Streets squares and districts to visit Naples

Spaccanapoli corresponds to Via Croce, which continues on the via San Biagio dei Librai. The term also refers more broadly to one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the heart of Naples, with its narrow streets, churches, numerous cloisters and chapels. Take advantage of the know-how of the Neapolitan craftsmen (large ceramics production, wrought iron manufacture, work of stucco for mouldings).

On more than two kilometres of length and only six metres in width, houses, churches, palaces and squares follow, always in a lively atmosphere. Venturing into the Spaccanapoli is entering a theatre of nature, where one becomes both spectator and actor. from the top of their balcony the Italian mamas speak by drying their linen on hanging cords above our heads; craftsmen call on passers-by to bring them into their shops, where all kinds of objects are found; The pizzaïolos fill the street of a thousand and a Mediterranean flavour and make their kitchen to the greedy. children play football and drivers ring the engine of their vespa to try to sneak. Take a break at the terrace of the café Scaturchio, on the square of San Domenico Maggiore to better appreciate what is going on and do not forget to taste some of their delicious pastries, such as their very famous babà. But the real hidden treasure of Spaccanapoli is located at the San Severo chapel, behind the San Domenico Street, which hosts the Christ Veiled of Guiseppe Sanmartino, a masterpiece of late Baroque.

In the same way as Baia, Bacoli housed a Roman residential area. Main Curiosity: its gigantic «Mirabele swimming pool» built under the Emperor Augustus. It served as a huge tank to the imperial Roman fleet.

Of the three islands anchored in the Gulf of Naples, Capri remains the most famous and tourist. Breathtaking peaks, turquoise waters, beautiful coves, elegant villas in terraces, caves and unique panorama almost the visitor. In antiquity, the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius built many villas there. Between the th and th century, Capri welcomed painters, writers and musicians, who all paid tribute to him. Curzio Malaparte left a villa (the film scene of the film Le Mépris de Godard), Gorki met with Lenin and Neruda still has a street bearing his name.

The small medieval village of Caserta has grown from Savour origins. Its th century cathedral incorporates Arab-Sicilian elements. Charles III of Bourbon, king of Naples (1734-1759) concerned to restore the prestige of the kingdom, decides to build a huge palace built on the model of Versailles.

The greatest artists participate in the project, like the famous architect Luigi Vanvitelli, who draws the plans, savante alternating between baroque and neo-classical. See also the beautiful park.

A fascinating locality perched on its hill overlooking the Amalfi coast. In the Middle Ages, this very active and related commune in Amalfi has a significant role in trade with the East and Sicily, which will give birth to Arab-Norman architectural style. See on the central square the most famous building: Villa Rufolo to the complex architecture due especially to the changes made in the th and th centuries. The influence of Islamic art is evident in design and decoration. Also interested in the Duomo, founded in 1087, largely reformed in the th century and completely refurbished in baroque times.

Perched on the mountain side, this city, whose origins dates back to the Greek colonies (which has spread from the Lipari Islands), is known for its hour of glory during the imperial Roman era. Under the reign of Augustus and then of Tiberius, the city has many monuments. From medieval times, Sorrento preserved the Basilica of San Antonino founded in the th century and completely remodelled in the th century, and the palace Veniero (th century), an important testimony to the influence of Byzantine art.