Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Naples Highlights
Fall for Giuseppe Sanmartino's superlative
Cristo velato
(Veiled Christ) in
the Cappella Sansevero (
Click here
)
.
Eye up ancient art and artifacts at the mighty Museo Archeologico Nazionale
(
Click here
).
Demand an encore at Italy's grandest opera house, Teatro San Carlo (
Click
here
).
Combine Caravaggio, Warhol and regal excess at the epic Palazzo Reale di
Capodimonte (
Click here
)
.
Explore a subterranean otherworld of ancient frescoes and burial sites at the
lovingly restored Catacombe di San Gennaro (
Click here
)
.
Admire lofty architecture, art and views at the hilltop Certosa e Museo di
San Martino (
Click here
).
Dive into Naples' liveliest, tastiest street market, the Mercato di Porta Nolana
(
Click here
).
Find solace in the majolica-tiled cloister of the Basilica di Santa Chiara (
Click here
).
Drink, mingle and flirt the night away on bohemian Piazza Bellini (
Click
here
).
History
After founding nearby Cuma in the 8th century BC, the ancient Greeks settled the city in
around 680 BC, calling it Parthenope. Under the Romans, the area became an ancient
Miami of sorts: a sun-soaked spa region that drew the likes of Virgil. Dampening the bon-
homie was Mt Vesuvius' unexpected eruption in AD 79.
Naples fell into Norman hands in 1139 before the French Angevins took control a cen-
tury later, boosting the city's cred with the mighty Castel Nuovo. By the 16th century,
Naples was under Spanish rule and riding high on Spain's colonial riches. By 1600, it was
Europe's largest city and a burgeoning baroque beauty adorned by artists like Luca Giord-
ano, Giuseppe de Ribera and Caravaggio.
