Located on the shores of the Gulf of the same name, Naples has incorporated many cultures and traditions that make it easy to distinguish Neapolitans from residents of other regions. This particular style is also reflected in the historical and cultural attractions concentrated in the city and its environs. In order not to get lost in this abundance, BlogoItaliano decided to talk about the most significant sights of Naples, which certainly should be seen by a traveler visiting the city.
5. Archaeological Museum
One of Naples' most visited attractions is the National Archaeological Museum.
The museum building was built in 1615. At first it housed the University of Naples, and in 1777, by order of King Ferdinand IV, the interior was reconstructed and the Royal Library and the Bourbon Museum were housed in them.
Later, the museum’s expositions were replenished with exhibits found during excavations of ancient cities, once located near Vesuvius.
In the middle of the XIX century, the Archaeological Museum became the property of the state and received the prefix "National".
Naples National Archaeological Museum (1615)
Today, in the halls of the museum you can see an extensive collection of Egyptian art, unique floor and wall mosaics, antique and medieval coins and medals, ancient murals, marble and bronze sculptures, and Renaissance jewels.
The Secret Cabinet containing frescoes and reliefs, as well as texts of erotic content discovered during excavations in Pompeii, is of particular interest to visitors.
By the way, it is from the Archaeological Museum of Naples that the center begins a tour in the Russian-language audio guide around the city for the iPhone, and we recommend that you install it yourself before the trip. The audio guide will save a lot of time for preparation and will cover much more in Naples than 95% of travelers have time to.
The application has a detailed map of the tour, and GPS will make it easy to navigate in an unfamiliar city. After installation, the audio guide works without the Internet, and the first 5 points in the trial version are available for free. The full version of 55 points costs only 5 Euros. You can download the application on your iPhone on this page.
4. Castle of Castell del Ovo
The medieval castle of Castell del Ovo is located on a small island off the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, connected to Naples by a narrow embankment. Historians believe that it was on this place in the IV century BC Naples was laid.
The first building on the site of the present castle was a villa belonging to the Roman commander Lucullus, later the monks who lived on the island for several centuries settled here.
It is believed that in this place in the IV century BC Naples was laid
In the 9th century, in order to avoid the capture of the island by the Saracens, the fortifications were destroyed, and in the 12th century a fortification was built, which has survived to this day. The castle was called Castell del Ovo - Egg Castle.
It is believed that the castle received such a strange name for its oval shape, but there is a more fantastic version: they say that a magic egg is hidden under one of the towers.
For about a hundred years, the royal court was located in the fortified castle, which then moved to Castel Nuovo, and judicial institutions and the treasury remained in Castel del Ovo. Today, the castle on the island is open to visitors.
3. The Royal Palace
Another pretty famous Naples landmark - The Royal Palace is a magnificent building on the main square of the city of Piazza del Plebiscita.
The construction of the palace began in 1600 and lasted more than half a century. For many years, the palace was the main residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Both Sicilies from the Bourbon dynasty.
The Royal Palace is located on the main square of Naples
The building of the Royal Palace has been rebuilt more than once. The structure of the work of Luigi Vanvitelli, erected in the middle of the XVIII century, has survived to this day.
The western facade of the palace is decorated with statues of Neapolitan kings installed in specially constructed niches, and forged garden gates are guarded by horse sculptures that once stood on the Anichkov bridge in St. Petersburg. This generous gift to King Ferdinand II was presented by the Russian Emperor Nicholas I.
Currently, the palace houses the Museum of Historic Apartments and the National Library, in its halls you can see the works of Mattio Pretti, Spanoletto, Guercino, Titian.
2. Pompeii
The famous Pompeii are located very close to the city, which gives them the right to be considered one of the main Naples sights. This ancient Roman city, which died during the eruption of a volcano in the summer of 79, is one of Naples’s main “magnets”, attracting archaeologists as well as numerous travelers.
During its existence, Pompeii was dominated by the Romans, Etruscans, Greeks, Samnites. In the 90-80s BC Pompeii participated in the uprising of Italian cities, as a result of which they were turned into a Roman colony. Noble Romans built luxurious villas in Pompeii, where they rested with their families.
Pompeii died during the eruption of Vesuvius in the summer of 79
Thanks to the volcanic ash that covered the city, its buildings are well preserved. During a tour of Pompeii you can see a giant amphitheater with a large arena, which housed about 20 thousand spectators, a forum that was the center of the city’s public life, the Temple of Apollo, dating from 575-570 BC, and numerous thermae.
Residential buildings decorated with ancient frescoes and mosaics depicting scenes from ancient Greek myths were also well preserved. The most ancient is considered the Surgeon's House, named so because of the large number of surgical instruments found in it.
Archaeologists discovered a brothel with frescoes with erotic scenes, as well as buildings of bakeries, weaving and spinning workshops.
In more detail about Pompeii themselves and how to visit the ancient city BlogoItaliano wrote in these articles:
- Pompeii: history, how to get on your own and excursions
- How to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples on your own in 1 day
1. Vesuvius
The dormant volcano is Naples' most famous and most dangerous landmark. Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe, attracting the attention of geologists from around the world, as well as numerous tourists who climb the crater.
Vesuvius - the only active volcano in mainland Europe
According to scientists, Vesuvius erupted at least 80 times, each time destroying the surrounding territories. The most powerful is the eruption, worn out from the face of the land of Pompeii.
On the slopes of Vesuvius a National Park is organized - a large reserve, for exploring which nine different routes are laid.
More details of this Naples Attractions and its meaning BlogoItaliano has dedicated a separate article: Vesuvius: the most famous volcano in Europe.
Other useful articles:
- Naples Tour: BlogoItaliano Guide Review
- Naples airport and how to get to the city
- How to get from Rome to Naples and from Naples to Rome
Photos by: Teseum, swide, Crash Test Mike, Harvey Barrison, Maritè Toledo, napoliunplugged.
