Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Despite a devastating plague in 1656, Naples' ego soared under the Bourbons
(1734-1860), with epic constructions such as the Teatro San Carlo and the Royal Palace
in Caserta sealing the city's showcase reputation.
An ill-fated attempt at republican rule in 1799 was followed by a short stint under the
French and a final period of Bourbon governance before nationalist rebel Giuseppe
Garibaldi inspired the city to snip off the puppet strings and join a united Italy in 1860.
Sights
CENTRO STORICO & MERCATO
Secret cloisters, cultish shrines and bellowing
pizzaioli
(pizza makers): the
centro storico
is a bewitching urban blend. Its three east-west
decumani
(main streets) follow the origin-
al street plan of ancient Neapolis. Most of the major sights are grouped around the busiest
two of these classical thoroughfares: 'Spaccanapoli' (consisting of Via Benedetto Croce,
Via San Biagio dei Librai and Via Vicaria Vecchia) and Via dei Tribunali. North of Via dei
Tribunali, Via della Sapienza, Via Anticaglia and Via Santissimi Apostoli make up the
quieter third
decumanus
.
Southeast of the
centro storico
await the shabby, frenetic streets of the Mercato district,
a fast and filthy mix of cheap hotels, Sri Lankan spice shops and rough-and-ready mar-
kets, including the lip-smacking Mercato di Porta Nolana.
