Naples

Naples is famous for being the home of pizza. You’ll find no shortage of pizza places here.

It is also known for its amazing National Archaeological Museum and the world famous Naples Cathedral. It’s a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow winding streets with small shops. Another must whilst visiting Naples is to explore two of Italy’s most popular tourist sites the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii is the more famous of the two sites, although some say Herculaneum is the more interesting one. I think the best way to enjoy the historic centre of Naples is to wander without a plan.

National Archaeological Museum Naples

The city’s National and Archaeological Museum houses one of the most remarkable collections of Roman art and artifact anywhere, including massive fresco and mosaic panels as well as sculpture taken from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Taking a visit to the Veiled Christ sculpture in the centre of the Sansevero Chapel is also a must. The sculpture was carved in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino; it shows the figure of Christ lying under what looks like a piece of the thinnest fabrics. The facial features are clearly visable, as is the body and even the crucifixtion wounds. The visual effects are truly stunning. Taking a trip to San Lorenzo Maggiore church is also worth doing, underneath you’ll find the remains of a Roman market.
Being famous for its pizza, you’ll find plenty of pizzerias. However like most Italian cities, there are different types of eateries like Mexican, Indian and Chinese.
When it comes to eating out Naples really does have it all. I would recommend trying one of the famous pizzerias whilst visiting Naples, its not often one gets the chance to visit the birth place of pizza. Five of the best places to eat are the Umberto, which is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves delicious seafood, the Brandi, which is one of Naples best Pizzeria’s, the Antica Osteria Pisano, a well known Tavernas restaurant and Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba and Lombardi, two more of Naples best pizzeria’s.

When it comes to shopping Naples is a great place to be with its many shops to choose from. There are many high end shops located throughout the city, where you could get carried away and spend hundreds of dollars. If you are looking for a bargain then take yourself to the shops and outdoor market along Corso Guiseppe Garibaldi. For those people who take their labels seriously then a trip to the town Caserta is a must because of the brilliant La Reggia Designer Outlet. Another great market for cheap bags, perfumes and bargain priced shoes is the Mercantino di Antignano.

Naples offers quite a few bars and clubs on its cabaret and club circuit, many of them being along the waterfront. The first place to stop should be the narrow alleyways of the centro storico, which are full of some fantastic places that are part bar, part club. If you are looking for a relaxed evening then the wine bars of Chiaia are the places to head to. If clubbing isn’t for you and you fancy a night out at the opera then head to the Theatro San Carlo, across from the Galleria Umberto. The theatre was built in 1737 for King Charles birthday, it is one of the largest opera houses with some of the acoustics in Italy.

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