Naples Favorites

Favorite thing: This very sober medieval church is a truly impressive and pure construction, striking in contrast with the other places of worship which abound in Naples. The lighting and mood go very well with the fact a convent is right by its side. It has well resisted the Renaissance opulence, to retain catholiv ferbour and devotion. It is in the heart of Staccanapoli.

Favorite thing: The "new" castle is now a very old legacy of the city's military might and importance. Seen from its northern front (like here), it is not as impressive as seen from the sea, where one can see how tall and mighty it stands.

Favorite thing: This grand building now hosts a museum, but its architecture makes it worth a visit in itself. Located just behing the Castel Nuovo in the south-western part of the city center, it has that classic Renaissance feel, those great lines and colours, and a carefully planned sense of space and dimensions.

Favorite thing: A typical narrow but high street, in a poor condition. I was stopped by the sight of this man with his umbrella… Via dei Tribulani is one of the two streets to cut across Staccanapoli, the old and tight part of the city. The atmosphere is very special, and different from teh wide shopping streets of many other Italian cities. I loved the atmosphere there.

Favorite thing: The architecture of the church takes inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome, and its half circle colonnade mirrors the one in fron of St Peter. Its inside is very balanced and pleasant, but its most interesting features are the original neon lights and bronze skulls at the entrance (see Off Beaten Path tips for more). It is located in the south-western part of the city's center, opposite the Palazzo Reale.

Favorite thing: This old castle has a magnificent location, in the middle of the bay, offering such great views with the Vesuvio. It can be visited - an interesting walk in a very medieval atmosphere, with very good views on the city and bay.

Favorite thing: The Bay of Naples is one of the most impressive settings for a city. The city itself is actually on two bays separated by the Castel dell'Ovo, with the center being on the east, and Mergellina on the west (roughly). This is the view of the western bay - a very scenic look into a unique city.

Favorite thing: If you arrive here by air, be sure to be prepared for the chaos at "Capo" Airport. Outside doesn't look or act like an airport you are used to from the states. It's even different than airports I've been to (Frankfurt, Heathrow, Stansted, Montpellier, and Pescara in Europe)
The location couldn't be much worse. There is no easy access to downtown from here. You can't take the train to Napoli Centrale so you must rely on cabs or a rental car. If you haven't been here before, and are renting a car, be prepared. Drive straight out the front, go through the circle, and take a right at the intersection. Get on the Tangenziale and proceed with extreme caution on the freeway. Follow the signs to Centro if you are going in that direction. Good luck.