Naples

The famous city on Vesuvius

Categories: Naples Campania Italy

europe, italy, campania, naples, gulf of naples, mediterranean, tyrrhenian sea 0
Recommended travel time: April to November

Visit to Naples - the famous city on Vesuvius
The southern Italian city on the Gulf of Naples is the home of pizza and a much sung about, romantic destination. The wealth of sights and fascinating panoramas in Naples is spectacular. At every turn you will encounter cultural treasures of remarkable beauty. The port city with flair impresses with world-famous museums, unique churches and ancient excavations.
Naples - View of the sea © Boris Stroujko / Fotolia

Everywhere you will feel the typical Italian attitude towards life, which is manifested not least in the food. Sitting in a café on one of the historic squares, watching the people strolling and drinking a delicious coffee is also one of the unforgettable experiences in Naples.

Already in the 18th century, when tourism developed slowly, Naples was the preferred destination of many Europeans. Until today hardly anything has changed. No wonder, after all there is a wealth of historical buildings, the most famous paintings of the Renaissance and ancient excavations to admire. The entire historic centre of Naples is a listed building and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here at the Centro Storico you will walk through a labyrinth of winding alleys full of chapels and small churches. One of the most beautiful cloisters of southern Italy is the monastery of St. Chiara. In the old town is also one of the entrances to the underground, hidden Naples, which is spectacular and mysterious.

You can visit the tuff caves that run underneath the whole city on a guided tour. Here, for example, is the romantic Sansevero Chapel.

In Naples there is a whole alleyway dedicated to the Neapolitan nativity scenes. A visit to this lively Via San Gregorio Armeno is also impressive, because here you can watch the crib builders at work all year round. The National Archaeological Museum of the city is the most famous archaeological museum in the world.

Here you can see finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under ashes in 79 AD during the eruption of Vesuvius. A highlight is the secret cabinet with erotic frescoes and objects from the buried Pompeii. Finally, on the promenade you will experience vastness and enjoy an unobstructed view of the offshore islands of Ischia and Capri.

Among the most beautiful sights of Naples are the Castel dell'Ovo, the Royal Palace and the Piazza del Plebiscito. Also the collection of paintings of the museum of Capodimonte is overwhelming and impresses not only art lovers. Those who want to visit the museum on the hill of the same name should bring some time with them.

It would be simply too bad to appreciate the gorgeous paintings of Botticelli and Michelangelo only with a fleeting glance. Here you will also find exhibits of contemporary art. The Castel dell'Ovo is the oldest preserved fortress in the city. It stands on the islet of Megaride, which is connected to the mainland. Here too, the view of the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and Posillipo, the elegant villa district of Naples, is wonderful.
Naples - View of the city © JFL Photography / Fotolia

From Naples you should definitely take a trip to the ruins of Pompeij. The ruins, undiscovered for centuries, are now a magnet for visitors to Italy from all over the world. You can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Old Town and Vesuvius from the monastery of San Martino on the Vomero hill. There is no question that your stay in Naples will only be complete with a real Pizza Napoli. Nowhere else does it taste as good as here.