Things to see and do Côte Amalfitaine

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.

It is certainly one of the highest places in the ancient period in Campania. Founded in the th century BC by the Greeks, Pozzuoli will play a great role in its strategic access to the sea. Its port is then an important commercial crossroads with Sicily, Africa and the East. From the first century, under the impetus of the emperors Nero and Vespasiano, the city has a magnificent amphitheatre (69-79). J), public thermal baths, fountains, temples, stage and markets.

Located west of Naples, this vast volcanic area has several cities of importance such as Pozzuoli (Pozzuoli). See also the Solfatara volcano whose seismic vibrations and fumaroles testify to the activity. The crater consists of clay and silica.

Not far from Ischia, located at the western end of the Gulf of Naples in the face of Fields fields, Procida is the smallest but also least known island of the three. Also rich in a superb Mediterranean biotope - beautiful beaches, beautiful fruit trees and beautiful vineyards - the island continues to live at the pace of fishing not for folklore but because it still remains one of the essential activities. Charm assured.

It is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago. The softness of its climate, its fine sandy beaches and the healing virtues of its thermal waters - linked to the volcanic origin of the island - have done much for its reputation. A very varied vegetation, laurels, lavender, oaks, acacias, pine trees and a highly cut relief, have even earned the nickname of green island in Ischia. It was definitively attached to the province of Naples in 1862.

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.

From the majestic piazza del Del, the great symbols of Naples follow: the Basilica of San Francesco di Paolo; the palace Salerno, erected at the end of the th century; and naturally facing arcade in the chamber of the basilica, the royal palace. Turning its gaze towards the city, one distinguishes Piazza Trieste e Trento, via Toledo and the Umberto I gallery whose iron and glass structure fits into the usual pattern of galleries at the end of the th century. In the opposite direction, towards the sea, you fall on the very chic via Santa Lucia. Finally, along the seaside and unveiling the magnificent panorama of the Gulf, Via Caracciolo is still one of the favorite promenades of the Neapolitan.

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.

Founded in the th century, the city grew to the th century under Norman rule. A major shopping centre with the East, in particular, the Amalfi Maritime Republic rivals two main cities: Pisa and Genoa. In 1135 Amalfi, however, fell into the hands of the Republic of Pisa. Submitted, she nevertheless enriched herself with her main buildings, still preserved today. Its cathedral, from the end of the th century, remains the most important monument of the Amalfi coast and makes the city glory. Dedicated to Saint Andrea, it presents a majestic staircase, a porch adorned with a bronze door from Constantinople and a polychrome mosaics facade.

Set in the walls of the monastery. Exhibition of many decorative ceramic and sculpture objects. Among the oldest pieces, see the bust of San Bartolomeo (th century) and relics in amber and ivory.

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.

By train. Take the Circumvesuviana (Central Station, Piazza Garibaldi in Naples) in the direction of Sorrento. Stop at Ercolano station (Herculaneum). Vesuvio Express bus from the station to the volcano (frequent departures, 20 minutes, 10 €).

By bus.From Pompeii, daily departures from Piazza Anfiteatro with the EAV bus company

In the car. By the A3 motorway, exit Torre del Greco or Ercolano. Then follow Vesuvio (13 km). Parking at quota 800: 5 €. From there, bus shuttles (2 € round trip) to the ticket office at quota 1000, 20 minutes walk from the crater.

The tourist office is about a hundred metres from the Ercolano station. Departure by bus to the volcano. Allow 20 minutes of ascent to reach the crater. Once at the top, take a look at the abyss. In good weather, also enjoy the panoramic view of the gulfs of Naples and Sorrento. The descent into the ashes has a somewhat lunar side. Very beautiful.

He recounts the history of the city. Divided into different sections: naval, pictorial, topographical, portrait gallery of illustrious Neapolitan characters, costumes of the time… A room is reserved for crèches, traditional art very anchored in Naples.

Founded by the Etruscans in the th century BC and finally conquered by the Romans in the th century BC, long remained one of the strategic squares of the kingdom of Naples, its beautiful palaces testify to its past richness. To dwell on the ancient amphitheatre (the second century B.C.B.C.) and the Mithreum, Pagan temple devoted to the cult of Mithra (Second-third century).