Naples is an enchanted place to discover step by step. With its millennium history and its old traditions, Naples makes the perfect setting for a very romantic, relaxing and culture-rich place for a vacation. Here is the top ten list of spots you do not want to miss when vsiting this beautiful southern Italian city.
Must-See Castles and Lakes in Naples, Italy
10. The Sibilla Cumana (The Sibilla of Cuma). Located in Cuma, the first Greek colony in Italy, the Sibilla Cumana is a magical place, with its mysterious and obscure history. Walking down the long and tall oval arch, you will find yourself in a very dark cave. The legend tells of a woman, Sibilla, who lived there. She foretold the future to many heroes of the Greek and Roman mythology who used to visit her before important battles, to know whether or not they would succeed.
9. Castel dell’Ovo (The Egg Castle). Located down town Naples, this castle has been built on the sea, a very strategic place where soldiers could fend off enemy forces attacking from the sea. Legend has it that underneath the castle there is a magical egg kept in a small crystal box. If the egg ever broke, it would be the end for the entire city of Naples.
8. Maschio Angioino or Castel Nuovo (New Castle). Built in 1282 and located close to Castel dell’Ovo, this imposing castle has a triumphant arch that better decorates its entrance hall. The name Maschio Angioino was given in honor of Naples’ former king, Charles I of Anjou, who moved the capital of the Kingdom of Naples from Palermo, in Sicily, to Naples.
7. Lago D’Averno (Lake Avernus). This breath-taking lake is located near the volcanic field known as Campi Flegrei. Lago D’Averno is a volcanic crater lake. The name has Greek origins, α?ορνος, meaning “birdless.” Its waters released poisoned fumes that killed the birds. For this reason, people used to think that the lake was in fact the entrance to Hades, the mythological Greek underworld.
6. Montesanto Market Place. Montesanto is well-known for its daily market of fresh fish. It is considered to be a unique Neapolitan experience, for its positive energy spread by venders who sing traditional songs of their beloved city and the uncountable different sounds and smells that characterize this place.
Volcanoes and Walking Tours in Naples, Italy
5. Spaccanapoli. Close to Montesanto there is yet another famous road: Spaccanapoli. It literally means “the road that separates Naples in two parts.” It is one of the oldest roads in Naples, with venders that decorate this extremely narrow street with souvenirs and typical Italian food, such as pasta and pizza.
4. Partenope Statue. It is the statue of a mermaid, called Partenope, who lived in what is now the city of Naples. Legend has it that Ulysses heard her signing and fell in love with her. When he founded the first Greek colony in Italy, he called it Partenope, after his beloved one. It was only many years later that the city changed its name in Naples, which means New City, from Nea Polis. Nowadays Neapolitan people also refer to themselves as Partenopei, meaning Partenope’s children.
3. Solfatara. Located in Pozzuoli, the Solfatara is actually an active volcano. It releases fumes and natural hot water that perfectly function as a sauna. The Solfatara was actually a used for thermal baths due to its natural mud pit and steamy water.
2. Vesuvio (Mount Vesuvius). Probably one of the most famous tourist attractions when visiting Naples, Vesuvio is indeed a must. The origins of its name are not sure, due to the melting pot of different cultures that Naples used to be. However, according to the most common meaning, Vesuvius means “unquenchable” or “hurling violence,” for the frequency of its eruption and the tragic events caused by them.
1. Pizzeria da Michele. You can’t go to Naples without eating the real southern Italian pizza. The pizzeria da Michele is the best place to be when such need has to be satisfied. It is the oldest pizzeria in the entire city, dating back to 1870. The poems in Neapolitan dialect on the walls of the pizzeria explain why you can only order two types of pizza (Margherita and Marinara): they are the original ones. All the other types with different topping that followed afterwards are mere imitations.
Visiting Naples
When visiting Naples it is impossible not to be fascinated by its historical and legendary places. In a mix of tradition, magic and modernity Naples is indeed one of the most romantic and enchanted cities of southern Italy whose inhabitants will take care of your thirst for knowledge, your appetite and will make you smile.
Brunella Irma Costagliola - Brunella Irma Costagliola is a full-time writer and a published author. Her book is titled "Gangster Movies in Gangsta Rap"
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