One, one hundred, one thousand cities in the same space, in the enchanting and unmistakable space of the most famous Gulf in the world: Naples, that reveals, starting from its name, its Greek origins. It is homeland of kings, artists and great figures in history, but even of characters that you can only meet in the streets and lanes of this town. who doesn’t know pizza, spaghetti and mandolin? In fact, the beauties of this enchanting land are renowned: from the archaeological finds to the handcraft shops. The visitor is fascinated by the cooking just as much as by the majesty of Mount Vesuvius or the Capri’s Stacks and by the Bourbon’s china from Capodimonte. The citizens say that you can identify a Neapolitan everywhere, because who is native of this land is a carrier, in his DNA, of all the typicality of an original and unequaled town. Tourists cannot be indifferent to the enigmatic fascination of the market, the fishing boats and the women on the balconies, as they achieve an inexplicable value in this town. The bracing and silvery air of Naples, rich in scents and perfumes mixed with the saltiness of the wonderful sea that laps on its shores, can remember that even the air itself, like Venus, was born between the clear waves of the Mediterranean.

O:)

HIS MAJESTY VESUVIUS

The Vesuvius chimney-top overlooks the Gulf of Naples so as to remind – through its plume – of its strength that has never been appeased. As a warning to the population, you find the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum – the two Roman towns that were buried by volcanic ash and lapilli during the eruption in 79 A.D. and were given back intact by excavations, thanks to the amazing preservation guaranteed by the volcanic matter that covered them. For those loving adventure, going through the natural park of the Vesuvius makes it possible to observe the riches of wild flora and fauna.

THE HEART OF NAPLES

“Piazza del Plebescito” is the best starting point to go through the historical town-center and to enjoy the town artistic beauties. The equestrian statues of Ferdinand of Bourbon and Charles III stand in the middle of this hexagonal square that was built under Murat. At the end , you find St.Francis of Paula’s church that was erected and modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Royal Palace faces this sacred building, with the numerous statues of the sovereigns that look at the visitor from the niches obtained in the imposing facade. Beside it, there is the famous San Carlo Theater – its importance and size being second only to Scala Theater in Milan – rich in galleries and boxes featuring a rare handicraft ability.

A SYMBOL DEAR TO ALL NEAPOLITANS

The Maschio Angioino (Angevin Keep) was built by the architect of Charles I of Anjou, Pierre d’Agincourt, from 1279 to 1282, following the model of the French castle in Angers. Modified by Alfonso I of Aragon during the 15th century, its shows the Aragonese coat of arms in the mighty entrance arch. From the terrace, you enjoy a gorgeous view of the harbor and Vesuvius, while in the moats around the castle, in the early morning the typical flower market is held, overwhelming with colors and fragrances.

HER MAJESTY PIZZA “MARGHERITA”

In 1780, the pizzeria called “Pietro…e basta cosi” (Peter…and that’s all) was founded at Salita S. Anna di Palazzo, not far from the Royal Palace. Its name derived from one of the first owners, Pietro Colicchio, known as “the pizzaiuolo” (pizza-market) who did not have either brothers or children and so he sold the pizzeria to Enrico Brandi, who then handed it to his daughter Maria Giovanna Brandi, the bribe-to-be of Raffaele Esposito. In June 1889, during a visit to Naples paid by the royal couple, Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy, Esposito was invited at the Royal Palace in Capodimonte. Raffaele Esposito made three types of pizza: a white pizza with oil, cheese and basil; a pizza with “cecenielle”(tiny baby fish); and a pizza with mozzarella cheese and tomato. The third one was welcomed by Queen Margherita, and Raffaele Esposito paid her respects without fail and gave the pizza name of the Queen: and so, in June 1889, the most famous pizza – the pizza Margherita – was born. On June 11th, 1889, the “Ufficio di Bocca”(Taste Office) of the Royal Family had a letter of compliments sent to the great pizza-market – this letter being still put up in the Ancient Brandi Pizzeria. Since then, from generation to generation, the centuries-old tradition went on, up to the present day.

ENTERTAINMENT BY NIGHT

Two are the places that are greatly appreciated by local youth and are indicated in the tourist guides. “Pavana private club” is a lounge bar in ethnic style, made with great care for detail and twinned with “Glorieta” in Majorca. At the entranc, you find the lounge area with sofas and coffee tables, then a long bar and large wooden tables with high stools, soft lights and strictly lounge music being diffused. The atmosphere is enjoyable and dynamic. It is right place to have fun in a trendy atmosphere. “Cafe Cool” is a very trendy disco dinner club or lounge space in the historical town-center. This club is close to piazza del Gesu but the atmosphere mainly reminds of the clubs in the “Big Apple”: it is divided into two rooms. When entering, you find PC station to navigate in the network, a long bar made of dark wood and leather small sofas. In the second room, there are installations on the walls and small tables for a quick dinner. Music is always selected with great care and varies from dance revival to house and chill out music.

O:)