This is a town and a municipality situated in the region of Naples at the southern part of Italy,Campania. The town lies at Mount Vesuvius western foot on the bay of Naples at the southeast part of the city of Naples. The ancient town was built the remnants of a volcanic eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed Herculaneum, an ancient city from which Ercolano name is derived. Mount Vesuvius During your visit in Ercolano you cannot fail to give one of the most recognized volcano mountains in the world. Mount Vesuvius is an immediately recognizable landmark with its peak forming the surroundings of Naples. This ominous mount is recorded as the smallest active volcano mount and spitting and steaming sporadically reminding the surrounding environs that it is still a potential threat. The highest point of the mountain reaches to an approximated 1280 meters above sea level with the bus or a private taxi will take you for the first 1000 meters from where you can take a trail up to the crater. The current crater of Mount Vesuvius measures a depth of 230 meters and a diameter of 650 meters. There a several openings at the base of the crater which discharged most of the molten lava from 1631 to 1944, the last time the volcano erupted. A visit to mount Vesuvius gives a spectacular view of the crater with some of its rising fumes and the different lava stones which changes in color as you hike uphill and around its crater. When there is good weather you can enjoy the view of the neighboring Pompeii as well as the Bay of Naples. On one of the mountain’s side you will see the disfigured scenery where the lava streams went downhill and the remnants of the funicular railway that was built in 1870 which last operated during the volcano’s eruption in 1944. Funiculi was also a song that had been composed to commemorate the grand opening of the railway. The volcano was made a national park since 1995 and the place which was once up for commercial exploitation is now a preservation of fauna and a place of natural paths. A visit to this mountain is not regarded as unsafe but adequate preparation is advisable since getting to the top requires a foot trail which is slightly above 200 meters. Do not make the mistake of coming with a just a t-shirt since it is a little colder and therefore while planning to take a visit to this mount, you may require a hat, rain gear, sun screen and water. Getting to Ercolano one has several options starting by bus where buses make frequent trips from Naples to Ercolano and back. By train it takes around 25 minutes from Naples and additional 20 minutes if from Sorrento. Get off at the Ercolano Scavi station to get to the ruins from where you will exit into a tiny square from where you can purchase tour tickets from private offices. Nevertheless it is vital to note that there are only two stations along this Naples- Sorrento line i.e. Ercolano and the Ercolano Scavi. It is from this station (Scavi) from where you take a bus or a taxi to Mount Vesuvius. While using a car to get to Ercolano from Naples, be prepared to pay a toll of 2 Euros which is charged for using any part of the highway’s stretch. Parking might be quite hard to find but try parking your car at the southern entrance of the excavations, behind the police station. The following few tips to Ercolano will make your visit worth the while: a) Combine your visit to the ruins with a climb at Mount Vesuvius. b) Hire a tour guide to take you through the archeological sites, alternatively purchase a book guide sold outside the ruins and you will not require the services of the tour guides. c) The tour buses arrive between 11am and 2 pm and thus you may either go early or late to catch up with them. Discover what to see in Ercolano
These is Napoli Sotterranea .. visit it means to undertake a journey in time down to thirty feet deep where gundergroud reveal the evolution of Naples through the first excavations of prehistoric times to switch to Greek quarries to obtain the tuff building, the network of underground aqueducts and cisterns which allowed the supply of water to the town from Roman times, the secret passages to the adaptation of Bourbon untill the using of the underground as raid shelter for the Neapolitan population during the II World War. There are two different path to visit the undergrounded Naples one has an access from the Plebiscite Square the the other by downtown near the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore. This last one includes a visit with a guide explaining the route and historical figures who have made this legendary other side of Naples. These are mainly the visiting network of underground aqueducts and cisterns, and adds the possibility to discover through access to a private home a greek roman theater. The charm of this visit is given by the contrast of what it is there above the town and what is underneath, while over whizzing boys are driving scooter and people crowding the streets made of souvenir shops the undergroud city is surrounding by the silence that evidence the ancient civilizations that have followed, and building level to level have pushed the height of the city
Who has visited Naples and is looking for a wildly natural I will recommend a visit to Solfatara on the outskirts of the city. The Solfatara is located within the Campi Flegrei and is one of the 40 volcanoes that make up this area. It is possible to reach the Solfatara through a Mediterranean forest where see the viewpoint where you can closely observe the crater of the Solfatara. Go up the path you will meet more fascinating sites like the Il Pozzo di acqua Minerale (Well of mineral water), the stone quarries of trachyte, the Stufe Antiche (antique stoves) built in 800 used for thermal purposes to care respiratory and skin illness and finnally to reach the Grande Fumarola with its characteristic smell of sulfur (similar to rotten eggs). The solfatara is not the only natural attraction of the Campi Flegrei just move a bit to be amazed by the scenery and the magic that gives the underwater park – Parco Sommerso della Gaiola. The entire area of Campi Flegrei was affected over time by the phenomenon of bradyseism (raising or lowering of the ground) because of this phenomenon has been the collapse of the ancient coastline of Pozzuoli, Bacoli and Miseno with relative submergence of Roman villas, tufa quarries, ponds visible along the coast and below the sea surface. The park reveals the beauty of an enchanted world protected for centuries by the ancient sea. The sunken city of the Roman era is visible flying over Naples by plane, but to enjoy this wonderful place we recommend the glass bottom boat excursion or for more good at diving.
One example is the Piazza del Gesu’ with her namesake church. The Chiesa del Gesu’ is located at the center of the square near the popular neighborhoods. Visiting the church in many perceive the sensation of having already seen it and it doesn’t make mistakes because the church is taken in one of the last scenes of the movie "Matrimonio all’Italiana" played beautifully by the great and the legendary Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. The Chiesa del Gesu’ Nuovo was built by the Jesuits in late 1500, taking advantage of the façade with ashlar diamond belonging to the Palazzo Sanseverino 1400. It would seem according to experts and scholars that each stone was engraved with esoteric symbols that should have been a good omen, except that the reproduction is occurring on the contrary obtaining the opposite effect. It is said that all the owners of the building were evicted. In the same square is the magnificent Basilica of Santa Chiara with its tiled cloister of the XIV century and octagonal shaped. The cloister really worth a visit especially in springtime when there are lemons in flower and it is pervaded by a sublime smell. Painted on the walls that surround the cloister are decorated majestically Franciscan history. If you're thinking you've already seen the wonders of Naples you're wrong, just go to San Gregorio Armeno to discover the true art crib, handed down for centuries from father to son ...
For centuries these artisans of Neaples use the "hut" as an incubator of events that occurred during the year and as an instrument of satire. There is therefore no surprise that among the shepherds in the nativity will discover that love Jesus' Child unusual pastor with the features of Barak Obama or Angela Merkel or even see the characters in a crib including Madonna wearing the mask to guard against infection with the H1N1 virus. To enjoy all the way to visit the shops is preferable to program it in the morning because the afternoon is always more crowded and it becomes difficult to see the craftsmen at work. Each shop has its own style in creating figurines and nativity scenes, and lovers can pay a statue handcrafted even 1000euro, but you can also choose from figurines simpler less expensive. While you do take the embarrassment choice as the most original gift to take home not forget to try the classic Roccoco one of the many specialty of Neapolitan Christmas confectionery.
In June, Naples opens the curtain at the theater companies coming from around the world at the Naples Theatre Festival to stage a myriad of events in the most extravagant locations of the city. The festival presents itself as a veritable marathon of shows that bring location normally closed to the public. So why lost the chance to run a show in Naples underground or in the courtyard of the Albergo dei Poveri under a starry sky or on the roof of a historical building? Companies that perform from all over the world offer shows in all languages. The festival lasts 20 days and the city as always during this time of the year gives all its glory. Since the majority of performances are scheduled in the afternoon and evening you have the time to visit most representative places of the city as Galleria Umberto, Piazza Plebiscito, Castell dell' Ovo, Maschio Angioino or to plane a tour of Vesuvius and maybe be able to make a trip to Capri Island. Naples also offers the opportunity to discover the different collections art preserved in the major museums such as the Capodimonte or PAN this last is also evening meeting for drinks in the Naples committed.
Posted within the National Park of Vesuvius is certainly one of the main attractions of Naples. Anyone who is visiting Naples can not resist the call of a hike on the Vesuvius. It possible to drive until share 1000mt along the slopes of the volcano covered by lush Mediterranean vegetation spaced by streams of black lava. From altitude 1000mt to reaching the mouth of the crater is possible only walking along predefined paths and the less trained will be on top in 25/30 minutes (1200 meters). The climb takes place in a surreal atmosphere where unusual silence (especially realize by those who has just left the din of Naples) and smoke rising from the crater let to imagine scenes of the eruption in 79 AD. As you climb you will discover a spectacular view over the Gulf of Naples with at the skyline the islands of Ischia and Capri, while you discover at the foot of Vesuvius Pompei and Herculaneum. Before descend reserve a few minutes to choose the most extravagant shaped lava stone to take home. Once in the valley visiting the ruins of Herculaneum offers to revive the organization of the town at the time of the eruption, it is a tour that satisfies the most curious and does not require much time. The peculiarity of these excavations have unearthed highly perishable materials, such as food and papyrus that sealed in dried mud and ashes have allowed excellent preservation, and so the visit does seem able to transfer the visitor over the time. Do not miss to visit “casa del mosaico e di Anfitrite”, “La casa del tramezzo di legno” e “la casa del mobilio carbonizzato”.
The most full and rich squares in Naples is the historic Piazza Plebiscito a semicircular square overlooked the fantastic old Bourbon Royal Palace and the neoclassical facade of the Church of San Francesco di Paola. The square seems to be the meeting point of all artistic and natural beauties of the city, infact here is a short walk from the Spanish quarters with his bed sheets hung out to dry, the historic Galleria Umberto, the Teatro San Carlo, and also a glimpse of the sea. From there in just two minutes you can walk to the beautiful promenade Naples wich offers one of the most beautiful view in the world complete of the view on Castell dell'Ovo the most ancient castel of the city, the view of Capri Island, Posillipo and Vesuvius. Walking down the see it is also possible to visit the public gardens Villa Comunale desired by King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon in an attempt to imitate the "Tuilieres Parisian” and to afford him and the Neapolitan nobility a place to stroll, to meet and quiet. The ideal time to take a walk on the promenade is at sunset when the colors transform the city and locals on the Riviera di Chiaia and Borgo Marinari invite to aperitif. Continuing along the seafront you will reach Mergellina where you can eat the best seafood restaurants in town.
Naples is one of the most attractive and fascinating cities of Italy. Finding time to spend your Christmas in Naples will make your December holiday memorable. Like most cities of Italy, Christmas holiday here starts from December 8 until January 6. While in your Christmas holiday in Naples, you will be exposed to traditional entertainments, such as processions, scenes exposition, special markets, fireworks and gastronomical events. Looking at the city, one could admire the beautiful sceneries made from skillful craftsmanship to make the place attractive. This year’s preparation for Christmas holiday is amazing, the lights blend with the environment in a way that makes one feel he or she is on a different planet. Christmas in Naples will always give one a different feeling and experience, it’s a bit magical. The delightful events which happen during Christmas holiday are hard to forget. If you are looking for a gift to give somebody you value, bring him or her to Naples. The place is nothing compared to ordinary, talk of shopping, the dining, attractions, golfing among others. The musical entertainment and performance kicks off the evening before Christmas in an extraordinary atmosphere. Instead of somebody describing the atmosphere in Naples at Christmas holiday, find time and be part of the congregation this year. Naples provides you everything to make your holiday perfect. When we talk of Naples, it is hard not to mention nativity scenes. The city has a hundreds of the nativity scenes, which are made in a diversified nature. The displays range from traditional ones to modern ones and each of them having a unique and diversified nature. Christmas markets in Naples A visit to Naples Christmas market is one to remember. The local drinks and foods mouth-watering display in the markets makes it hard for one to pass by and do not buy anything. Via San Gregorio Armeno, which is a Christian market, gives tourists an opportunity to buy everything they need in order to create their own nativity scene. During the Christmas season, tourists come in large numbers to this market for a chance to experience the magical Christmas alley. Porta Nolana is another market found in Naples. The market is ideal for the freshest seafood in the area. It offers an exclusive and incredible opportunity for one to experience the traditional touch of the Naples city. Tradition Naples tradition is as ancient as the city itself. The midnight mass performed on the Christmas Eve and Minestra Maritata performed during the Christmas lunch, are the ones synonymous with the city. Spending a Christmas holiday in Naples means you will be kept entertained all through the time. The bag pipers keeps the people entertained as well as other games, which are played such as Tombola. The sharing of gifts and presents between friends and family members is synonymous in this area. The traditional nativity creates a central attraction in this area. The evangelical scene is also part of the Naples tradition. Spending your holiday (Christmas) will give you the chance to see and experience these ancient features. Apart from the nativity scenes is the procession of the Magi. Each of them represents three continents, which were known at the Biblical times. The continents are Africa, Europe, and Asia. The "Announcement to the shepherds" is another scene found in the area. It shows a message from the angel sent to tell the people about a miraculous occasion. Osteria is the last scene. It shows Joseph and Mary trying to find a place to rest. All this scenes make up the tradition of the Naples city. The scenes are touching to the heart and the eyes when watching them. By spending your Christmas in Naples, you will not miss the chance to experience them. Why spend your Christmas in Naples Naples strategic location on the Bay of Naples beneath Mt. Vesuvius makes it the most attractive city to travel during the Christmas holiday. It is among the top three largest cities in Italy. Travelling to Naples does not cost you a lot as compared to other cities in Italy. The foods in this area are affordable, for example, pizza can cost €5-7. This is cheap in Italy as to the standards of the country. The traditional foods in the area are not only delicious but have a unique taste. Travelling to Naples more so on Christmas holiday is the best thing to do. The culture and social life of the people plus the beautiful scenes make it enjoyable to go there.
It is a bell tower whose construction dates back to the nineteenth century and is located in Largo Piazza, in the municipality of Arzano. It was originally lower than what we see today. In 1843 it was elevated to the current height so that the chimes of the clock were heard also from the countryside. The tower was built on a square plan, rises up two floors and has arched windows on four sides. The tower was set up with a new clock, in marble, with mechanical operation in 1905.
Pompei, found in Italy, is a resort town that is situated in the Roman Empire. It is located in the Campania region in the Bay of Naples, south of Mt. Vesuvius (a volcanic mountain). It was founded by Oscans (Latin people) from the Pompey gen.Most probably, the name Pompei must have originated from these people. Discover the first part of what to see in Pompei. The Villa of the Mysteries This Villa is located just outside the city walls. On it is the most famous Pompeian wall-painting. It contains a room (that is called The Initiation Chamber) which is decorated with very beautiful but strange scenes. Initiations took place here and they marked a transition from childhood to adulthood. There is an opening between the first and last scenes of the fresco that leads into the chamber. Fresco images in the Villa of Mysteries shows the passage rites for the Pompei women. What a tourist enjoys here most are the wonderful frescoes and the mystery which took place in the ancient times. The Temple of Apollo It is located on the western side of the Forum to the north of the Basilica. It is the oldest building in the Forum and was built by the Greeks. Estruscan items and some other oldest remains were discovered here which dates back to the 575 BC. A tour to this place gives you a beautiful glimpse of how beautiful temples were devoted to the gods of the Ancient Rome. The House of the Faun In the whole of the Roman Republic, it is one of the most luxurious aristocratic houses. It is also the most expensive residence in the ancient Pompeii measuring 3,000 meters squared. On its floors were lavish mosaics but only a few are remaining in place. Some of these mosaics were removed and taken on display at the National Museum of Naples. On your entrance into this massive construction, you will see a statue of The Faun although this is a duplicate. The original statue was also taken on display to the National Museum of Naples. It is a wonderful house which gives one a lifetime wonderful experience. The house of the Ancient Hunt This is an attractive building in Pompei that is located a short distance from the House of Faun when heading towards the Porta di Nola gate. It has got many frescoes of hunting scenes. It contains some very fine examples of the 4th style generation. On the walls of the 2nd cubiculum are the winter and autumn personifications. There are other beautiful decorations inside this great historical house. Wonderful Paved Streets of Pompei Pompei’s streets are all paved. Volcanic salt basalt is the material that was used in paving these wonderful streets that have never experienced mud. Be keen when walking on these paved streets during wet seasons because basalt is extremely slippery when wet. They were constructed with stepping stones which keeps your feet away from muck from cart-hauling animals. Walks along these streets give one the whole tragic history of the Pompei city. Usually, it is very hot in these streets found in between the city walls. It is therefore advisable to carry a lot of water with you for body hydration purpose. Explore the whole of this area walking through these streets and let your eyes see all of the interesting features found in this place. The Basilica It is a wonderful public building that is located to the south west corner of the Forum. It was specifically used as a place of administering justice as well as where trade was carried on. The building’s main hall consists of a long columnar nave. Shaped tiles covered with stucco were used in the construction of these columns. The House of the Tragic Poet This is a house that is located in the Region VI across from the Forum baths. At its entry is a Latin word "cave canem" which means "beware the dog". There is also a decoration of a mosaic dog at the entrance which depicts all the features of a live dog. It contains a lot of paintings of Greek mythological subjects than any other place in the whole of Pompei. At its central position (center of the tablium floor) is a mosaic of actors that are about to go on stage to present a satyr play USEFUL TIPS TO THOSE TRAVELLING TO POMPEI You need cash because credit cards are not accepted at Pompei. Come with plenty of water and a sun hut because this is a very hot place. Great care should be taken when walking on the slick pavement stones. Best time to make your trip to Pompei is between the months of November through to April. During this time range, hotel rates drop, bus fares are affordable and there are no congestions in the narrow streets of Pompei. Advisable to arrive at Pompei just before the ruins open at 8.30. It is advisable to therefore stay somewhere nearby. Enjoy your holiday to the fullest over here and I assure you that at the end of it all, you will be longing for more of the Pompei. A dive into the past: Pompei - first part
In the city of Caserta we can find two squares. The oldest, which is called the ‘Piazza Mercato’, houses the market, and the Vanvitelli square, which is the main square consisting of the modern life of Caserta such as bars, hotels, banks, shops, boutiques and more. At the center of the Vanvitelli square we can see the statue of Luigi Vanvitelli the architect of the Royal Palace. Another sightseeing that is worth a visit is the Caserta’s war cemetery as it is an important piece from the World War II history. The cemetery was designed by Louis de Soissons and contains 768 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War. Other spots on your list to visit should include the Cathedral that was built in the 18th century and the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli. Like all other Italian cities, the region of Campania and more specifically the city of Caserta has more to offer than only history for the tourist explorer. You can find the market to buy fresh local products, have a relaxing coffee at the outdoor cafes, shop at the small boutiques or even dig out old valuable treasures at the antique shops. Finishing the tour or your day in the city of Caserta, you will have the chance to try the cooking traditions that influenced the specialties. The local food in Caserta is one of the best in the world. Some of the top dishes include the Neapolitan pizza, which is perfect only in this region of Italy, consisted of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and olive oil. Other dishes you should try is the ‘risotto alla pescatora’ which uses rice and other sea based flavors, the polpette, which is a traditional pasta with the mythic meatballs, and the caprese salad, which captivates the flavors of fresh tomatoes, laves of basil and olive oil together with the di bufala mozarella. These are only some of the excellent traditional dishes that you will have the chance to try in Caserta. To explore the city you will need strength, and what gives more strength, is a perfect meal full of energy. The city of Caserta will stimulate all your senses so let yourself being relaxed and live a new experience. This city should be in the top of the list of someone’s holiday destinations. Tips Through the days of the last Monday of August until the 15th of September, Caserta hosts a local music and art festival. You can experience the live concerts, the dance, the folk songs and the theater, among other things. Fact The first camellia imported from Japan was planted in 1880 in the ‘English Garden’.
Positano is a pearl of the Amalfi Coast that is located in the province of Salerno in Campania. Known all over the world, and appreciated since Romanesque times being a holiday place, this city is of a disarming beauty and the feeling you have is that of feel the protagonists of a romantic film, where love blossoms among the frame of a breathtaking landscape, as in the scenes of the American film Only You, starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. The mild climate invites you to spend wonderful days on the main beaches: the Grande beach and the Fornillo beach. The historic center of the village is in a high position compared to the beaches that can be easily reached through the typical local staircases. There are also interesting places to visit for those interested in art, history and culture: The Saracen Towers are a great example, they were built During the Middle Ages with the aim of spotting the enemy and facilitating local protection, in those times the Saracens had been stained with numerous atrocities against the population of Positano. Discover all the attractions to visit in Positano.
It was in Positano, in the early 1950s, that the bikini began to be lucky among the VIPs who attended the beaches of Fornillo and Laurito. Fashion hasn't passed and world-sized VIPs keep coming to buy this lucky and now classic garment. Fashion attracts them, but also the fabulous location of the famous pearl of the Amalfi coast, stuck between the rough wall of a mountain and the sea, blue and dotted with lonely rocks. The wall is attached, almost 'hanging', colourful houses that create a surreal atmosphere. In Positano you come for shopping - its streets, even the most lost ones, are full of shops and shops of various types and real high fashion boutiques. Here the so-called “Positano fashion” is born, i.e. sarong, swimwear, skirts, shirts — all very colorful and almost all handmade. In many of the local craft stores you can try to deal with prices to avoid spending a wealth. Equipped with a swimsuit (strictly made in Positano), you can swim. Among the most famous beaches in Positano are Arienso, Laurito and Fornillo. Being in the immediate vicinity of the city they are very popular with tourists, but they certainly deserve a short stop. Also because Positano is very small and can be visited, quietly, in half a day. The bathroom would therefore complete the day perfectly. It would be fabulous in the evening when all the restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors turn on the lights and start the evening. Among some practical advice is always to avoid Positano in high season, when finding a parking space becomes an opera. Instead, taste fish and limoncello that has nothing to do with what you drink from bottles purchased in supermarkets. The limoncello of Positano has a divine taste thanks to the quality of the lemons of the Amalfi coast, which are also used for the production of bath salts, soaps and fragrances.
When I first saw the movie “Only You”, starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr., I fell in love not only with the fascinating story of modern Cinderella, but also especially of the wonderful places where the film was shot... One of these places is Positano, in the Italian Campania region... I was looking forward to visiting this beautiful place! I still can't forget the deep impact that caused me the path... the landscape was just stunning, but the curves of the path a little less... but it's it's worth it. How much did I take advantage of this wonderful trip! In addition to being a wonderful and really exciting place, we can also keep in shape, there are many steps we need to use to reach places that we want to visit. It is fully understood why this place was already loved in Roman times... it's gorgeous! It's romantic! It's magical and mysterious, especially during the full moon. The view I had from the balcony of my hotel, is something that I will keep kept forever in my memory... Uncancellable! Goodbye Positano!
Praiano occupies the stretch of the Amalfi coast between Positano and Conca dei Marini, on both sides of Capo Sottile. At the center of the upper part of the village, in a beautiful panoramic position, lies the main church of Praiano dedicated to the patron saint of the country, San Luca Evangelista., built in 1600 in a sober and austere style. The lower part of the city stretches towards the Marina di Praia, the only landing point of the ancient city, with the beach carved between two high rock walls , at the outlet of the rugged valley of Praia. Guarding the Navy is on the promontory the Torre a Mare of medieval origin, built to spot and give the alarm against the Saracen invasions. Today the Marina di Praia is a popular seaside resort and with short boat trips it is possible to visit the coast in the surroundings. , in particular the evocative Grottoes of Suppraiano and the African Cave. On the other side of Capo Sottile, with a splendid view of Positano and the entire final part of the peninsula and the island of Capri, is the hamlet of Vettica Maggiore, which rises around the Church of San Gennaro, famous for being also the patron saint of the city of Naples. Not far from the center of Vettica Maggiore, going down towards the sea, are the Torre di Grado and the Gavitella Beach & nbsp; in the homonymous cove, the only beach on the Amalfi Coast illuminated by the sun until sunset, for its happy exposure to the west with a view over Positano and Capri.
