Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
Today
A Mayor with Mojo
Beleaguered by years of humiliating headlines involving litter-strewn streets and gun-
wielding
camorristi
(members of the Neapolitan mafia), it seems that Naples is finally get-
ting its groove back. In May 2011 the city voted in Luigi de Magistris as mayor. For many
disillusioned Neapolitans, electing the youthful ex-public prosecutor was a last-ditch bid to
save their city's dignity. As the famous Neapolitan actor Beppe Barra bluntly put it during
de Magistris' election campaign, 'Luigi, please don't disappoint me'.
It seems that he hasn't. Since stepping into office, a number of promising initiatives have
been implemented. In September 2011 the ZTL (limited traffic zone) was introduced in the
Naples'
centro storico
(historic centre) to slash carbon emissions, improve traffic flow and
curb the illegal use of traffic lanes reserved for public transport. Naples' liveability was fur-
ther enhanced by the pedestrianisation of its famous Lungomare (seafront) in time for the
World Series of the America's Cup in April/May 2012. The international events continue in
April and July 2013, when Naples hosts the Universal Forum of Cultures. Secured by the
city's former administration, the Unesco-backed event will see people from across the
globe heading to Naples to discuss ideas and promote intercultural understanding.
Despite the progress, not all locals are prais-
ing de Magistris' efforts. Among his most vocal
critics are traders within the ZTL zone, many of
whom argue that limiting traffic into the city
ยป Population: 5,954,882 (2011)
