Classical architecture, the best pizzas andconstant liveliness: Naples is still one of themost exciting Italian cities.
Naples is a modern Italiancity with a fascinating history, which can be followed back to its founding bythe Greeks in the sixth century BC. The city has decadent royal palaces, artnouveau architecture, fashion boutiques, stylish restaurants and churchespacked with religious art – plenty to keep any visitor busy.
Start your visit at the CentroStorico, the historic old town of Naples.Get in amongst the narrow cobbled streets, the buzzing scooters, chattingtourists and sellers of curios items, such as instruments and antiques.
Everywhere you’ll see beautiful architecture, ofwhich the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) with its grandand well-preserved furniture is the best example. The former military power of Naplesis reflected in the two main castles Castel dell'Ovo(Castle of the Egg) and Castel Nuovo (New Castle).Those interested in religious art can fill several days exploring the manybeautiful churches the Gesù Nuovo and CappellaSansevero are good places to start.
Make a trip to the nearby volcano Vesuviusto escape from the busy city centre. At the top of the 1200 metre high volcano,you can enjoy awesome views across Naples and visitthe nearby cities of Pompeiand Herculaneum, which in the year 79 were famously buried under Vesuvius’ ashand lava. After centuries of excavations, which are still in progress, thecities now provide an incredible insight into the ancient Roman life.
The city is also a foodie’s heaven, as Naplesis where pizza was actually invented. Scattered throughout the city, on citysquares, alleys and shopping malls, you will find specialized pizzerias withthe most delicious pizza you've ever eaten.
The city is notorious for traffic, and its bestthat you leave driving to the locals. Don’t worry, there is a good metronetwork, which allows you to reach the city’s many top attractions with ease.If you're in close proximity to the city centre you can see many of the mostinteresting places on foot. You can also take a taxi, which is safe butexpensive.
Naples once had thereputation of being an unsafe city. In modern Naples,you don’t have to be concerned about crime. In winter it can be quite wet, butif you come between March and October, the chances are that you will enjoy thewarm Neapolitan sun.
