Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Marie Antoinette's sister, Maria Carolina, marries the uncouth Ferdinand IV. Nine
years later she enters the Council of State and ousts prime minister and enemy Bernar-
do Tanucci.
1799
The Parthenopean Republic is proclaimed on 23 January. It quickly fails, royal rule is
reinstalled and more than 200 republican sympathisers are executed.
1806
Joseph Bonaparte occupies the city and declares himself king of Naples. Two years
later Bonaparte is crowned king of Spain.
1860
Garibaldi enters the city to a hero's welcome and Naples votes overwhelmingly to join
a united Italy under the Savoy monarchy.
1884
A mass cholera epidemic strikes the city, prompting the closure of Naples' ancient
aqueduct system and the launch of a major urban redevelopment project.
1889
Raffaele Esposito invents pizza margherita in honour of Queen Margherita, who takes
her first bite of the Neapolitan staple on a royal visit to the city.
1934
Screen icon Sophia Loren is born, spending her childhood in the old port town of
Pozzuoli, west of Naples.
1943
Allied bombing raids wreak havoc on the city, destroying the 14th-century Basilica di
Santa Chiara. A year later, Mt Vesuvius erupts.
1980
At 7.34pm on 23 November, a powerful earthquake rocks Campania, causing wide-
spread damage and killing almost 3000 people.
