Naples is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the picturesque bay of the Gulf of Naples that can be compared in size only to bigger Milan and Rome. It is the administrative center of the Campania region and the Province of Naples.
Near Naples is notorious active volcano Vesuvius, which many centuries ago wiped out the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, Oplontis and Herculaneum.
Naples has a typical Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild winter and hot summer. The best time to visit Naples for sightseeing - April and May.
The hottest months when it is very hot to visit the sites are July and August. At this time, the temperature rises to +30 ... +35 degrees. It's the beach season, even most of the beaches are situated outside the city.
Naples was founded by Greeks in the VIII century BC, and was originally named in honor of one of the sirens - Partenope. Later, the city became one of the main economic centers of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire.
In the VI century on the background of attempts of Justinian I to raise again the Roman Empire from the ashes, the city was conquered by the Byzantines.
Between 638 and 1137 Naples was the capital of the eponymous Duchy, and in 1139 it became a part of the kingdom of Sicily.
In the XVII century Naples has known an era of great prosperity, and for many years was the most populated city in Europe after Paris. At that time more than 300 thousand residents lived in Naples.
For those who like shopping it is one of the most popular destinations in Italy. The Main Mecca of shopaholics in Naples is the Galleria of Umberto I, which offers a wide range of shops and boutiques. This is one of the favorite tourist destinations, even for those for whom shopping is not the main purpose of the visit to Naples.
The longest shopping counter of Napoli, stretching for 3 km is Via Toledo. It differs by very democratic prices and a huge selection.
If you want to buy branded clothes, accessories or jewelry of famous brands with discounts up to 35%, you have to go shopping in the suburbs of Naples.
If you only want to buy souvenirs for friends or a variety of handmade products, then have a look at the market Caracciolo on Sunday morning - one of best antique markets in Italy. But be careful - Naples is known for a lot of pickpockets.
ATTRACTIONS
Vesuvius is certainly the main attraction of Naples, which can be seen from anywhere in the city. The legendary volcano gives the city especially amazing views, towering over the city. It is the unique active volcano on the mainland of Europe, which last eruption happened in 1944.
Royal Palace is the residence of the stunning architecture of the Bourbon dynasty - monarchs of the kingdom of Sicily. There are the National Library of Naples and the Museum of History in the palace. Visiting the palace is included in the majority of sightseeing Napoli’s tours.
Pompeii - the excavation of the legendary city which in 79 AD was wiped out by the eruption of Vesuvius. Today you can see the ruins of ancient cities, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cathedral of the Assumption of St. Mary's, or as soon as it was called, Naples Cathedral is the Cathedral, built during Middle Ages in honor of St. Januarius. It is characterized by its impressive and majestic architecture in the Gothic style.
Castel del Ovo is a medieval castle, located on the island of Santa Lucia. The castle has a very rich history: for the time he was a museum, and the ancient fortress and a prison. Some historians think that from this castle began building of a modern Naples.
The Gallery Umberto I is a beautiful neoclassical passage, built in the XIX century, one of the most beautiful and original buildings of Naples.
Kastel Sant Elmo is a medieval castle of the XIV century, built on the same hill over Naples. It was built with the purpose of protecting the city from the sea that was successful. Today, the castle is a museum of the history of art, which often held modern and historical art exhibitions.
Pyatstsadel Plebiscito - the heart of Naples and its main square. At this point usually begins sightseeing, and here starts most tours.