Naples

Naples

• About Naples

  This large crumbling, rambling city resting on an impressive seafront in a natural bay is an incredibly lively and grungy metropolis even by Italys standards.

  A major programme of restoration over the last ten years has helped enhance the reputation of this great city.

• Geography

  Naples is located on the Bay of Naples beneath the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

  Naples can provide an ideal base for seeing some of the many attractions of Southern Italy such as the Roman ruins of Pompei and the islands of Procida - the setting for Oscar winning film Il Postino.

• Reasons To Vist Naples

  Naples is fun and is a sumptuous taste of the Neapolitan lifestyle.

  Napoli is the biggest city in Southern Italy and Italys third-largest city overall.

  Its full of historic buildings including palaces, churches, monasteries and castles.

• Getting Around

  Naples is connected to one of the best transport networks in Italy. The airport, Capodichino, is just 7km north of the city centre so you can be in the centre in 20 mins via bus or taxi. There are two major central railway stations: Napoli Centrale and Stazione Mergellina.

  There is also a reliable underground and bus network. Taxis are plentiful - but always check meters are running at the start of your journey. Walking is the best and cheapest way to see Naples.

• Weather

  The Mediterranean climate in southern Italy is mild and sunny. Temperatures soar to 30C plus in July/August. Spring and Autumn is extremely pleasant and temperatures rarely drop below 5C in winter.

• Accommodation

  Naples offers everything from camping facilities to affordable apartments and a range of hotel accommodation from budget to executive.

• Cost

  The cost of flights to Naples has plummeted in recent years with budget airlines like easyJet offering good deals. Accommodation in Naples is generally cheaper than Rome or Northern Italy.

• Things To Do

  Pompeii

  Any visit to Southern Italy should include a visit to Pompeii, the ancient city, covered by volcanic dust in AD 79 from a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius.

  Vesuvius

  Climb an active volcano and take a peak inside while admiring the stunning views of Naples below. Organised tours are available.

  Royal Palace

  Renaissance 17th Century residence of the Spanish Viceroys includes tree-lined avenues, exquisite gardens with statues, rare plants and secret gardens.

  Maschio Angiolino Castle

  This 13th Century castle includes magical towers and a triumphant Arc de Triomphe.

  Castle dellOvo

  Massive 12th Century fortress towers over Bay Of Naples. A former royal residence offering amazing views.

  Castel SantElmo

  Unusual six-pointed star-shaped 14th Century castle was originally a prison. Very impressive with some of the most breathtaking views of Naples.

  Underground Naples

  The Greeks and Romans built aqueducts, caverns and tunnels and large areas are now open to the public for guided tours.

  Piazza del Plebiscito

  Renovated square and former amphitheatre includes a number of spectacular public monuments.

  Naples Duomo

  12th Century cathedral The Cathedral of Naples has seen major restorations over the years, partly to repair damage from earthquakes.

  Church of San Gregorio Armeno

  Includes beautiful examples of Neapolitan Baroque art. Covered with intricate frescos. There is a delightful marble fountain in the centre of the 16th Century cloisters.

• History

  Naples was founded between the 7th and 6th Centuries BC by the Greeks. Subsequently it was ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Spanish. It became the Neapolitan Republic in 1647 and part of the new unified state of Italy in 1860.

• Conclusion

  Naples may have had a poor reputation in the past for pollution and crime but these days Naples is a must see city and one you are likely to return to.

• Key Facts

  • Name - Naples or Napoli
  • Country - Italy
  • Population - 4.5 million
  • Language - Italian
  • Currency - Euro
  • Time - GMT + 1
  • Religion - Roman Catholic