Sights of Naples, Italy
With nearly five million inhabitants, Naples (Napoli) is Italy ‘s third-largest city. Naples is the capital of the province of the same name. Naples is wrongly often in the shadow of Rome and to a lesser extent Milan. Too bad, because Naples is without a doubt one of the most interesting cities in Europe. The city has a rich history, has its own beautiful dialect and is best known for the delicious dishes that the Neapolitan kitchen has produced.
According to Printerhall.com, Naples is also an excellent base for excursions in the immediate vicinity. You can of course visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Surprisingly nice is a day trip to the island of Capri, where you will visit the villages of Capri and Anacapri.
It is quite possible to visit Pompeii, Vesuvius and Herculaneum in one day. The inspiring story ‘ Pompeï, Vesuvius and Herculaneum in 12 hours ‘ shows you what such a day can look like thanks to a clear timeline, lots of good information and beautiful photos.
Top 10 sights of Naples
#1. Volcano Vesuvius
The impressive volcano of Naples is the famous Vesuvius. This stratovolcano is made up of layers of solidified lava and tephra. The volcano is still active, but it is no more than a bit of steam that comes out. With its height of about 1,281 meters, Vesuvius is the second largest volcano in Italy. Most of the volcano can be reached by train. With a guide, the last 130 meters can be covered on foot.
#2. Ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum
Because the city of Pompeii was buried in 79 AD under a layer of ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, it is the best-preserved Roman city to this day. The city is located about 10 kilometers from the volcano. In the meantime, large parts of the city have been exposed by various archaeological excavations. There are still many things to sport, including the harbour. While walking through this city it is hard to imagine that large parts, including several temples, are from the years before Christ.
#3. Castel Nuovo
Naples’ main symbol for the city is the beautiful Castel Nuovo Castle. Since construction started in 1279, various adjustments and renovations have taken place. Several kings and other greats such as Charles II, King Robert and King Ladislaus have resided in this castle. Today the castle is a museum with many ancient art, sacred objects and frescoes.
#4. Duomo of Naples
The impressive white cathedral of the city of Naples is also called the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. It is located on Via Duomo in the center of the city. The inside is particularly impressive. This is mainly due to the striking ceiling decorations and the arches finished in detail, not to mention the beautiful floor. There are also remains of a church from the fourth century.
#5. Opera Theater San Carlo
The official Italian name of this beautiful theater is Real Teatro di San Carlo. The theater is one of the most famous in the world. The six floors offer places for no less than three thousand visitors. Giovanni Antonio Medrano is responsible for the design, which opened its doors in 1737. Since then a number of changes and adjustments have been added. The current theater was built in 1816 after the previous one was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, the same designer has had a hand in this re-built theater. The inside is truly royal with lots of gold and ruby red.
#6. Palaces
The city of Naples has a number of beautiful palaces. The most famous is the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Real). It is located near the port, the huge national library and theater San Carlo. Another beautiful palace today is the National Museum of Capodimonte. This museum was once designed by the Roman architect Antonio Canevari for the then King Charles of Bourbon. The 150 rooms of this palace contain various paintings, sculptures, tapestries, drawings, jewellery, furniture and weapons from the past.
#7. Conservatorio di San Pietro a Majella di Napoli
In the historic center of Naples on Via San Pietro a Majella is the famous and eponymous Conservatory. Here greats such as Giovanni Paisiello, Nicola Antonio Zingarelli, Nicola Porpora, Domenico Cimarosa, Alessandro Scarlatti, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and Gaspare Spontini learned their trade as composers. Historical instruments and various manuscripts can be admired in the museum section.
#8. Museo Archeologico Nazionale
This museum houses many collections of art that once belonged to the collection of the palace of Capodimonte. You will also find finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale. There are beautiful statues from antiquity to admire, including Hercules and a copy of Harmodius and Aristogiton.
#9. Museum of New Castle
This special museum of Naples is popularly called ‘Man Angiono’. The beautifully decorated bronze doors lead you to the museum where you can mainly find art and other works from the Royal House of Santissima Annunziata. Important episodes have been incorporated into the doors, which tell, among other things, about Charles VIII and the war and the victory of John Anjou.
#10. Port
In the center of Naples is the port of this city. It is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Regularly large cruise ships moor here. The fact that a lot of trade is still conducted via this port can be seen from the enormous storage capacity that is available. It also offers space for about 70 berths and there are several shipyards. The port is separated from the beautiful Castel Nuovo by the Via Ammraglio Ferdinando Acton.
