Thread your way through the winding streets of Naples' historic centre,
Spaccanapoli, dropping into cherub-adorned churches and Naples'
grand Cathedral. You'll soon want to return to Naples, however, to visit
the collection of Italian art at the Royal Palace of Capodimonte. Not forgetting
that daytrip to the fabled island of Capri, just 20 miles into the Gulf of
Naples.
Background
Naples' perfectly arched seafront and Mount Vesuvius volcano backdrop has
had artists reaching for their paintbrushes for centuries. Set back from the Gulf of
Naples, the city's historic centre is bound by a warren of washing-strung
streets known as Spaccanapoli. The old centre runs from sprawling Piazza
Garibaldi square near the train station across to largely car-free Via Toledo and
the Galleria Umberto I shopping arcade. The medieval Castel Nuovo (New Castle) and
the 17th-century Royal Palace are closer to the harbour. Numerous churches dot
Naples' squares, with main honours going to the 14th-century Cathedral
dedicated to St Gennaro, Naples' patron saint.
First-time visit
Tour galleries filled with classical sculptures at Naples' Archaeological
Museum and see mosaics, frescoes and relics from Pompeii. Visit the chapels,
reliquary and Greek foundations at Naples' Cathedral then dive into
the winding streets of the surrounding Spaccanapoli area. Follow ancient
Via Benedetto Croce past two of Naples' finest churches -
medieval Santa Chiara and High Renaissance Gesù Nuovo. Then
wind your way down to the seafront to see Neapolitan art at Castel Nuovo (New
Castle) and palatial furnishings at the Royal Palace.
Return visit
Visit Napoli Sotteranea (underground Naples) to tour passages and caves
underpinning the city. First built by the Romans and Greeks as stone quarries, they
were later used as water channels and later still as shelters in World War II.
Wander through Naples' Royal Palace of Capodimonte and its fine
collection of Italian art, including works by Botticelli, Titian and Caravaggio.
Browse the antique Neapolitan presepi Nativity scenes at the San Martino
Museum. Buy yourself a miniature Christmas scene on Via San Gregorio
Armeno in old Naples, Spaccanapoli. Head to Virgiliano Park
for island views of Capri and Ischia, and picture-postcard Mount
Vesuvius hovering behind Naples.
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