Things to do in Naples
Naples (Napoli) was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. This historical city on the west coast of Italy can at times give the impression of having been left to its own devices ever since the 'end of history'.
This in some respects makes it the perfect place to visit, as there are certainly many things to see. However, it has a reputation for being 'polluted, violent and dangerous'. Further, no one really attempts to deny that this is the case, so a few extra precautions with your belongings may be required.
If you're heading straight for the history of this costal city, Il Duomo is an excellent place to start. This thirteenth century cathedral still contains the ruins of Christianity's first basilica. Damaged in a huge earthquake in 1349, the gothic architecture has undergone a fair amount of reconstruction including restructuring of the façade, but still has many gems to be discovered.
Naples is also rich in art history. There are some spectacular examples to be seen as you wonder around the city, not least in the beautiful fountains. La Fontana dell'Immacolatella was built in 1601 by Michaelangelo Naccherino and Pietro Bernini. Situated on the seafront, this seventeenth century marble structure is surrounded by a panoramic view of the gulf of Naples.
La Fontana di Monteoliveto, in contrast, stands at the end of the Via Monteoliveto on one of the city's piazzas. Built in 1668 by Antonio Cafaro, its decorative mouldings include an image of last Hapsburg King of Spain, Charles II.
If you are searching for something a little more up-to-date, head for Naples' aquarium. Now the proud home of more than 200 species of marine life, the museum has an even more illustrious past as Europe's oldest aquarium. The Acquario Della Stazione Zoologica Di Napoli is still very much alive and kicking, however, and an excellent activity to engage the whole family.
There is, of course, one place that you cannot travel to Naples without having visited. The ruins of Pompeii are located just 20 miles south of the city and are worth every second of the train journey to get there. Brilliantly preserved when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 78, this Roman town remains an active archaeological dig. You can explore the ruins for yourself as you wander around the Roman streets or eat your picnic in the amphitheatre. Remember to bring a hat though ? the hilltop town can be short on shade.
Many tourists come away from Naples breathless from the beauty, confused by the chaos or with tremors from the traffic. There is no doubt, however, that it is a unique place with a truly Italian feel ? whatever that might be. Not to be confused with any other city in the world; when it comes to attitude, Naples is in a league all of its own.
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Things to do
