Naples

Naples is a city located in the southern part of Italy, within its Campania region. It is a city rich in culture, being historically influential in terms of culture, gastronomy, and art. The city was said to be founded in the 7th century BC by Greeks. Situated on the Bay of Naples, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Like Rome, its historic center is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Sights & Activities

Within the historic center of the city is another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Teatro di San Carlo. Commissioned by Charles III of Naples, it was built in 1737 and is considered the oldest continuously operating theater in Europe. Apart from its beautiful architecture and sumptuous interiors, the theater also possesses excellent acoustics.

Adjacent to the theater is the Palazzo Reale or the Royal Palace. Facing the Piazza del Plebiscito, this former royal residence was completed in 1843, though its construction had started two centuries ago. Most of its parts are now open to the public, who can view some of the rooms that have been preserved in all its grandeur. The palace also houses the Biblioteca Nazionale, which is the repository of several ancient texts, including papyruses.

Behind the palace is the Castel Nuovo which was built in 1282 and became resident of several rulers of the Kingdom of Naples.

Across the palace and situated on the western edge of the square is the San Francesco di Paola church. The structure was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and is frequently visited not only for its beautiful architecture but also of its awesome altar inlaid with gold and precious stones.

Another notable religious structure is the Duomo di San Gennaro, the city’s cathedral, located along Via Duomo. Many pilgrims visit the cathedral for its most important relic, a vial of blood said to be of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. When brought out for public display, the blood usually liquefies. Another notable feature of the cathedral is the Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro or the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, which contains many beautiful frescoes and paintings made by notable Italian artists. Behind the cathedral is the Archbishop’s Palace, whose original structure was built in 1389, though the present structure was built in 1654. The structure faces a small square, with the church of the Santa Maria Donna Regina Nuova situated across it.
Another popular destination in Naples is the Capella Sansevero or the San Severo Chapel, located along Via Francesco di Sanctis. Constructed in 1590, it serves as the funerary chapel of the Sansevero family, members of minor royalty. Of particular interest are the unusual sculptures located within the chapel, called the ‘Veiled Truth,’ the ‘Veiled Christ,’ and the ‘Release From Deception.’
The Certosa di San Martino is a former monastery complex located atop the Vomero hill. Aside from commanding fine views of the city, it presently houses the Museo Nazionale di San Martino, which showcases numerous artworks and items related to the Spanish and Bourbon eras. The structure is set within beautiful terraced gardens and visitors can also explore some notable rooms, including the luxurious apartment of the prior. The museum also contains an impressive collection of nativity scenes.

Weather

Though the city experiences unpredictable weather conditions, it possesses a generally Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cold, foggy winters. Most locals prefer to head out to cooler places during the summer months, as temperature can reach an average of 30°C. Spring is the best time to visit the city, with the temperature cooler and most of the summer holidaymakers have not yet arrived. Rainfall may become more frequent when winter approaches, usually during the month of November. It is one part of the country where snow is rare and winter still has plenty of sunshine.