be so amazing. For example shopping in the market in Via dei Tribunali which is deep in the historical centre, you notice the poverty, the chaos, the ‘dustiness’ of the city. Yet five minutes walk down the road you find yourself in Piazza Plebiscito; one of the most beautiful piazzas I have ever seen. Absolutely huge, with beautiful architecture, from which you can see the sea and 3 of the Italy’s most visited tourist destinations; Sorrento, Ischia and the beautiful island of Capri… It is also next to the very grand Gran Caffe`Gambrinus, a very famous bar and restaurant thats been open since the 1860′s, and used to be frequented by Oscar Wilde when he spent time in Naples in 1898 (he once had a vision of a ghost there ). It also marks the beginning of the Chiaia district which is one of the most desirable districts of central Naples, with designer shops, bars and restaurants.

Another contrast that is very apparant is the people themselves. Neapolitans are very passionate and expressive people, and can talk like there’s no tomorrow. They talk with their hands a lot and quite often raise their voices, which can be mistaken for arguing-but once you get to know the people, you will realise that what seems like an argument, is usually just a ‘discussion’! (about football, or how to cook a certain pasta dish). As Naples (and indeed in the rest of Italy as many other countries with warm weather) has an ‘outdoor’ culture, you will often see many people, teenagers and children just ‘hanging around’ or having a walk or passeggiata, talking about things. You might see people arguing one minute, and then people singing the next so don’t be alarmed!

Vedi Napoli e poi muori….discover for yourself!

Juliana de Angelis is a travel writer about Italy…read more articles, travel guides and information about Italy, its people and culture at her website: http://www.madaboutitaly.com/

Book flights, hotels and shop for Italian products at http://www.italianshopsonline.com/

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Naples, Napoli in Italian, is the third most-populated city in Italy and the biggest city in Southern Italy. Its close proximity to many interesting sites, such as Pompeii and the Bay of Naples, makes it a good base.

Naples is a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops, making it worth at least a few days visit. The name comes from the Greek Neapolis meaning new city.

Set around the beautiful bay of Naples and lying in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, . One of Europes most densely populated cities, it is chaotic, overcrowded, dirty and noisy. And yet this is part of its unique charm.

With charismatic narrow streets overhung with endless rows of washing, ancient churches, a medieval university, noisy street markets and hundreds of cafes, bars and restaurants, Naples is an unforgettable experience.

Visit the citys grand cathedral the Duomo, Originally dating from 1272, it has undergone numerous alterations. The Chiesa dei Girolamini, a beautiful baroque church with two facades, lies directly opposite.

Dont miss the Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo on the piazza of the same name. Dating from the 16th century, the church is one of Naples finest examples of Renaissance architecture. Wander north of the Spaccanapoli district and visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

Naples has one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in Italy. During Christmas, hundreds of Creches decorate the city. There are many decorations for Easter, too, and a huge parade. Two huge religous festivals are held in September, the Festa di Piedigrotta on the 7th and San Gennaro on the 19th. During the summer, there are music festivals, too.

It boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Graeco Roman artifacts in the world, including some discovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum. It also houses the Borgia collection of Etruscan and Egyptian relics.

Subterranean Naples consists of old Greco Roman reservoirs dug out from the soft tufo stone on which, and from which, the city is built. Approximately one kilometer of the many kilometers of tunnels under the city can be visited from the well known Napoli Sotteranea situated in the historic centre of the city in Via dei Tribunali.

There are also large catacombs in and around the city and other visits such as Piscina Mirabilis, the main cistern serving the bay of Naples during Roman times. This system of tunnels and cisterns cover most of the city and lies approximately thirty metres below ground level. Moisture levels are around 70%. During World War II these tunnels were used as air raid shelters and there are inscriptions in the walls which depict the suffering endured during that time.

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Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Naples Rental Site

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Naples

Naples is a city with a reputation, and not a very good reputation. For many some words that come to mind when thinking about Naples include unmentionables like dirty and crime infested. While these descriptions may be true, it is also true that Naples is a very colorful city. Yes crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you employ just a little common sense.

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Naples is all about truth. When in Naples you won’t get that odd tourist feeling like you get in some of Italy’s other cities. Naples is about living. It’s people can be a bit gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you find elsewhere throughout the country. It’s also been said you get in trouble in Naples, all you need do is bring up the subject of soccer and you’ll suddenly have friends for life.

The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you’re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples.

If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story.

Sorrento

If Naples overpowers you, you should make your way around the bay in Sorrento. Sorrento is quite similar to Naples only with one very notable exception. That being where Naples is not, it is all about tourism. It’s a city that works to make tourist comfortable. Frankly, it is difficult to see how Naples and Sorrento can coexist but they certainly do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren’t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist.

Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime and to some extent this probably true, but seeing this region of Italy is worth it.

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Italy is really two countries in one with the wealthy, historic north dominating. To get a taste of the south, Naples and Sorrento are your destinations.

Naples

If ever there was a city with a reputation, it is Naples. Dirty, nasty, crime infested and fanatical are all words thrown around when describing. In this case, the descriptions are true and it is GREAT! The place is a madhouse and colorful beyond description. Crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you use common sense.

Naples is all about “real“. You will not get that odd touristy sensation you find in the cities to the north. Naples is about living now, now in the past. The people can be gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you will find elsewhere. If you get in trouble, just bring up the subject of football (soccer) and you`ll suddenly have friends for life.

The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you`re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples.

If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story.

Sorrento

If Naples overwhelms you, head around the bay to Sorrento. Sorrento is similar to Naples with one notable exception. It is all about the tourist and making them comfortable. Frankly, it is hard to see how Naples and Sorrento can co-exist, but they do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren`t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist.

Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime. To some extent it is true, but seeing Italy without the gloss of the north is worth it.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com – makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about Italy Travel and Adventure Travel.

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Naples is the third biggest city in Italy (after Rome and Milan) and its second main port. It`s the largest city on the south of the country and the capital of Campania province. Nowadays Naples has a population of about 1,5 millions (3 millions with suburbs). Naples is also a very important railway and cultural center of Italy.

Naples stands on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea not far from the famous Vesuvius volcano and the remains of the city of Pompeii destroyed by its eruption.

Legends say that Naples is the place of origin of the famous sirens, singing mermaids who brought death to the sailors. Originally Naples was named Partenope in the honor of the most beautiful mermaid. Naples was founded by the Greeks in 8 century BC but later became a part of the Roman Empire. By 12 century AD Naples had a population of about 300 thousands and was the second biggest city in Europe after Paris. Later it was a capital of the Sicilian kingdom, Neapolitan kingdom and the kingdom of the Both Sicilies. In 1860 it joined the newborn state of Italy.

Naples is rich in cultural attractions and castles Castel del Ovo and Castel Nuovo, baptistery San-Giovanni, numerous palaces, churches and gothic and renaissance buildings make the significant part of the city. Naples Archeological Museum is one of the most famous museums of its kind.

During centuries Naples was the favorite residence of the several royal families. There are 4 royal residences within Naples and its suburbs. It`s the only place in Europe with such a concentration of the royal residences.

Among other attractions are Piazza del Municipio with view on Castel Sant`Elmo, Galleria Umberto I, Chiesa di S. Anna dei Lombardi on Piazza Carita, Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo, Tearto di S. Carlom, Chiesa di S. Francesco di Paola, Piazza del Plebiscito.

Naples gained its glory not only as cultural and historical center of the Southern Italy, ut also as an important commercial center. Various little shops neighbor here with the modern supermarkets, designer`s boutiques. In Naples you will also find a great number of cafes and restaurants. Naples is considered to be the motherland of the notorious Italian pizza. The oldest pizzeria in Naples dates back from 1830.

Naples has always had its own atmosphere. Neapolitans differ much from the citizens of the other parts of Italy.

For booking a hotel, please, go to Naples hotels page

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Naples of modern day shows all of the signs of it`s long history. Listening to the language and looking at the remnants of lost civilisations, the buildings and architecture, remind you of the long traditional history of this city.

Naples was originally a Greek colony founded by sailors coming from Rhodos. It was a merchant colony which they called Parthenope and was situated on the island of Megaride.

The name of Naples actually has it`s roots in the 5th century BC when new Greek colonists displaced the original settlers and founded “Neapolis“, Greek for “New City“. From then on, Naples was born. The old city of Parthenope gradually became part of the new city and Neapolis itself became a thriving place with a range of powerful wall defences which manage to withstand Hannibal.

Rome conquered Neapolis in the 4th century BC but the city retained much of it`s Greek culture which is still very evident today. Great buildings were built including the Odeon, a theatre and the temple of Castor and Pollux. It became a place for affluent Romans to visit to increase their understanding of the Greek culture and given the tremendous climate it also served as an ancient holiday resort. Rome improved the city immeasurably with road systems, baths, aqueducts and enlarging the port. The number of visitors to Naples grew and trade with overseas countries expanded too. It became a place well known for it`s feasts and public spectacles.

There are miles of underground catacombs beneath Naples and these have a part in the Christian history of the city. In the latter years of the Roman Empire many people came to preach Christianity, including, it is said, St Paul and St Peter. The early Christian basilicas were built next to the catacomb entrances. The patron saint of Naples is San Gennaro, decapitated in 305 AD, and the Cathedral of Naples is dedicated to his life and works.

Later years saw Naples suffer in the Gothic Wars between Ostrogoths and Byzantines, and it fell in 542 AD to the troops of Totila. Shortly afterwards it became Greek again. Although now established as part of Italy, Naples will always be faithful to it`s Greek traditions and history.

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From the exceptional architecture to the world-class cuisine to the astonishing natural beauty, Naples is a city that should be on everyone’s “one day” list. History and culture combine with a regal past to delight visitors with a violent past that has led to a bright future.

Pompeii
Can you imagine a volcanic eruption of such force and size that it covers your entire town? In 79 AD, that’s precisely what the citizens of Pompeii faced as Mt. Vesuvius gave forth her fury and literally buried the town, causing the entire population to perish, including nobility.

Now, centuries later, thanks to diligent archeological expeditions, the ruins of Pompeii can be toured by visitors to the Naples area. Much like a ghost town of the Old West, you can walk through the empty streets, taking in the distinct sense of bareness. The world’s largest Roman amphitheater is an amazing sight and should be the starting point of your exploration.

Mt. Vesuvius
Located on the coast of the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius has not erupted since 1944. Even with over 60 years of dormancy, it is still considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. With a population of over 3,000,000 living in close proximity and the volcano’s tendency toward violent eruptions in the past, concern is held for those who live nearby.

Often described as a humpback mountain, Vesuvius has an obvious cone and distinctive crater that are easily identified by land or air.

Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo (“the new castle”) was commissioned by Charles I in 1279 in conjunction with the moving of the capital of Naples from Palermo. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Castel Nuovo is currently the seat of city government. However, its courtyard fills every June with couples in love who wish to take their wedding vows. Points of interest include the Armory with its glassed floor which reveals the remains of a Roman villa and a medieval necropolis, the Hall of Barrons and the dungeon.

Capri
An island accessible via ferry, Capri is a popular stop for visitors to Naples. As you step onto the island, the scents of natively grown lemons and basil will likely overtake you. Clean and fresh, Capri is a delightful retreat you’ll want to visit again and again.

One of the most popular attractions is The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) – a must-see. As daylight enters through an underwater opening located immediately below the entrance to the cave, the light is filtered by the water. The red tones are absorbed, leaving only the blue ones to pass into the cave. The result is an astonishing aura of blues that simply defies words.

One of the best ways to see Naples and other cities within Italy is via cruise ship. Whether you choose to sail aboard the most famous ocean liners in the world – the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth 2 – or other cruise vessels, you’ll find the adventure and wonder for you and your family go far beyond what you might expect.

About the Author
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including Alaska cruises. `© 2007, All Rights Reserved

More about Naples and the region of Campagna:
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