Usually people think of Napoli as a dirty criminal city but I’m going to ensure them that it’s not the only characteristic it can own. The City of paradoxes - that’s how it must be called.
Napoli is the capital of the homonymous province and is the third largest Italian city. The most famous geografic features are Mount Vesuvio and Golfo di Napoli. There is an Italian adage “Vedi Napoli e poi muori” (Before the death see Napoli) and its really truth. A lot of tourist are so amazed by the town that they move here for constant living.
Italians say that those one who didn’t visit Napoli, didn’t see Italy at all. And they are right, cause Napoli is a city where all the ancient traditions are saved. It’s hard to find any other city where you would feel the Italian atmosphere as strong as here. Moreover, expressive neapolitans sometimes can seem to be aggressive but it’s just typical vivid Italian character.
At the same time, except for the radical inhabitants, there is a variety of numerous different nations and culture, which all are received. No matter who you are, you always will be welcome here.
Nevertheless, of course, Napoli is quite thievish city. The mafia here is called Camorra and consists of several clans. But don’t be scared - if you are attentive, nothing will happen to you.
And I can’t ignore that Napoli has the tastiest pizza and cappuccino in the whole world! But make sure to have pizza not in a luxurious restaurant in the city center but in a cozy homie caffè somewhere in the lane, cause only here you can try true Italian dish.
Napoli is rich in amazing anxient architecture, and you even don’t need to search for it on the internet, cause it’s everywhere! But of course there are some special attractions everybody should visit.
It’s impossible to see every significant place here even in a week, but I will advise you some the most gorgeous:
Piazza del Plebiscito
Undoubtedly the main square in Naples, the Piazza del Plebiscito features the Royal Palace and the Basilica Royal and is a truly fantastic place to visit.
This vast open space is filled with important buildings and statues and aside from the aforementioned structures, it also contains the Palazzo Salerno, the Prefecture Palace and a statue dedicated to Charles III of Spain.
Castel dell’Ovo
As you enter the port at Naples you will undoubtedly see this stunning sea bound castle.
Once an island, the land that the castle stands on is now connected to the mainland and is accessible by a footpath and road.
As the oldest remaining fortification in Naples, the Castel dell’Ovo was constructed in the early 6th century BC and some form of defensive structure has stood ever since.
The castle is open to the public and it is a fantastic structure to explore – Walk through the passageways and arches and look out into the Mediterranean sea.
Cappella Sansevero
Churches and chapels are everywhere in Italy, but Cappella Sansevero is unlike any other. Deep in the crypt are the macchine anatomiche – real human skeletons embellished with arterial and nervous systems made from beeswax, iron wire and silk. In the nave of the chapel, the Veiled Christ, an incredibly realistic marble sculpture of Christ’s tortured body, adds to the eerie atmosphere.
Toledo Metro Stop
It’s not often public transport makes it into the guide books, but the ‘art stations’ of Naples’ metro are truly deserving of their place. Designed by the Spanish firm of architect Oscar Tusquets Blanca, the most impressive stop is undoubtedly Toledo. Covered in varying shades of blue mosaics, the light and airy space transports passengers into a dreamlike underwater world.
Teatro di San Carlo
Opened in 1737, Teatro di San Carlo is the oldest working opera house in the world. Opera season runs from January to May while ballet takes place from April to June. Classical concerts and events are also scheduled throughout the year but if a live performance doesn’t appeal, take a guided tour instead – with a frescoed ceiling, gilded stucco detailing and red velvet upholstery, the venue is simply breathtaking.
Mount Vesuvius National Park
To climb the volcano that provides a brooding backdrop to the city of Naples, set aside a minimum of half a day. Going direct to the park entrance by tour bus is probably the easiest option, but even by public transport the park can be reached from the city in about an hour. A number of nature walks around the volcano offer a pleasant change from the chaos of the city, but the star attraction is of course Monte Somma – Vesuvius’s oldest (and now inactive) crater that affords stunning views across the Bay of Naples and beyond.
The ruins of Pompeii
Pompeii was an ancient city that sat in the shadow of the iconic Mount Vesuvius.
This settlement was highly advanced and extensive and was destroyed at its peak during the devastating eruption of the volcano in 79 AD. Despite the devastation cause and the amount of lava that poured over the city, Pompeii stands today in a fantastic condition – This is due to the huge layer of ash that was deposited over the partial ruins and thus acted as a preserver.
Today you can visit Pompeii and walk through the extensive ruins – Particularly interesting sights include the Amphitheatre, the case del Fauno, the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Jupiter.
Furthermore you can find plaster casts of many of the unfortunate victims who were buried under the ash and remain locked in their death pose for an eternity.
And be sure it’s not the end!
All in all, Napoli is undoubtably worth visiting. If you are still not sure go there or not, just look through the Internet for photos and videos from this fantastic city and swiftly buy the tickets to the plain :)):)
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See ya ❣️