The Beauty and Charm of Naples

SAN DIEGO - April 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Naples
An Italian Gem
Most people will think of Rome if Italian cities are mentioned, but Naples is also a tourist destination no savvy traveler will want to miss. A city-wide cleanup has scrubbed the face of Naples, revealing the lovely lady she really is. While at first glance Naples may seem to be a more modern city than Rome, its roots go back thousands of years, so you will be able to enjoy a mix of what has come before with what is happening now.
On the Bay of Naples
Many of the world’s most significant cities have been built on the coast, and Naples is one more example. Naples was settled approximately 4,000 years ago by Greeks and has been occupied ever since, making it one of the oldest cities in existence. Although Naples became a part of the Roman Empire, it maintained its Greek culture right up to the middle of the first millennium, when Rome fell.
This Italian city has become something of a melting pot as Ostrogoth, Norman, German, and Hungarian invaders and mercenaries have become a part of the population. The cultural background of Naples is likewise impressive with the city being home to one of the greatest sculptors ever, Bernini, and to artists such as Caravaggio.
Sights in and around Naples
Naples is an exciting city to visit at any time of the year, although the heaviest tourist season will be during the summer. Although the Bay of Naples immediately adjacent to the city is devoted to shipping, just a few steps away are lovely beaches offering sand, sun, and blue waters. The Amalfi Coast is just to the south, and the Phlegrean Islands (just offshore) can be accessed within minutes by hydrofoil.
Regardless of whether or not you are an opera or ballet fan, a visit to the Teatro di San Carlo should be included on any trip to Naples. Not only will the baroque architecture and decorative elements be a feast for the eyes, but some of the best of Verdi, Mozart, and Rossini are included on this year’s playlist.
A glimpse into the past is available at the National Archaeological Museum, which houses a large collection of classical sculpture, frescoes, and mosaics not only from Pompeii and Herculaneum, but also from other areas of the Roman Empire.
Visiting the Botanical Garden of Naples provides a welcome respite from the noise of the city itself. You can immerse yourself in citrus groves or walk though palm lined avenues. The garden has an extensive collection of cacti and succulents, too.
Only a bit over 5 miles away are the ruins of Pompeii. Destroyed in 79 AD when nearby Mt. Vesuvius erupted and sent a pyroclastic cloud upon the city, the ruins offer an insight into the people who lived in Pompeii.
For more information on travel to Naples visit www.culturalitaly.com