The main attractions of Naples

Royal palaces, the volcano Vesuvius, medieval castles – Today we will talk about the major attractions of Naples, which fully disclose the nature of this beautiful city.

Naples – the third largest city in Italy. He has a special personality. It is a city of contrasts, which adjoin the luxury and decadence. Naples – theater of life in the open air, furnished stunning scenery in the form of attractions that are definitely worth to see.

Active volcano Vesuvius for many years attracts tourists. This is not surprising – many people want to see the most powerful natural weapons, which in 79 AD caused the destruction of the legendary cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. During the existence of the settlement at the foot of the volcano it accounted for about 80 eruptions, the last of which occurred in 1944. No one can say when Mount Vesuvius wakes up again. Probably, it’s nice to tickle nerves tourists wishing to climb to its top. The crater of the volcano is located at an altitude of 1281 meters. To the site of the height of 1000 meters, tourists can reach by car or public transport, but the rest of the way to be done on foot. The road is difficult, because it goes up, so you should stock up on plenty of water. From the top of the volcano, you can see the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri, Naples itself, and small settlements at the foot of the mountain – the view is truly breathtaking and stunning.

Vesuvius of Naples

The ancient city of Pompeii, which was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius about 2000 years ago, is just 24 kilometers from Naples. There you can see a lot of really interesting things: murals, old houses, public buildings, a forum, a theater, a brothel, Sea Gate, Temple of Apollo, the market, the Temple of Vespasian, the bakery, the street of Plenty, and more.

Having been in this city, you can see how people lived almost 2000 years ago, as well as experience the terror and panic, which were covered by the people before the city was almost completely destroyed.

Palazzo Reale of Naples

In Naples, you should definitely visit the Royal Palace – Palazzo Reale. This building was built in the XVII century for the Spanish King Philip III and his large family. However, Philip III had not settled in the castle, so the Royal Palace for a long time served as a residence for the various hosts, replacing each other. They were and viceroys of Spain, and Austrian rulers, and the Bourbons, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy. Each of them in a new way to furnish the castle. However, in 1837 there was a fire at the Palazzo, so today the tourists are not able to see the original interior. The palace was restored and today there are various institutions. Most of the space in the Palace is reserved for the National Library, which holds a unique vintage edition. For tourists, there are guided tours are also in the Central hall, the Hall of Hercules and the throne room, which together with the halls of the royal apartments are the Museum of historical apartments.

Cathedral of San Gennaro

Cathedral of San Gennaro – the main church of Naples, lit in memory of the patron saint of the city. This historic building was built in the XIV century. Over-painted arches and walls of the cathedral bother great master Giordano. But the great interest of tourists is an ancient relic – a vessel with the blood of Saint Januarius. It can be seen only twice a year – in the first Saturday in May and 19 January. When the blood indicate a believer is a miracle – it is the most inexplicably begins to boil in a pot. If the blood remains in the normal state, it is a bad omen – the city should fall accident. Blood does not boil only twice: in front of the plague in 1527 and before the earthquake in 1979.

Palazzo di Capodimonte

Palazzo di Capodimonte is also one of the most famous attractions of Naples. This museum, located in the former royal apartments of the palace, which was built by Charles of Bourbon in 1738. At this point you can see the stunning collection of weapons, as well as bronze and ivory.

In the Palazzo di Capodimonte tourists also have the opportunity to admire the magnificent art gallery, which presents the works of the greatest Italian painters such as Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Masolino, Giovanni Bellini, Lotto, Caravaggio, Goya and others. Also Palatstso- di Capodimonte is famous for porcelain cabinet, which is a precious and amazingly beautiful collection of porcelain. And going down to the catacombs of San Gennaro, under the palace and built in the II century, you can see the remains of San Gennaro.

After seeing all the major attractions in Naples is simply to take a walk through the streets, look at the locals, experience the atmosphere and character of this beautiful Italian city, in which there is the greatest inspiration of artists, musicians and writers.

The main attractions of Naples