Galleria Umberto I is a spacious and elegant public shopping gallery right across from the San Carlo Theatre. It was constructed between 1887-1891 and named after the King of Italy at that time, Umberto I. It was built with the intention of combining public space- businesses, shops and cafes, with private space- apartments on the above floors.
The Reale Teatro di San Carlo is Naples’ most well-known opera house and is located right in the nucleus of the downtown area. It has had the fortune of being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its status as the longestconsistently operating venue of its kind in all of Europe. Over the years the Reale Teatro San Carlo has won many prestigious music awards.
Ravello is indisputably the romantic capital of the Amalfi coast. Inhabited by only 2,500 people, it sits pretty in the high hills above Amalfi. The town is tidy and geared towards tourists. In the past the town has hosted its share of bohemian characters, including Virginia Woolf, DH Lawrence and Wagner. Nowhere else on theAmalfi Coast can you beat the spectacular views, majestic gardens and relaxing atmosphere you find in Ravello.
Procida is the smallest and considered the most “authentic” of the Bay’s three main islands. Barely frequented and known by tourists, this is the island those looking for a more genuine locals experience will want to visit. Inhabitants of the island quietly live their day to day lives without much interruption or influence from tourist centers or the mainland. Upon arriving ashore you will be greeted with a colorful scheme of cubic houses along the waterfront.
Cuma was the first ancient Greek settlement on Italian mainland (Magna Graecia). It is said to have been founded in the 8th century b.c. by settlers who had already colonized the island of Ischia. It is located northwest of Naples and is most famous for the Sybil of Cuma. The Sybil was a prophetic priestess sacred to the Greek god Apollo. From her cavern Her sanctuary is open for public view.
Facing the colossal Piazza Plebescito is the rectangular red Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace, of Naples. This palace was just one of the four residences of the Bourbon Kings when they ruled during the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. Like other palaces and castles of Naples, the Palazzo Reale has undergone many operations that have resulted in its current aspect. Today the palace houses The National Library of Naples, the Museo del Palazzo Reale, and along with adjacent grounds, part of the San Carlo Theater.
The Castel Nuovo is one of Naples’ most prominent landmarks. It sits conspicuously near the Bay’s shore and close to the downtown shopping area. If you have become sufficiently “Italianized” you will probably refer to this castle as the “Maschio Angioino”, as the locals call it. Take a walk under the famous two-storey triumphal arch, of Renaissance style, at the castle’s enterance, which was built to commemorate the arrival of Alfonso I of Aragon to Naples.
A true feat for Italian baroque architecture, the colossal royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta) has been dubbed the Versailles of Italy. It was constructed in the 18th century for the Bourbon kings of Naples. A jaunt along its mosaic marble floors and under its gold adorned ceilings will make you feel like royalty yourself. If you aren’t intimidated by the size and luxury of the palace itself, try getting lost in the elaborate maze of gardens, sculptures and fountains in the palace’s backyard.
Napoli’s famous “Spaccanapoli”, one perfectly straight, long street, cuts right through the middle of the historic center. This street may be a paradise for those looking to buy authentic Neapolitan sweets, wine, souveniers, etc. It captures the essence of any historical center whose cobblestone streets lead the way to various ancient churches and monestaries. However, Naples’ Spaccanapoli can’t be mistaken for any other city thanks to the zooming Vespas and exaggerated Neapolitan hand gestures. Don’t miss the opportunity to wander into one of the various shops and sample some delicious limoncello!
Naples’ Duomo is the spiritual heart of the city. You may also say that it is the center of Neapolitan superstition. The cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron, San Gennaro (St. Januarius), and a vial of his blood is held sacredly inside. You will also find a plethora of frescoes, canvesses, sculptures, and other works of art covering the interior and the various chapels.
