The wonders of Partenope!
Naples is a riot of colours, life and cheerfulness, intertwining alleyways and welcoming smiles. It is an open-air museum, with an historic centre – among the largest in Europe – full of churches, monuments, cloisters and attractions. The ancient Partenope with its traffic-free promenade, from where you can spot the sinuous profile of the Vesuvius and Castel dell’Ovo, is an ever-blooming garden of wonders. The Basilica of Santa Chiara with its beautiful majolica-tiled cloister, the imposing Maschio Angioino, symbol of the city and residence of Alfonso V of Aragon, the Archaeological Museum with its priceless Farnese collection and the Sansevero Chapel, where you can admire the famous Veiled Christ and other works commissioned by Prince Raimondo di Sangro are just some of the must-see attractions in the city!
The historic centre of Naples has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997
In San Gregorio Armeno, the famous ‘street of shepherds and nativity scenes’, many workshops are active all year round and produce the famous figurines of the Catholic tradition, but also miniature sculptures of TV personalities, singers, footballers and politicians! A stone’s throw from San Gregorio, there is another Naples, unusual and fascinating. We are talking about Napoli Sotterranea, where you will discover the military path and the refuge, the aqueduct and an impound lot for cars and vespas. The heady scent of pizza, babà, sfogliatelle, and the unmissable ‘cuoppo‘ of fried food will captivate you. If you stop in such places, forget the diet and enjoy the excellent Campanian gastronomy, renowned for its intense and genuine flavours!
The Art of Neapolitan Pizza Making was included in the Intangible Heritage of Humanity list in 2017
Another gem is Line 1 of the Underground, especially the Toledo stop, awarded as the most beautiful metro station in Europe. After visiting Naples, Stendhal wrote: «I am leaving. I will never forget Via Toledo or any other district of Naples. It is, in my view, the most beautiful city in the whole universe.»