From one perspective, this area is an anomaly, at once one of the earth’s most beautiful and yet most accursed places. It has been the choice of the great and wealthy as their playground, while also being the scene of some of the greatest natural disasters and the grittiest human misery. Perhaps these irreconcilable twists of fate are at the root of the Neapolitans’ famously optimistic cynicism. The city of Naples itself is a vibrant urban setting, almost non-European in its intensity, while the beauty of the surrounding coast has been known to make grown men weep.
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With its commanding position near the bay, the Royal Palace dominates the grandest part of the city.
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Despite its bulky towers of volcanic stone, this Renaissance castle also features one of the most graceful archway entrances of the period, delicately carved in the purest white marble.
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In effect, Naples’ cathedral is at least three churches in one, including a treasure-laden Palaeo-Christian basilica from the 4th century. The side chapel dedicated to the city’s adored patron saint, San Gennaro, is so large and resplendent that it is really a church in its own right .
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This is the repository of ancient art that has been unearthed from Pompeii and other archaeological digs around Vesuvius. These amazing finds evoke a Classical civilization of great refinement and grandeur.
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What started out as an unassuming hunting lodge soon grew to become a vast royal palace. It is now a museum housing one of Italy’s finest collections of art.
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If there is one museum that manages to capture the true Naples, this is it. Come for the unparalleled views from the gardens, for the masterpieces of the Neapolitan Baroque and the world’s finest collection of nativity figures.
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The world’s most famous archaeological site comprises an entire culture caught in a moment of life when Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago (see Pompeii).
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High above the gorgeous Amalfi Coast this serenely elegant town offers unforgettable views, gorgeous gardens, aristocratic architecture and poetic inspiration.
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Some of the best preserved Greek temples in the world stand in timeless splendour on this evocative plain south of Naples.
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Klara + Jeff BVIs 2008
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Anj's Barca Guide
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Dublin guide
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Amsterdam guide
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Paris 2009 guide
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First Hong Kong guide
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May of MonumentsMaggio dei Monumenti (May of Monuments) is an annual festival sponsored by the Council of Naples, with events taking place every weekend. Museums and monuments open for free, and there are... Read more
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Cornetto Free Music FestivalThe Cornetto Free Music Festival consists of three free outdoor concerts by big international artists in three of the best-known squares in Italy, Milan's Piazza Duomo, Rome's Piazza del Popolo and... Read more
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Festa della Madonna del CarmineFew cities harbour such effervescent religious passions in their hearts as Naples does. The Madonna del Carmine is one of the most cherished figures in the Neapolitan pantheon and her celebration is... Read more
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Neapolis FestivalThe Neapolis Festival is held each year in Naples' Arena Flegrea and mixes international bands with local Italian rock and pop stars, promising a top line-up. Read more
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