Naples Things to Do

Castel Nuovo, often called Maschio Angioino, is a castle in the city of Naples, southern Italy. It is the main symbol of the architecture of the city.

Before the accession of Charles I of Anjou to the throne in 1266, the capital of the Kingdom of Naples was Palermo. There was a royal residence in Naples, at the Castel Capuano. However, when the capital was moved to Naples, Charles ordered a new castle, not far from the sea, built to house the court.

Works, directed by French architects, began in 1279 and were completed three years later. Due to the events of the Sicilian Vespers, the new fortress remained uninhabited until 1285, when Charles died and was succeeded by his son, Charles II. Castel Nuovo became soon the nucleus of the historical center of the city, and was often the site of famous events. For example, on December 13, 1294, Pope Celestine V resigned as pope in a hall of the castle. Eleven days later, Boniface VIII was elected pope here by the cardinal collegium and immediately moved to Rome to avoid the Angevine authority.

Under king Robert (reigned from 1309), the castle was enlarged and embellished, becoming a centre of patronage of art. In 1347 Castel Nuovo was sacked by the army of Louis I of Hungary, and had to be heavily restored after the return of queen Joanna I. The new works permitted the queen to resist the Hungarian siege during Louis' second expedition. The castle was besieged numerous times in the following years, and was the official residence of King Ladislas from 1399. It decayed under his sister Joanna II.

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An impressive looking piazza that would have looked better if it were not for all the graffiti. Piazza Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples. It is named for the plebiscite taken in 1860 that brought Naples into the unified Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy.

It is bounded on the east by the Royal Palalace and on the west by the church of San Francesco di Paola with the colonnades extending to both sides.

There are very few fountains that have traveled as much as this one. Apparently, this fountain started out at the port when it was built in the 1500’s. It was commissioned on the order of Enrico de Guzman, the Spanish viceroy at the time and was situated so that it faced his residence. The Neptune design was done by Giovanni da Nola and the two satyrs were done by Pietro Bernini.

In 1629, it was moved up to Piazza Plebiscito. Then, in 1634, it was moved down to the sea at Santa Lucia where it was in such danger of being exposed to artillery fire that it was moved up to via Medina more or less where it is today. In 1647 it was repaired after being damaged as bits and pieces were taken away as souvenirs. In 1659, it was moved again, this time to Calata San Marco about two blocks from its current location. In 1700 it was moved back to via Medina to be nearer to the main road leading down to the port. At that time sea horses and tritons were added to the statue. In 1898 it was moved to Piazza Borsa on Corso Umberto near the Stock Exchange. That square is currently the site of construction for the new Naples Metro underground train line, so in 2001 the statue was moved back to via Medina where it was in 1640.

The statue's current location is described as temporary and it is to be returned to Piazza Borsa when they finish the metro station in that square. So grab a slice of pizza at Trattoria Medina and view this beautiful statue before it moves again.

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Via Partenope is the main drag that runs along the bay of Naples. This is where all the expensive hotels like the Excelsior and the Continental are. The street is a great place to take a stroll and people watch either on the side of the hotels or across the street near the bay.

At night the street is alive and a great place for a romantic stroll with all the lights of the city illuminating on bay front. There are many restaurants with outdoor seating that are packed.

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Giardini Pubblici is a park situated near Palazzo Reale and Molo Beverello. There are kiddie rides and vendors selling ballons and different food.

There are also two clay tennis courts that you can play on. Not sure how, but I'm sure that you would have to reserve the courts ahead of time. There is also a court area to play soccer.

All in all a good place for stroll, to take the family or do some people watching.

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Right off of Via Caracciolo there is a beach area, the only beach area I saw for it is mostly rocks. Anyway, the fishermen show off their morning catch. Various seafood from octopus to sea urchins can be found.

What caught my attention, was the guy with the knife and the octopus (photo 4). Apparently the octopus was making his last stand vigorously fighting for its life. I could see the fisherman struggling with it as it bite his hand. He then took his knife out and the battle was over.

San Ferdinando is in the area of Naples, that includes the Palazzo Reale, Piazza del Plebiscito, and the San Carlo opera house.

The church of San Ferdinando was built between 1628 and 1660 together with the convent. It was paid for by a Grammar school, the Compagnia di Gesu. The designers were Giovanni Giacomo Conforto and Cosimo Fanzago. 19th Century restoration changed the facade. When the Jesuits were exiled from the Kingdom of Naples governed by Borbone, the church was given to the Constantinian Cavalry and was dedicated, by way of thanks to the saint from whom King Ferdinando I received his name. In the church, popular with the Neapolitans and very well-attended, until a few years ago, there were spectacular religious events during Holy Week - artists from the San Carlo theatre performed Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. The interior is a Latin Cross with a central nave and side chapels.

The church was originally a Jesuit house of worship and was opened in 1665. It was originally dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, friend of St. Ignatius Loyola and one of the members of the first company of Jesuits. The original name of the church was, in fact, San Francesco Saverio. The interior of the church displays numerous works of art depicting the life and missionary activities of St. Francis Xavier. The church was rededicated to San Ferdinando when the Jesuits were expelled from Naples in 1767.

The fountain La Fontana dell'Immacolatella, made of white and gray marble, was built by Michelangelo Naccherino and Pietro Bernini in 1601. It is adorned with coats of arms and eagles, and the central coat of arms is upheld by two angels.