{"id":671757,"date":"2022-07-30T16:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-30T13:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=671757"},"modified":"2022-02-03T08:00:21","modified_gmt":"2022-02-03T05:00:21","slug":"sights-of-naples-20-most-interesting-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/sights-of-naples-20-most-interesting-places\/","title":{"rendered":"Sights of Naples – 20 most interesting places"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many of those who have only vaguely heard about the Italian city<\/a> of Naples love the famous Neapolitan songs, expressive, temperamental, full of passionate sensuality and subtle lyricism. Such enchanting melodies can only be created by a people who are not afraid to live next to the formidable Vesuvius, which every century reminds of its existence with dangerous eruptions. Neapolitan dances are just as expressive, temperamental and graceful as the Neapolitans themselves. From the moment the city<\/a> was founded by the ancient Greeks (8th century BC), Naples became part of various empires and kingdoms, until the state of Italy was formed in 1860. Now it is the third largest Italian city with a million inhabitants, in the vicinity of which another 2 million people live. Let's talk about the main attractions<\/a> of Naples.<\/p>\n

Vesuvius volcano<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

This is one of the most formidable and powerful volcanoes in the world<\/a>, spewing ash and lava around for thousa<\/a>nds of years. Ironically, at its foot there are such heavenly places for life, with the most fertile soils, the richest flora and fauna, that people, despite the mortal danger<\/a>, have settled here since ancient times. The legendary Pompeii, Stabia and Herculaneum, scorched by red-hot lava and buried under an 8-meter layer of ash in 79 AD. e. is a credible confirmation of this.<\/p>\n

Until now, excavations continue on the site of ancient cities<\/a>, the finds of which amaze with the incredibly insane force of the most terrible eruption, when contents of 100 thousand tons per second were thrown out of the crater to a height of 35 km. The red-hot magma, flowing in streams, created a temperature of 500 degrees, instantly turning everything into ashes. The humanity of the plane<\/a>t is still shocked by an unprecedentedly cruel eruption, despite the past millennia.<\/p>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Now the volcano is a place of pilgrimage for tour<\/a>ists (4 million a year), see<\/a>king to get as close as possible to the mouth of the “fire-breathing dragon”. They climb up a path that winds its way through volcanic ash, hardened lava and pumice (the funicular was destroyed in the 1979 earthquake). Adrenaline makes the extreme conquerors of the volcano walk in clouds of dust under the scorching sun, now and then bumping into small stones. It is good that there are benches along the trail where you can relax<\/a> and unwind. Many enthusiasts who have reached the crater are not delighted with their lifeless gray walls and sparse vegetation, breaking through with rare bushes. But the feeling of self-satisfaction, admiration for the amazing views below, makes you forget about the difficulties of climbing.<\/p>\n

Royal Palace<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

On the main magnificent square of Naples – the Plebiscite, there is a monumental three-story building with a large number of windows – the Royal Palace, which was built for half a century (1600-1650). It was intended for the Neapolitan rulers from the Bourbon family, so they built the palace on a grand scale inherent in this dynasty. To this day, the external appearance of the palace has been preserved, corresponding to the rest<\/a>ructuring of the 18th century, which took place under the control of the famous court architect Vanvitelli, a connoisseur of the late baroque.<\/p>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The semicircular arched vaults of the fa\u00e7ade are adjacent to wall niches, each of which contains one statue<\/a> of the most prominent rulers of the kingdom. The platbands of the windows are decorated with stucco patterns; a clock tower with a round clock is installed on the attic of the roof. From the rear, the palace is surrounded by a garden, near the gates of which there are equestrian statues of St. Petersburg<\/a>‘s Anichkov Bridge<\/a>. The interiors are decorated with pompous luxury, with many stucco ornaments, bas-reliefs and sculptures. Wide stone stairs with massive patterned railings, high arches, rich chandeliers, stucco ceilings, picturesque masterpieces of famous artists of the past create a majestic entour<\/a>age of the palace halls.<\/p>\n

Today, the Palace building houses several different institutions. Most of it is occupied by the National Library, with a huge book fund, including priceless papyri from the ancient Herculaneum buried under the ashes of Vesuvius. Several Halls of the palace (Central, Throne, Hall of Hercules) are combined into a museum of historical apartments<\/a>. They house the greatest paintings by Titian, Giordano, Preti and other prominent Italian masters of painting.<\/p>\n

Pompeii – a tragic sight<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

In the vicinity of Naples, the popular archaeological complex of Pompeii is located<\/a> – an ancient city<\/a> that, in a matter of minutes, found itself under an eight-meter layer of ash and other emissions from the volcano Vesuvius during the eruption in 79 AD. e. How many prosaic and poetic lines are devoted to this catastrophe that destroyed all living things around, how many artists depicted the cataclysm in their canvases! The famous painting by K. Bryullov “The Last Day of Pompeii” is an eloquent evidence of a tragedy on a universal scale, it amazes with its artistic expressiveness.<\/p>\n

Centuries later, new cities arose on the site of the dead cities, whose inhabitants had no idea about Pompeii until they reached the ruins during excavations. So the world learned about the unprecedented manifestations of Vesuvius, and the cities buried alive began to be actively excavated (1748-1960). The first expedition led by Alcubierre believed that the found objects were the city of Stabia, but in the process of further excavations they established their belonging to Pompeii.<\/p>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Over the past time, a gigantic work has been done to clear the city, as a result of which it was possible to find out the detailed details of the catastrophe that occurred. In the 60s of the 19th century, the archaeologist Fiorelli determined by the outlines of the voids formed from the bodies of people and animals, in what positions their death found them, filling the voids with plaster. It was found that from the hot temperature all living organisms instantly evaporated.<\/p>\n

Rest<\/a>oration work is currently underway in Pompeii, and some objects will appear before visitors almost in their original form. The Temple<\/a> of Apollo (8th century BC) is still in ruins, but much of its history<\/a> is already known to resea<\/a>rchers. Of the 28 columns, only two have survived, allowing you to get a complete picture of the majestic colonnade of the temple. The remains of frescoes depicting the Trojan War in the preserved interior niches testify to the high skill of the ancient painters. Interesting<\/a> monuments of Pompeii – Baths, the House of Venus in the Shell, the Amphitheater, the House of the Faun and many other unique sights<\/a> of the revived city.<\/p>\n

Church of the Assumption of St. Mary (St. Januarius)<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

In the historical center<\/a> of Naples, on the Via Duomo square, there is the main shrine of the city – the Church of St. Januarius or otherwise it is now called the “Temple of the Assumption of St. Mary.” On the site of the temple at the beginning of our era, there were ancient churches, reminiscent of themselves with the remains of the walls. In the 13th century, Charles I ordered the construction of a temple in honor of the patron saint of the city of Januarius (13th century). It was completely completed already in the 14th century. during the reign of his grandson Charles. The facade of the Catholic church was updated several times, some parts were reconstructed, but the main ancient structures of the chapels and basilicas were car<\/a>efully preserved.<\/p>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The external architectonics of the temple is made in several styles with a predominance of Gothic features: the conical vaults of the windows, the pointed peaks of the towers directed upwards, and the narrow window openings clearly confirm this. The oldest monument of Western religious culture here is the baptismal of St. John, whose inside<\/a>s are decorated with mosaics of the 4th century. The splendor of the decoration of the temple is the work of the talented masters of the Renaissance Vasari and Perugino. The mosaic panel “Madonna and Child Enthroned\u2026”, created in 1322, is impressive. Precious church rarities called “Treasures of San Gennaro” are stored in the main chapel of the cathedral<\/a>, the priceless exhibit of which is the bust of Januarius, made of gold.<\/p>\n

The bust is a kind of reliquary for the relics of the great martyr: the head of the bust, decorated with a luxurious dress, contains fragments of the skull of Januarius. Now the bust is generously endowed with expensive offerings in the form of gold chains and crosses inlaid with precious stones. The “highlight” of the temple is a magic<\/a>al vessel with the blood of a saint, which supposedly boils on 19.09 and 16.12 – the holidays<\/a> of the patron. The Neapolitans believe that if “blood boils” do not happen, then the city will face misfortune. Scientists do not believe in a miracle, explaining this as a falsification, and the paris<\/a>hioners sincerely hope for the saving powers of the saint.<\/p>\n

National Archaeological Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The unique<\/a> Museum is the only one in the world whose exhibits resurrect the cities that died after the eruption of Vesuvius. Over the years of excavation, such a number of artifacts have accumulated that the building of the former university with the treasures of the Bourbons stored in it was taken for them. Partially rebuilt and expanded, the beautiful building became state property in 1860 with the title of “national museum”. Art objects were placed in the art gallery, and the main premises were occupied by archaeological finds.<\/p>\n

A significant part<\/a> of the rarities are items recovered during excavations of 3 cities hidden under volcanic ash. Wall and table mosaics, sculptures, frescoes are examples of high-class art of the pre-Christian and early Christian periods. The museum also has ancient Egypt<\/a>ian relics collected in a large exposition. Objects of art and everyday life, frescoes, bas-reliefs, dishes, jewelry, created in an intimate and piquant design<\/a>, are collected in the “Secret Cabinet”. The main object of the image on them is a naked human body, presented from different angle<\/a>s and considered a model of natural beauty. In the National Museum, everyone will find interesting exhibits for themselves, the range of which defies simple enumeration.<\/p>\n

Gallery Umberto I<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The inhabitants of each city have a favorite place in it, which they are proud of and consider as a “highlight”. For Neapolitans, such a place is the Umberto I Gallery, located in a building of light openwork architecture and an unusual octagonal configuration. In fact, this is a large shopping<\/a> mall-passage built at the end of the 19th century. designed by Emmanuele Rocca. His task<\/a> was to create a structure that organically fits into the general architectural tone of neighboring buildings and fences off Toledo Street with an unseemly reputation from the San Marco Theater.<\/p>\n

The avant-garde architect Boubet designed a metal dome interspersed with long multi-colored stained-glass windows – the result was a grandiose building with a high glass ceiling (56 m) in the neo-Renaissance style. Restore<\/a>d after the war, the gallery complex still attracts many people. Inside, the mosaic floor is decorated in the form of the signs of the Zodiac. A belief about wishes that come true hovers around them, so everyone seeks to step on their sign and make a wish. The gallery houses exquisite beauty salons, fashionable boutiques of famous Italian and other famous couturiers, hotels<\/a>, elite restaurants. There is a music salon where there are concerts of classical piano music.<\/p>\n

Castle<\/a> of Castel dell'Ovo<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The medieval castle<\/a>, whose name means “castle of the egg” is located on the island<\/a> of Santa Lucia, famous in a popular Neapolitan song. The island<\/a> of the Tyrrhenian Sea<\/a> is connected to Naples by an earth embankment, along which you can reach the castle. Castel dell'Ovo from afar resembles a man-made rock hanging over the blue of the sea. Historians believe that it was on this island in the 6th century. BC e. Greek colonists began to build the city.<\/p>\n

Later, the Roman commander Lucullus chose the island for his villa. The fortress castle with powerful walls, with a protective moat around it was erected in 1139 as a defensive structure against attack from the sea. Now tourists<\/a> with great pleasure rise to the observation decks of the castle, captivated by the magical beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Inspection of the ancient castle impresses with its architecture; mysterious antiquity, overgrown with legends<\/a> about a magic egg hidden in it; massive gates, made as a work of art; surrounding landscapes.<\/p>\n

Castle of Castel Sant'Elmo<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Another medieval fortified castle, built (14th century) for protection from the sea, is located on the hill of the same name. It got its name from the ruined temple (10th century) of St. Erasmus of Antioch. Over time, Erasmus began to sound in Italian transcription as “Elmo” – this is how the modern name of the castle was formed, which was repeatedly destroyed. He owes his restoration to the Spanish royal governor Pedro de Toledo.<\/p>\n

The majestic structure in the form of a 6-pointed star from below looks very impressive. A tour of the castle is an interesting journey into the distant and recent past, captured in the architecture of the castle, in the Museum of Art of the 20th century, in the exhibits of the Library of the History<\/a> of Art. Molayoli. A visit to the patriarchal church of St. Erasmus will not leave you indifferent, behind the altar of which the remains of de Toledo are buried. During the day, the observation decks of the castle are full of tourists<\/a> admiring the stunning panorama of the city.<\/p>\n

Napoli Sotteranea<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The underground city (as Napoli Sotteranea sounds in translation) is full of gloomy mystery as a place where the burials of the dead took place over the centuries. The catacombs, built in the 4th century, were used as a Christian cemetery until the 17th century. Later, representatives of the Dominican Order organized an outpatient clinic here, where the bodies of the dead were vertically placed in special niches. There were small rooms painted with frescoes and decorated with mosaics, intended for the burial of especially significant personalities.<\/p>\n

In the most ancient catacombs of San Gennaro, the remains of St. Januaria. Saint Gaudioso is buried in other branches of the catacombs located to the north<\/a> – San Gaudioso. The third branch of the dungeons – San Severo bears the name of Bishop Severo. The total length of the catacombs is 80 km, along the entire length of which there are crypts, arcosolia, small temples and churches – a real city of the dead. They usually come here accompanied by a guide through the entrance located under the church of Santa Maria. You need to know that it is very cold in the dungeon, so you should dress warmly and prepare for an unusual experience.<\/p>\n

Museum of Capodimonte<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The luxurious palace-museum stands just above the catacombs of San Gennaro. This pompous building, designed by the renowned architect Medrano, was built as a summer palace for Charles of Bourbon (1738). Today the palace is a repository of magnificent art treasures, collections of noble families of the past: the Dukes of Farnese, Borgia, Avalos, Mary of Saxony. Here are paintings by the great masters of the brush of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.<\/p>\n

Among them are the masterpieces of Botticelli “Madonna and Child with 2 Angels”, Titian's “Danae”, Raphael's “Madonna Divina amore” and other equally famous canvases. The true pearl of the museum is the porcelain cabinet, which contains rare specimens of exquisite items made of the finest porcelain that belonged to Mary of Saxony and other aristocrats of Italy<\/a>. The diversity of the porcelain collection delights with its beauty, craftsmanship and painting. It is worth coming here as a sign of worship to the wonderful creations of mankind.<\/p>\n

Piazza del Plebiscita<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the largest square in Naples<\/a>, striking everyone with its scope and majestic architectural frame. It is here that the famous Royal Palace with statues of Neapolitan rulers is located. Opposite the palace rises the Church of St. Francis of Paola, a magnificent neoclassical building erected on the initiative of Ferdinand I. With its external appearance with a semicircular colonnade on the sides, the church resembles the Cathedral of St.. Peter in Rome<\/a>, and the Roman Pantheon with a large round dome and a triangular tympanum.<\/p>\n

The center<\/a> of the square is marked by a bronze statue of King Victor Emmanuel, who united Italy<\/a>. He sits on a mighty horse in a victorious pose. The statue is installed on a monumental pedestal depicting the symbol of Naples – the mythical siren Parthenola. The square every day receives crowds of tourists looking at the sights<\/a> and spectators of the San Carlo Opera House.<\/p>\n

San Carlo Theater<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

It was no coincidence that the oldest opera house in Europe<\/a> opened in 1737 in Naples, where everything is imbued with the sounds of Neapolitan folk songs. The San Carlo Theater building was built instead of the old San Bartolomeo (1621) under the ambitious King Charles VII of Bourbon. The opening of the new luxurious theater took place on the king's name day and was marked by the production of Sarro's opera Achilles on Skyros. Over the years of its existence, all the famous operas of the world have been staged on the stage of the theater, many venerable performers sang, virtuosos of world ballet shone. The magnificent interiors of the theater halls attract the same attention as the outstanding opera productions, which are not inferior to the excellence of the Milan Opera.<\/p>\n

Herculaneum<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Herculaneum, or Ercolano is an ancient city buried under the lava of Vesuvius. The ruins of the city have been included in the UNESCO heritage list<\/a>. From the city of Torre del Greco to the ruins passes the so-called. the golden mile is a road lined with picturesque 18th-century villas. The ruins of the ancient city are located 10 km from Naples. You can get there<\/a> by train<\/a> from Naples to Sorrento or the route<\/a> to Poggiomarino. The Ercolano Scavi station is located 700m from the ruins of the city.<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Herculaneum is closed on May 1st, December<\/a> 25th and January 1st.<\/p>\n

Entry tickets:<\/p>\n

Three days – visiting 5 attractions<\/a>: Pompeii, Oplontis, Herculaneum, Boscoreale, Stabiae will cost \u20ac 22.00.<\/p>\n

One-day – a visit to one Herculaneum \u20ac 11. The first Sunday of the month admission is free.<\/p>\n

Basilica of San Francesco di Paola<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

This monumental basilica, more reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon than a Catholic church, appeared in the heart of Naples in the 19th century. Built by the architect Bianchi at the behest of King Ferdinand I, nowadays it attracts crowds of tourists. And no wonder, because it is located in the center of all tourist route<\/a>s – on Plebiscite Square, next to the Royal Palace.<\/p>\n

The majestic building, framed by a colonnade, crowned with a 35-meter dome, cannot but delight with its exterior. However, the interior of the temple is also made with royal generosity. Here are sculptures of saints and members of the royal dynasty, and frescoes, and paintings by famous and unknown artists, and of course, the main decoration of the basilica is the 17th century altar inlaid with precious stones.<\/p>\n

Entrance to San Francesco di Paola is free. Visiting time from 8:30 to 19:30 all week, 7 days a week.<\/p>\n

Chapel of San Severo<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

In the past, a private chapel and part-time tomb of the San Severo family. Now it is a museum that has collected the works of the greatest sculptors and artists of Italy<\/a>. There are many legends and mystical stories around it. The temple was founded in honor of the appearance of the image of the Virgin Mary on the site of the collapsed wall. Subsequently, it was repeatedly rebuilt until Count Raimondo de Sangro completed work on it in the 18th century.
\nFor tourists, the chapel is interesting for the abundance of sculptures and frescoes. The painted ceiling strikes, which during its existence has not lost the brightness of colors.<\/p>\n

The most famous sculpture, one might say, is the pearl of the San Severo Chapel – Christ under the shroud. The incredible finesse of work, the accuracy of details, the “weightlessness” of matter covering the body of the saint, strikes to the core.<\/p>\n

The entrance ticket costs \u20ac7; children<\/a> from 10 to 25 years old \u20ac 5; children under 9 years free. Open for visits 7 days a week from 9:30 to 18:30.<\/p>\n

Santa Chiara<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

\nThe museum of archeology, the monastery and the ancient tombs – this is all a religious complex of marvelous beauty called Santa Chiara in the city of Naples. The cathedral was rebuilt several times, built in the 14th century in the style of Provencal Gothic, and was later remade in the Baroque style. And during the Second World War, it was completely destroyed by bombing. In the middle of the last century, the masters recreated this architectural monument bit by bit. Here, visitors will certainly like majolica columns, benches decorated with mosaics, paintings depicting the life of the Neapolitans in bright colors in the shade of citrus trees.<\/p>\n

Open for visits on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:30, on weekends from 10:00 to 14. The cost of visiting the garden (entrance to the church is free) is \u20ac 6, for disabled people and children under 7 years old, admission is free.<\/p>\n

Archaeological Museum of Naples<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Initially, the building was built as the University of Naples, later transfer<\/a>red to the Museum of the Bourbons, a library, and, finally, it has come down to our days as an extensive exposition consisting of 15 rooms. The Museum of Archeology has collected the most valuable exhibits of the history<\/a> of Italy in particular and Rome in general. Here you will find exhibits perfectly preserved for 2500 years. So on the third floor you will find artifacts found during excavations of the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under the lava of Vesuvius. Also here is a model of Pompeii on a scale of 1:100 and the hall of “Greater Greece<\/a>“.<\/p>\n

The second floor is reserved for a collection of numismatics and mosaics. Also here you will find the “Secret Cabinet” – a hall of erotic art. The first floor is a collection of sculptures of the Farnese royal family and an Egypt<\/a>ian hall.
\nOpening hours<\/a> from 9:00 to 19:30.<\/p>\n

Ticket price \u20ac 12; children under 18 years of age enter free of charge. 1st Sunday of the month admission is free.<\/p>\n

Cemetery of Fontanelle<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The oldest pagan necropolis in the vicinity of Naples, which later grew into a huge crypt in a cave, storing the remains of the poor inhabitants of Naples, victims of epidemics and serious illnesses. Three large galleries make up this “city of the dead”, by analogy with traditional churches they are called naves:
\nthe nave of the priests stores the remains transport<\/a>ed from the holy places, it is on the left. To the right is the nave of the poor, and the central hall is called the nave of the plague.<\/p>\n

The Neapolitans conduct rituals, offerings here, ask the departed for help and support. After all, following the beliefs of the souls of unidentified people, whose remains are kept by the catacombs of Fontanelle, they cannot get out of purgatory, and are ready to help any person in his request in exchange for eternal rest. The “cult of skulls” gives you goosebumps, in this unusual, mystical place, among wooden crypts that look like birdhouses and improvised crypts, you begin to feel the frailty of life in a different way.<\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/a> from 10:00 to 17:00. The entrance ticket costs 7\u20ac.<\/p>\n

Catacombs of San Gaudioso<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Another cemetery in the catacombs is located in the Sanita quarter. These are early Christian underground burials, located directly under the church of Santa Maria della Sanita. There is also a ticket office where you can buy tickets<\/a> for an excursion<\/a> to the catacombs. Here, in the branched corridors, you will find many loculi in several rows with the buried remains of local residents. And arcosolia – niches for the burial of respected people and wealthy citizens.<\/p>\n

Frescoes and mosaics on the walls will tell about the people buried here, stories from the life of saints. Although the catacombs have undergone irreversible changes due to age, most of the tombs and altars are still open to tourists. Tombs of St. Gaudiosa and St. Nostian is decorated with frescoes and mosaics of the 5th-6th centuries. This is perhaps the oldest part of the catacombs of San Gaudioso. The remains of the Great Martyr Sozius are also kept here.<\/p>\n

Tour times: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 every hour; Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00. The ticket price for visiting the catacombs of San Gaudisio and the catacombs of San Gennaro is \u20ac 7, a children's ticket is \u20ac 5, children under 6 years old and the disabled are entitled to free admission.<\/p>\n

Attractions<\/a> of Naples on the map<\/a><\/h2>\n