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Naples is a city that is full of contradictions and is caught between
 Neapolitan pizzas |
3 Via Cesare Sersale angolo Via P. Colletta Naples, Naples 80100 Italy +39 81 553 9204 |
Da Michele is not hard to find. And when the pizza is 'DOC' marked (stamp of approval), the quest for the place becomes all the more intense. The aroma of freshly baked Neapolitan pizzas lingers around in the air, welcoming patrons and stopover travelers. Michele's secret is that he uses traditional methods to prepare his world famous pizzas. A visit to Naples is surely incomplete without a trip to Da Michele. Just make sure your wallet is in place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Hanan  |
 Photo: Nick Halpern-Manners |
 Photo: michele aquila |
 Photo: properdom |
 Photo: Marcin Davies |
 Photo: anna maria rocco |
 Photo: Lauren Westfall |
 City's oldest castle |
Via Caracciolo Di Bella Naples 80133 Italy +39 81 764 0590 |
First settled by the ancient Greeks who went on to found the city of Partenope, the tiny island of Megaride is home to the city's oldest castle. Many believe the name, Castel dell'Ovo, is due to its unusual shape (ovo meaning "egg"); however, others maintain that the name is linked to medieval legend. Apparently the poet Virgil hid an egg in an iron cage and left it to hang from a rafter in a secret place within the castle; if the egg is broken, both the castle and the city are doomed to destruction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Drobnik |
 Photo: PhotoLab XL |
 Photo: Riccardo Innocenti - |
 Photo: Shane MacClure |
 Photo: Bjørn Chr. Enger |
 Photo: Ricardo Rmx |
 Photo: Simon Marston |
 Photo: grazie, davvero |
 Photo: Denis Filippov |
 Photo: Matt Watts |
 Photo: Sharon Divino |
 Photo: Riccardo Innocenti - |
 Photo: Daniele Capocelli |
 Photo: C. Dunn |
 Photo: Megan Griffith |
 Photo: Jonathan Schellack |
 Photo: Martin Whitmarsh |
 Church dedicated to Madonna Bruna |
2 Piazza del Carmine Naples 80142 Italy |
In Piazza del Carmine the Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine has stood since the 12th Century. More impressive elements were added between 1283 and 1300. The church was an extension of a small church which venerated an image of the Madonna known as, 'La Bruna'. The building work was commissioned and facilitated by donations from Magherita di Borgogna, the second wife of Charles D'Anjou, and by Elisabetta di Baviera, the mother of Corradino di Svevia. The entrance is dominated by an impressive organ which has 3500 pipes with 51 stops, which was renovated in 1906 and enlarged in 1919. It is said that on the 14th October 1439, during the siege carried out by Alfonso d'Aragona for the succession to the Neapolitan throne, a projectile flew into the church hitting the crucifix which bent the top, hitting and knocking off the crown of thorns.The projectile is preserved in the church museum but is not on display. The vaulting rib of the transept is from the 14th Century. In the presbitery the main altar is devoted to the Madonna della Bruna and is in a Byzantine style. It was finished in 1631 by Fra' Nuvolo, with a special apex tiled with majolica. Each year, with the festival of the Madonna del Carmine, on the 16th of July, her burning is reenacted with fireworks which form part of a lively local festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Neapolitan Baroque and Renaissance styles |
Calata Gesù Naples 80134 Italy |
The church of the New Jesus began in 1470 as a lay building and more precisely, as the home of Roberto Sanseverino, the prince of Salerno. The building is impressive and was built in an area at the edge of the city, at the beginning of the old inferior decuman gate. Following the so-called, "swearing in of the barons" which was plotted against the King Ferrante d'Aragona, the building was confiscated in 1497 due to the involvement of Antonello Sanseverino, the son of Roberto. In 1506 it was given to Prince Robert II of Sanseverino who was part of the new ruling house of Castille which had overturned the House of Aragon in 1506. We can still admire the sumptuous renaissance building of the Severini with its well preserved facade of piperno with diamond shapes. It was the work of Novello da San Lucano even if it has been tampered with in some places. In 1552 the building was confiscated again following the involvement of the Sanseverini during anti-Spanish tensions. In 1584 the Jesuits acquired the building and transformed it into the present day church dedicated to the the Immaculate one, better known by the name, "New Jesus". The church is in the shape of a Greek cross with three naves. the collapse of the cupola and this was reconstructed by Arcangelo Guglielmelli. The church was restored again following Second world war damage. It is particularly worth seeing the large fresco by Franceso Solimena on the reverse of the facade, "the purge of Eliodoro from the temple"; also the Burrello chapel with the sculptures of Cosimo Fanzago and Michelangelo Naccherino, as well as the altar by Cosimo Fanzago. There are also the statues of Jeremiah and David by Costantino Masai and Andrea Lazzari, the puttini and the varnishings of the niches, the bronze statues of the main altar, rare marbles and hard stones. The vault and the side walls preserve the frescoes of Massimo Stanzione. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Neopolitan culture |
288 Via Duomo Naples 80138 Italy +39 81 20 3175 |
The Museo Filangieri is found within the renaissance Palazzo Como. The palazzo was built at Forcella by Riccordo Como, as a single story building. In 1404, it was renovated, and then enlarged between 1464 and 1490. After 1490, a garden was added, as a gift from King Alfonso of Aragon in return for Como's loyalty. At that time, several decorative embellishments were added in the renaissance style. The ashlar-work facade was decorated with the arms of both Como and the Aragon family. In 1881, the palazzo was threatened with demolition because of the construction of via Duomo, but it was decided to take it down and reconstruct it further back. The art collection belonging to Prince Gaetano Filangieri was immediately installed within the palazzo, and consequently it was designated a museum. Prince Filangieri had considered establishing a museum of artistic production; a sort of studio cum workshop in which new artistic and technical projects could be attempted. On the prince's death, the museum fell into disrepair and neglect, and during the second World War a fire destroyed many works. The remaining collection was renovated in 1948 and the gallery reopened to the public in the 1970's. It represents an important part of Neapolitan culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The last of the fishermen |
Via Posillipo Naples 80100 Italy |
The large and populous city of Naples still contains some areas where you can observe the charm of the past: small districts sheltered in the Posillipo coast, far from the chaos and noise of the big city, which you can reach by walking along narrow and winding paths that descend towards the sea. The most famous fishing village is Marechiaro, known for the renowned "Fenestella" celebrated in the song by Salvatore di Giacomo. Today the area is mainly visited for its excellent restaurants overlooking the sea, but a short walk down the steps on the narrow path which leads down to the water is enough to see its old charm. The very narrow and steep Gaiola path leads down from Via Coroglio to another place by the sea in Naples: the small beach of Cala San Basilio which can be reached on foot by following an even narrower path through the mythical Seiano cave. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The cathedral of Naples |
Via Duomo Naples 80138 Italy +39 81 44 9097 |
Built in the Gothic style at the end of the 13th century upon the wish of Carlo II d'Angio, the cathedral sits on the site of the old cathedral Stafania. It has been subjected to numerous restoration works in the subsequent centuries, and the facade has been restructured significantly during the restoration work carried out following the earthquake of 1349. The three portals of Antonio Baboccio have survived from the original structure. Under the second arcade on the left side of the central nave there is a baptismal font which is made of an Egyptian basalt basin decorated with Bacchic masks and on the upper parts from 1618 there is multi-colored marble. The 18th century organs and the episcopal throne are under the last two arcades of the central nave. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: grimaldo ganzerli |
 Fountain on the seafront |
Via Nazario Sauro Naples 80121 Italy |
You will find the Fontana dell'Immacolatella on the seafront, where Via Nazario Sauro and Via Partenope meet. It was constructed by Michelangelo Naccherino and Pietro Bernini in 1601. The fountain has been constructed from white and gray marble and has a basin with a curvilinear rim decorated with eagles and coats of arms and friezes on the outside. Three arches supported by columns define the structure of the fountain - the central one houses the fountain itself which is in the form of a chalice held up by sea creatures. The enchanting view of the gulf of Naples, dominated by the Vesuvius, with the Lattari Mountains beneath, completes the magnificent panorama around this pretty fountain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Manuela Mazzei |
 Photo: Kyle Williams |
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18th century palace |
53 Calata Trinità Maggiore Naples 80134 Italy |
Going down the Trinità Maggiore which runs towards the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, you will see the 18th century Pignatelli di Monteleone Palace on your left hand side. The palace was constructed in 1718, from a design by Ferdinando Sanfelice. It has an exquisite façade, and an elegant scroll ornament displays a dedication to Nicola Pignatelli in 1718, while on the left of the portal is a tablet commemorating the Impressionist painter and sculptor Edgar Degas' frequent stays in Naples. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Central piazza in Naples |
Piazza Dante Naples 80135 Italy |
This is the most important and most centrally located piazza in Naples. It was called "Largo del Mercatello" until 1588, during which time it hosted a market. After the Unification of Italy, it was named after the poet Dante Alighieri. His statue was erected in the middle of the piazza in 1872. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Golden puppy |
 Photo: Gabrielle Vernier |
 Photo: solaitid |
 Photo: Hsu-hua (Jen) Chen |
 Photo: Sami Kuray |
 Photo: Maurizio Scognamiglio |
 Photo: chris_cogs2 |
 Photo: foleo86 |
 Photo: Stefano Bianca |
 Photo: EclatDuSoleil |
 Photo: Vincent Law |
 Photo: Marco Vanoli |
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Papal Basilica |
Piazza Plebiscito Naples 80132 Italy |
The Church of San Francesco di Paola was built as an offering from Ferdinando di Borbone after his return from exile in Palermo during the French occupation. The project was drawn up by the architect Pietro Bianchi in 1816. The church, inaugurated in 1816, was given the title of Papal Basilica by Pope Gregory XVI. The Basilica itself is preceded by a pronaos comprising of ten columns, which hold up a tympanum at the top of which a statue of Religion rests. The church is circular in shape and it is covered by an impressive dome, which is styled on the Pantheon, with lacunars and rosettes carved from limestone. The internal perimeter is ringed by 32 fluted columns with Corinthian capitols through which six side chapels can be seen. On the walls of the apse one can enjoy a painting by Vincenzo Camuccini depicting San Francesco di Paola tending to young Alessandro. It was painted in 1830 at the request of Francesco I. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: antonio59sole |
 Photo: Eileen McClung |
 Photo: Anthony A.R. Russomano |
 Photo: Thomas Reichart |
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 Photo: M. Luisa Angelillo |
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 Photo: Richard Hüttemann |
 Photo: Giovanna d'arco |
 Photo: Helge Tesdal |
 Photo: Ross |
 Photo: Je.est.un.autre |
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The Maschino Angioino |
Piazza Municipio Naples, Naples Italy +39 081 795 2003 |
Also known as the Castel Nuovo, the Maschio Angioino is a grandiose fortress built by the French Angevins during the 13th century. The castle features 14th and 15th-century sculptures and frescoes as well as the Museo Civico. The courtyard highlights the Palatine Chapel and the Apartment of the Viceroys. Once a prime political and cultural venue in Napels, Castel Nuovo is now a popular tourist attraction and filming location for portions of Pier Paolo Pasolini's Il Decameron (1971) and The Gospel According to St Matthew (1964). Admission: EUR 5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Smeerch |
 Photo: Marta Ponari |
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The city's second gallery |
Via San Carlo Naples 80132 Italy |
Galleria Umberto I is the second gallery in Naples and the busiest. It was built during urban renewal following a cholera epidemic and the legge speciale of 1885. The project was done by engineer Emanuele Rocco, and then modified by Ernest Di Mauro and Antonio Curri. In 1890, the Salone Margherita (destined to become the famous singing café) and the Galleria were inaugurated. The architecture joins the new Renaissance facade with beautiful glass and iron roofing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rita Willaert |
 Photo: Vyacheslav Stepanyuchenko |
 Photo: Rita Willaert |
 Photo: Zoagli |
 Photo: Gianni Dominici |
 Photo: Federico Scotto d'Antuono |
 Photo: Michael Cohn |
 Photo: Lori Bush |
 Photo: Roberto Pompili |
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 Photo: Emanuele Nicastro |
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 Photo: Emiliano Dominici |
 Photo: Claude Babolat |
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 Photo: Paolo Massimo |
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 Photo: Giorgio M. |
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Surrounded by avenues and the sea |
Piazza della Repubblica Naples 80100 Italy |
Villa Comunale lies between the Via Caracciolo seafront and Chiaia riviera, close to Piazza Vittoria and Piazza della Repubblica. Opened to the public at the end of the 18th century and later enlarged and embellished, it is now one of the Neapolitans' favorite places for a walk, bike ride, skate ride or just sitting in the shade of its huge trees. The avenues are adorned with monuments and statues of famous citizens and fountains that celebrate classical mythology. One of the first you see as you come from Piazza Vittoria is that of Flora Capitolina; further up on the left is that of Oreste and Electra, then there is the fountain of St. Lucy, which is one of Naples' most beautiful. Close to the entrance to the Aquarium, another fountain celebrates the myth of Castor and Pollux. Then there are the Fountain of the Four Lions (whose basin comes from the Temple of Poseidon in Paestum), and the fountain of the Flora del Belvedere (near the Casina Pompeiana, home to the Società di Belle Arti Salvador Rosa). Further on, you will find the fountain of the Rape of the Sabines, then that of the Rape of Europa. An equestrian statue is that of Armando Diaz on a pedestal 16m high. Then there is the statue of the Pellicano that celebrates the support received by Naples from the Italian people during the cholera epidemic of 1884. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stefano_(pARaCa) |
 Photo: Glossolalia Project |
 Photo: Onofrio S. |
 Photo: effi.manu |
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 Photo: Bruno Antonio De Santis |
 Photo: sergionflickr |
 Photo: Salvatore Conson |