Naples in review
Founded by the Ancient Greeks, Naples, the capital of the Campania region south of Rome, is a dazzling Italian city full of contradictions. One minute you wander on dusty streets with crumbling facades and the next you're surrounded by luxurious baroque bombast on breathtaking palmed fringed piazzas.
Get past its reputation of a polluted and dangerous city and you will discover Naples to be one of the most attractive cities in Italy, bursting with historic, artistic and gastronomic treasures. Pizza originated here and is taken very seriously. When you pick one of the many great pizza places, make sure to choose one with an original wood-burning oven.
Beautifully located between a sleeping volcano and Camp Fiegrei, Naples is the gateway to the wonderful Islands of Capri in the Bay of Naples and a great starting point to explore near-by historical sites such as Pompeii. Pompeii, a major tourist attraction, was buried in 79AD by the Mont Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European continent.
Top attractions in Naples include the National Archaeological Museum, impressive baroque castles and the harbor. The narrow winding streets full of little shops and restaurants invite you to culturally-inspired leisurely afternoons and gastronomic pleasures.
This fantastic city will leave you with loads of shopping bags, enthused and satisfied. "Vedi Napoli e poi muori", the saying goes, or "See Naples and die", referring to being overwhelmed by what an incredible and beautiful city Naples really is, full of life and full of passion.
- From our editor T. Ireland – Sydney