From the moment you step
foot on to the chaotic streets of Naples, you realize it is a study in
contrasts. One moment you’re walking down a rundown street with flailing
laundry and the next you’re strolling past Baroque architectural splendours.
But some would argue –
rightfully so – that this authenticity is what gives this southern Italian city
its unparalleled charm.
Naples is an ancient port
city located between Mount Vesuvius and the steaming Phlegraean Fields. Its
history is a vivid montage rooted in Greek and Roman legend with rich artistic
and cultural traditions evident in the many castles, churches, museums,
piazzas, archaeological remains, and UNESCO world heritage sites. Most notably
the San Carlo opera house, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the
Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo, Piazza del Mercato, Santa Chiara Church and the
Duomo.
· In Naples, life is lived on its colourful streets. It is not uncommon to see beautiful, feisty women shouting Neapolitan slurs with spirited gestures, old men playing cards, or Vespas and cars weaving in and out of traffic in a frenetic road dance. Here, people live so passionately and intensely that one of the greatest pleasures is to sit back and watch as this ‘live theatre’ unfolds.
Neapolitans have an
enthusiasm for life like no others. Maybe it’s because they live their lives in
the shadow of an active volcano with death looming in close proximity. Whatever
the reason, this gusto is evident in the architecture, the way people dress and
in the delicious Neapolitan cuisine.
Many of Italy’s world-famous dishes like pizza and spaghetti were born in this region, so it’s no surprise that Naples offers some of the finest and freshest food in all of Italy. Mouth-watering pizza is made with fresh mozzarella di bufala and fresh seafood is prepared to perfection. Naples is also home to Italy’s best coffee. Espresso bars are everywhere and patrons can be found enjoying coffee at all hours.Try a steamy shot of fragrant espresso at the late 19th century Gran Caffè Gambrinus with a decadent pastry. It is an experience you won’t soon forget.
·
Visitors
might be surprised to discover that Naples is a shopping gem. Centuries of
artisan traditions continue to be passed down from generation to generation.
Renowned for having the finest sartorie custom tailors in the world, the best
hand sown suits, dress shirts and ties are skillfully made here.
Naples has been working
hard to shed its notorious reputation for pickpockets, littered streets and
organized crime and it has been succeeding. This fascinating city is many
things – some good and some bad – but if given the chance, Naples will draw you
in and stir your emotions with its colourful characters, classical ruins and
passion for life’s pleasures.
SURROUNDINGS
Naples is Italy’s gateway
to Pompeii, approx. 25 kilometers from the city center, where the active Mount
Vesuvius looms. In 1997, UNESCO designated Pompeii a World Heritage Site. Take
ferry’s to visit the neighboring islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. The Amalfi
Coast is breathtaking with its famous cliffside villages of Sorrento, Positano,
Amalfi and Ravello.WHERE TO STAY
Overlooking the
picturesque Castel dell’Ovo and the Bay of Naples, Hotel Excelsior is an
elegant property that honours Italy’s old-world craftsmanship and design with
focus on modern luxury. Enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine on their rooftop
restaurant that combines
spectacular indoor and veranda views of Naples.
Located between the harbour and the old town, the Romeo Hotel brings innovative design elements to a city that evokes old world Italian romance. The highlight of this stunning property is the rooftop restaurant that serves regional dishes with breathtaking views of Vesuvius and Capri.
Located between the harbour and the old town, the Romeo Hotel brings innovative design elements to a city that evokes old world Italian romance. The highlight of this stunning property is the rooftop restaurant that serves regional dishes with breathtaking views of Vesuvius and Capri.
WHERE
TO EAT
No visit to Naples is
complete without eating pizza at the legendary L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
that many have described as the “Sacred Temple of Pizza.” This small, rather
nondescript pizzeria has been making the best marinara and margherita pizza since
1870.
If you’re a seafood lover
reserve a table at Ristorante da Dora. It may look like a run-of-the-mill
trattoria, but this modest restaurant offers some of the freshest fish in town
and is always packed with local fish lovers.
GETTING TO NAPLES
Capodichino airport is
located eight kilometers northeast of downtown Naples. There are daily flights
into Naples from most Italian and European cities. You can also take the train
into Naples. If you’re renting a vehicle, you can drive from Rome to Naples in
approximately 2.5 hours on highway A90/E80, but beware: driving in Naples
requires a lot of courage.
FUN FACTS
• Naples was founded by the Greeks in 7th century BC
• The city was named
Neapolis which means the "New City"
• It is said that the
Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul preached here
• Naples became part of
the Italian unification in 1860
• It is the third most
populated city in Italy
• Naples has the world’s
worst traffic outside of Cairo
Look for this article in the new issue of Panorama Italia Magazine on newsstands now.