The third largest Italian city ( after Milan and Rome ) stretches along the picturesque Bay filled with natural grottos and fertile soil appreciated already by Etruscans some 2500 years ago.
Castel dell'Ovo and gloomy Vesuvius
The severe mountain Vesuvius hides sleeping volcano infamous for past eruptions that buried ancient Roman towns Pompei and Herculaneum located nearby.
Castel Nuovo
The superb Renaissance Arco di Trionfo marks the triumfant entry of king Alfonso I in 1443.
Today the town council uses the most famous chamber in the castle, Sala dei Baroni, some other rooms are occupied by a small, but fine art collection of Museo Civico.
The castle’s courtyard is the venue for summer events and concerts.
Santa Chiara
The Gothic church from 14th century at the end of 18th was given some Barouqe additions, when it became the property of poor Clares nuns, who redesigned surrounding buildings, including the Tiled Cloister, that nowadays is a popular meeting place for local people. Originally the royal church still preserves the remains of royal Angevin tombs, unfortunately damaged during the WWII.
Museo Nazionale and Park di Capodimonte
The hunting lodge built for king Charles III, became the property of House of Savoy in 1860. Dukes of Aosta moved here the famous Maria Amalia’s room tiled with over 3 000 porcelain pieces.
The museum hosts the collection of contemporary art, and the masterpieces of old masters, including Danae by Titian and Crucifiction by Masaccio.
Certosa di San Marino
The Cartusian monks, who were staying in the charterhouse here until the deconsecration by France in 1806 were the good patrons of local artists, and intended San Martino to keep the important documents connected with Naples and the civilization. The tradition of the place is sustained by the San Martino museum , which displays the items connected with Neapolitan art and history.
Mergellina
Due to its landscape valour the fishermen’s quarter at the foot of Posillipo hill was the popular place visited by royalty, famous writers, poets and the like.
The small harbour of Mergellina is filled with fishing and cruise boats, which go to the nearby islands.
Castel dell’Ovo
For over thousand years the castle served for different ruling families to be finally abandoned in late 19th century.
Today the walls of the fortress vitness local events and concerts.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale
The national museum hosts the Egyptian art, Farnese Collection of Greek masters and precious items excavated from Herculaneum and Pompei, including blue cameo-glas vessels, bronze items, mosaics and wall frescoes.
Posillipo
Known for its beauty already by Ancient Greeks, Posillipo became the favourite holiday resort of the Spanish aristocracy in 17th century. Today Posillipo is filled with sun worshipers occupying picturesque bathing spots along the coast.
[Dark Vesuvius sleeping behind sunned Castel Ovo, photo courtesy of Claudio Vaccaro]