Naples

There has never been a lack of words to describe Naples. Unlike many European cities, it provokes reactions in the most laconic of visitors. Moreover, any random selection of quotes about the city and its inhabitants is likely to include admiration and detraction in equal measure. The writer Peter Nichols sums up this polarised response: "Neapolitans still reproduce what must be the closest equivalent to life in classical times. Naples is one of the great tests. Some people love it and some people hate it." 

Naples is the capital of the Campania region, it is the largest city in southern Italy and the third largest city in Italy. It is a fascinating city, famous all over the world for its art, history and strong traditions and culture. The true essence of Naples is captured in the spirit of its people and their songs expressing love for their home. However, Naples faces many problems including unemployment, immigration and organised crime. In spite of these obstacles the city's authorities are making an effort to increase urban and economic development and halt inner-city decay. 

The Greeks named the city "Neapolis" (New City) and in 328 B.C. the Romans dominated Naples and used it to satisfy their fascination for Greek culture. During the medieval period, Naples grew to become an important maritime trading centre. In the mid 13th century it was ruled by the Angevins and the city expanded as trade in the port increased dramatically. The importance of Naples as a trading centre continued to grow when the Aragonese succeeded the Angevins in the 15th century. The Spaniards then ruled over Naples for more than two centuries and the city expanded further, despite a different system of government. In 1734 the Bourbons began to rule the city and made many improvements to its enviromnent. They also embellished it with monuments such as the Royal Palace of Capodimonte and the San Carlo Opera House. Bourbon control over Naples continued until 1860 when all of southern Italy became part of the Kingdom of Italy. 

Watching a street scene in Naples is like watching a hundred television sets at once, each tuned to a different channel. The variety of expressions that a single eyebrow can generate is astonishing, not to mention the full repertoire of mime, both more subtle and more obvious than most actors use in a lifetime.

THE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, Piazza Museo  

This museum is undoubtedly the most important in Europe. It mainly houses the valuable collection which Charles of Bourbon inherited from the Farnese family that ruled the Duchy of Parma. The collection includes bronze statues, marbles, paintings, and furnishings from the buildings discovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum. The museum also contains findings from the excavations at Cumae and other ancient sites in Campania. Also worth mentioning are the so-called "Borgia Collection" of Etruscan and Egyptian relics and the "Sant’Angelo Collection" of ancient coins. 

Opening hours: 

 Daily 9 AM - 7.30 PM 

Closed Tuesdays 

Entrance fee is approx 6.50 Euros for those between 18-65 yrs (10 Euros for special exhibitions) 
Free entrance for other citizens or foreigners with an EEC passport 

THE CAPODIMONTE MUSEUM AND PICTURE GALLERY 

The palace houses the National Picture Gallery whose central feature is the Farnese Collection which was inherited by the Bourbon dynasty: the gallery of 19th century works of art, the historical apartments, the collections of china and majolica, the porcelain drawing room, the weapons museum and several other collections. 

Opening hours: 

 Daily 8.30 AM - 7.30 PM 

Closed Wednesdays 

Entrance Fee is approx 7.50 Euros for those between 18-65 yrs 

Free entrance for other citizens or foreigners with an E.E.C. passport 
From 18 - 25 yrs half price 

THE CIVIC MUSEUMS OF CASTLE NUOVO (ALSO CALLED MASCHIO ANGIOINO), Piazza Municipio                 

This museum contains sculptures and frescos from the 14th and 15th centuries in the Palatine Chapel. On the three floors in the south wing are paintings, silver and bronze objects from the 15th to the 20th century.

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday - Closed on Sunday

 *Entrance fee approx. 5 Euros for visitors between 25- 65 yrs.

THE UNDERGROUND CITY,  Vico di S.Anna 52

Beneath the Italian city of Naples and the surrounding area lies an underground geothermal zone and several tunnels dug over the centuries. This geothermal zone is generally present from Vesuvius under a large area including Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Campi Flegrei volcanic area under Naples to Pozzuoli and the coastal area of Baia. Mining and various infrastructure projects over several millennia have formed extensive caves and underground structures in the area.

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 9 AM- 4.30 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM- 6 PM