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GALLERIA UMBERTO
This public shopping gallery is not to be missed. It is home to perhaps the largest glass-roofed arcade in the world. With a breathtaking mosaic of the zodiac on the floor at the centre, the Galleria’s arching dome above reaches a height of 184 feet.
CASTEL NUOVO
www.comune.napoli.it
Castel Nuovo was once the residence of the kings and viceroys of Naples. Originally constructed by Charles I of Anjou in 1279-82, it was later enlarged by Alfonso I of Aragon and has recently been restored.
L’ARTE DELLA PIZZA
www.lartedellapizzadasalvatore.it
Its name says it all! Located in the Vomero district of Naples, ‘The Art of Pizza’ is perhaps one of the city’s best pizzerias. Its owner, Gaetano Esposito, is known to have produced some of its best pizzas for Italy’s prime ministers and presidents.
CAPELLA SAN SEVERO
www.museosansevero.it
Sitting in the historic center, Capella San Severo is well worth a visit. It contains works of art by some of the leading Italian artists of the 18th century and especially, the famous life-size ‘Veiled Christ’, a marble sculpture created by a young Neapolitan sculptuor called Giuseppe San Martino in 1753.
THE SANTA CHIARA MUSEUM COMPLEX
www.santachiara.info
The complex is located inside the Franciscan citadel and includes the Museum, the Archaelogical Area, the Majolica-tiled Cloister, and the collection of Nativity Scenes (also known as Christmas Cribs) from the 1700s. The Cloister is one of the city’s symbols and is a must-see.
SAN PAOLO MAGGIORE
www.sanpaolomaggiore.it
One of Italy’s most treasured basilica churches, San Paolo Maggiore is a sacred area known to be the burial place of Gaetano Thiene, the founder of the Order of Clerics Regular (or Theatines). The interior of San Paolo Maggiore is especially impressive with its Latin cross plan and frescoes.
GIOVANNI SCATURCHIO
www.scaturchio.it
This sweet shop and café has been satisfying locals since 1900 and produces a range of traditional Neapolitan sweets, cakes and candies including one of Naples’ most famous; a rich multilayered pastry filled with ricotta cheese called ‘sfogliatella’.
PARCO SOMMERSO DI BAIA
www.areamarinaprotettabaia.it
This underwater marine park is located off the coast of the Bay of Naples. It contains mosaics, traces of frescoes, sculptures, road layouts and columns submerged nearly 5 meters below sea level.
DIVING /Consorzio Campano Assodiving Flegreum
www.sportevita.it
The consortium offers archaeological dives operated by qualified divers in the underwater marine park.
BAIA MONUMENTAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK
Legend has it, this beautiful town took its name from "Bajos", the companion of Ulysses, who died and was buried here. Its Archaeological Park contains several delightful structures and hydraulic plants: the "Temples", the "Piscina Mirabilis" (Admirable Pool), the "Tomb of Agrippina", the "Theatre" and a series of "Monumental tombs". |
CASTELLO ARAGONESE IN ISCHIA
www.castelloaragonese.it
Located just off the volcanic island of Ischia, Castello Aragonese is one of the island’s most famous landmarks. Reaching a height of 113 meters and about 56,000 square meters wide, the castle is now the most visited monument on the island and is only accessed through a narrow tunnel.
PLATYPUS ITINERARY
www.learningholiday.it
A specialist Ischian tour operator fronted by two charismatic brothers; Alessandro and Emanuele Matera. Their knowledge of the Island, its origins and what is has to offer is amazing.
GIARDINI LA MORTELLA
www.lamortella.org
La Mortella is the beautiful garden that Susana Walton, wife of the British composer Sir William Walton, has created on the island of Ischia. The garden hosts a collection of plants coming from various parts of the world, such as tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, Proteas and Aloes from South Africa, and Yuccas and Agaves from Mexico.
HERCULANEUM
www.pompeiisites.org
Before its destruction in 79 A.D by Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum was a beautiful city and home to Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans. Though all its buildings and houses were destroyed, almost all the objects that were inside were saved.
MAV
www.museomav.com
Located a hundred yards from the edge of the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, The Virtual Museum of Archaeology (MAV) is truly a first for museums. There are no real artefacts inside the walls but instead monitors, touch screens, and backlit projections in a virtual universe which take you around the villas of Rome’s most famous emperors.
SORRENTO
www.sorrentotourism.com
Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento is one of Italy’s finest tourist destinations. Sorrento's sea cliffs are an impressive attraction and its luxury hotels have attracted famous personalities over the years such as Goethe, Hemingway and Luciano Pavarotti.
GIARDINI DI CATALDO
Established in 1999, "I Giardini di Cataldo" grow lemons continuing a 19th century tradition and produces local after dinner liqueur called ‘Limoncello’ which can be tasted and purchased on site.
RISTORANTE BUCO DI SORRENTO
www.ilbucoristorante.it
Local cuisine and wines can be tasted in this picturesque restaurant.
GRAND HOTEL PRESIDENT
www.ghpresident.com
This 4 star hotel offers some of the best views in Sorrento and quality services.
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It’s one of the most beautiful spots on the planet and has been attracting the rich and famous since the time of the Roman Emperors. Danann Breathnach explores the stunning bay of Naples and uncovers a world of sunken cities, ancient remains and of course, some great pizza. He gets under the skin of Naples, dips into the thermal pools of Ischia, and overdoes it on the wonderful limoncello of Sorrento.