General Description

Naples, Italy is a port city that has played a huge role in Italyâ€™s history for thousands of

years. Naples is one of the worldâ€™s oldest cities known for its culture, art, architecture,

music and food. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Naples, it sits near Mount Vesuvius, a

well-known active volcano, yet Naples inhabits over one million people in the city. During

World War II Naples was bombed more than any other Italian city leaving much destruction, but

today Naples has skyscrapers, a subway system, and a thriving business center. This romantic

city with a rich musical history was the first to introduce the music of the mandolin and

romantic guitar, and it is still home to many world-class operas. Historical architecture includes

museums, palaces, theatres, castles, cathedrals, and the oldest opera house in existence in the

area. The famous ruins of Pompeii, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius when it erupted thousands of

years ago, are easily reached by ferry and a must see for visitors. Naples enjoys a mild

Mediterranean climate throughout the year, so itâ€™s easy to enjoy many outdoor beach activities

or just relax in the sun. Amidst the culture and history, Naples has wonderful restaurants known

for fine wines and diverse cuisine, including world-famous pizza that originated here in 1889.

Naples is a romantic historical city full of beauty and culture for visitors of all ages.

Arts and Entertainment

Naples has many famous museums, theatres, palaces, castles and cathedrals that are well

worth seeing: The National Archaeological Museum contains world collections of

antiquities from the Greek and Roman era and the ruins of Pompeii; The Duomo, a Gothic

cathedral built in the 13th century is a historical landmark; Santa Chiara Church houses a

monastery with beautiful majolica tiles and frescoes; Piazza del Mercato, is an old Roman

market square; Castel Nuovo, a castle built in the 12th century, now home to the Civic

Museum; Castel dellâ€™Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples, now used for concerts and

exhibitions; Teatro San Carlo, the worldâ€™s oldest opera house; and Orto Botanico, one of

Italyâ€™s best botanical gardens. Since Naples is on a bay, there many activities for

watersports such as swimming, boating and fishing with tours and day excursions by ferry

to nearby islands like Capri, Ischia and Procida. If watersports donâ€™t appeal to you, shop

through the designer boutiques, flea markets, jewelry stores and leather outlets, or visit

one of the many tailors who will make shirts, suits and custom attire for your evening out

on the town.

Food and Drink

Naples has a history built around great food and wine. This city is synonymous with pizza

and the locals take their pizza very seriously. Lâ€Europeo dei Mattozzi, known for its

colorful red pies; Da Michele, margherita and marinara sauces only; and Pizzeria La

Notizia, where crowds wait for hours for this perfect pizza. Although pizza is a mainstay

in Naples, there are many other restaurants scattered throughout the city offering mostly

Italian cuisine such as pastas and seafood. Dora, a small hidden restaurant, is a favorite for

fish and pasta, and shellfish like clams, muscles and oysters that are abundant in Naples are

served every way imaginable. Breakfast means sweet bread to locals and sfogliatelle, a

clam-shaped pastry filled with different cheeses, is a tradition. Wine is a staple with every

food and espresso was actually invented here, so you wonâ€™t find a better cup of espresso

or cappuccino anywhere.

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