by Constance Blair

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.

Photograph by Trey Ratcliff

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

Article source: Expert Articles

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by Steve Jones

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.

Photograph by Trey Ratcliff

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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by Roy Witman

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.

Photograph by Trey Ratcliff

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:
Discover even more about what Naples has to offer and find out what your fellow travellers think of the city here: http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/campania/