What Dreams May Come: Naples

What Dreams May Come: Naples
 Naples - one of the oldest cities in Italy. It was founded by Greek colonists around 2700 years ago. It is the capital of the Campania region, and is located in the beautiful bay of the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the foot of the mountains and dormant Vesuvius. This bustling city of sun and art reminds disturbed anthill. Life flows rapidly Naples, bright and noisy. It is in this, and concluded his inimitable charming color, which leads to the walls of the crowd of tourists.
 By its size and population of Naples is behind Milan and Rome, although the abundance of attractions it is not inferior to them. The main highlight of the city is undoubtedly the towering over him legendary volcano Vesuvius, on the slopes of which the lifeless black field with lava alternate with vineyards and blooming gardens. This giant is the highest active volcano in the Old World. The last time it erupted in the middle of the last century. Nowadays, its activity increases. Occasionally the vicinity of the volcano felt faint tremors. Earlier in his crater can be reached by cable car. Now this can only be done on foot. While in Naples, you should definitely take a tour to the crater of the fire-breathing mountain, which has a diameter of about seven hundred meters.

By imposing a layer of lava and ash of Vesuvius was buried many cities. The most famous of them - Herculaneum and Pompeii. They were discovered in the 17th century during excavations. As a result, the world saw the ancient buildings and monuments, including the Temple of Jupiter, the Baths, the Temple of Apollo, the Antiquarium. Ancient tavern signs and drawings, frescoes, old shops, which can be seen while walking through these towns will help to get an idea about the life of the ancient Romans. Excavations conducted here to this day, all the found artifacts are transferred to the National Museum. Within its walls you can see not only the mosaic from Pompeii, but also a rich collection of ancient sculptures.

Naples is known for its amazing castles. Castle of the Egg - a vivid monument of Roman architecture. It is located on a tiny island of volcanic origin. Externally, the castle looks like a huge stone caravel than a fortress. Deserves special attention and the New Castle, which was built in the 13th century. This fortress with large, somewhat rough round towers and rather elegant white facade. Now it is the municipal council. Near New Castle is the former residence of the Italian monarchs - Royal Palace.

The attention of tourists attracted by the Cathedral of San Gennaro - a real jewel and spiritual center of the city. He is the oldest in Naples. Its ornate chapel, under the watchful eye of priests, kept the most sacred - a bowl of frozen blood of Saint Januarius. Three times a year in the walls of the cathedral is a miracle: a frozen blood mysteriously becomes liquid. Locals believe that if this miracle does not happen, Naples befall trouble.

Walking through the city is impossible without a visit to Piazza del Plebeshito - this is one of the most picturesque squares of Naples. It is formed by the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of St. Francis, who built on the model of the Roman Pantheon. Located on the corner of the famous restaurant "Gambrinus", where you can taste the most authentic Italian sweets, in particular cake, "Baba" (accent on the last syllable), something resembling "Baba".

Shopaholic in Naples also do not have to be bored. On the contrary, "Gambrinus" is a pompous shopping mall with a roof made of glass. This gallery Umberto, it was built in the 19th century. There is a large variety of boutiques. However, even a simple walk on it will impress.

It is impossible not to mention the Neapolitan cuisine. This city is the birthplace of pizza, so to be in Naples, and not to try this dish at a local trattoria is the real crime! In the menu of local restaurants have a large selection of seafood dishes in all sorts of variations. Why are only spaghetti with mussels and fragrant sauce mozzarella! Even if you are not a gourmet, local cuisine and flavors attract no less than the natural scenery and cultural attractions in Naples.

Tags: travel, italy, tour, landmark, Naples