Naples: in the shadow of history at the foot of Vesuvius

Naples is vibrant all year round and seduces with its richness of colors and aromas. The city is completely different from Rome, Milan, Florence and other corners of Italy. That is why it is worth visiting to see the country from a new perspective. Stroll through its picturesque streets, try authentic Neapolitan pizza, immerse yourself in its tumultuous history and feel the Italian temperament. But before you start sightseeing, find out exactly where to go to get to know Naples from the inside. These are the attractions that you should not miss when visiting this fascinating city.

What is worth seeing in Naples?

It is said that Naples is the city of castles. This nickname is well deserved, since no less than 7 fortresses have been erected in the city. They are a reminder of the times when Italy was not yet united and the Apennine peninsula was the scene of the struggle of several states. The Kingdom of Naples then played a key role in the region. A tour of the local fortifications route will give you a glimpse into the city's turbulent history. At the Castel Nuovo you will find a rich collection of art, while the Castel Sant'Elmo offers a stunning view of the entire area.

One of the essential places to see while walking through the city center is Piazza Municipio. There you can admire the Neptune Fountain, in baroque style. Nearby is Piazza del Plebiscito, a wide square that houses the Royal Palace and the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest opera house in the world that has been open continuously. On the other hand, in Piazza Bellini, history mixes with modernity. The square's bars and cafes are situated among historic ruins dating back to the city's early days.

Those who wish to contemplate the Neapolitan contrasts should see the church of the Gesù Nuovo. It stands out for its volcanic stone façade. However, if you enter, you will discover a sumptuous, golden interior, filled with works of art.

One of the main avenues of the city is Via Tribunali. It leads to monuments such as the statue of the Nile God and the Pulcinella Mask. A great way to diversify your visit is to also enter below street level. In the basement of the city, you will discover Naples since its beginnings, that is, since Roman times.

The richly decorated cloisters of the church of Santa Chiara are a beautiful sight, as is the statue of Christ wrapped in a shroud in the chapel of Sansevero. Both places are a must-see.

How to experience the atmosphere of Naples?

If you're looking for a Neapolitan atmosphere, a visit to the Quartieri Spagnoli, or Spanish Quarter, is a must. There you will not only find stalls selling traditional products, but also numerous bars and restaurants. The special atmosphere of Naples can also be felt by walking along Via Spaccanapoli, which divides the city in half, and the charming San Gregorio Armeno street, where the Christmas atmosphere lasts all year round.

Italy is, of course, famous for its cuisine, appreciated in all corners of the world. Much of the credit goes to Naples, as it is from this city that some of the most famous dishes come from. One of the most popular is undoubtedly the Neapolitan pizza. It is characterized by a very thin dough and a minimum of ingredients. The colors of the most famous, the margherita, allude to those of the Italian flag: tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil.

Local masters limit themselves to a few basic ingredients. However, this is enough to impress diners. What counts are top quality products and a preparation technique that has been passed down from generation to generation.

In addition to pizza, it is worth trying other local specialties such as Ragù Napoletano, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Spaghetti alle Vongole or Parmigiana di Melanzane. The artisanal ice creams and aromatic coffee also deserve a mention.

Free walking tour: Naples

Some fall in love with Naples on their first visit, others leave the city overwhelmed by its peculiar chaos. However, there is a sure way to increase the chances of your stay being a success. The best way is to have someone by your side who knows the city inside out. This way, you can get information that you won't find in popular sources. Additionally, you will be able to better understand the lifestyle of the locals. A Walkative guide! can provide you with such an experience. Tours organized as free walking tours do not have a predetermined price. During the tour, you yourself can decide how much you want to pay for your guided tour.

https://freewalkingtour.com/es/naples/