Hello darlings!
How are you doing during this pandemic?
When I am thinking about the lack of achievements and productiveness this year brought at my doorstep, I don't know where to hide. Actually, nearly a year from now, something in my life turned absolutely upside down and it doesn't seem to back to normal since. So, the reason of my infrequency and carelessness is deep inside me for a bit of a time now. Hopefully, it will change soon.
That's why I've decided to give myself a little push and post a small series about my last-years trip to Italy - the first ever holiday I took with my Dad. I hope you will enjoy a little itinerary and photos we've taken. As always - be aware that photos are not filtered, photo-shopped or enhanced in any way.
2 day itinerary in Naples - It's very intense itinerary so feel free to divide it into more days if you are planning to stay in the are for longer. We have moved on the third day to Sorrento but that will be in another post soon.
Day 1
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli - Archaeological Museum in short. Full of history, reconstructions, figures and actual items from Pompeii, this museum is a great place to start your exploration! You will get yourself into the right mood and It's really a good call to visit this place if you are planning to go to Pompeii ruins later as it gives you better idea what to expect. Also, you will learn about mythology and famous Vesuvius volcano. As you are already in city centre - everything else is few steps away (or few sub stations away). It's good to visit the museum first thing in the morning to avoid waves of tours coming in.
Santa Maria di Costantinopoli - XVI-century Catholic church located in the heart of the city. Unfortunately the day we have visited was a day of Saint Januarius who happens to be a patron of Naples so you can only imagine the amount of people (and police) around any church on that day. It's really a big holiday in Naples but outside this date it is highly recommended to visit this place.
Cattedrale di Napoli (Duomo di Napoli) - We have experienced similar story as described above. Tones of people everywhere celebrating the Saint Januarius Day, especially that this Cathedral was built in honor of the city's patron. The first phase of the building started in XIV century but it was only completed in XIX century. In the cathedral you can find out about Miracle of the blood as well as history behind paintings and decorations in and outside Cathedral. I am always weak when it comes to architecture of sacred buildings.
Piazza del Gesù Nuovo - as we walk towards the coast we reach the weirdest looking church I have ever seen - Church Gesu Nuovo placed on the square in historic part of the city. This is where we decided to do a little stop for drinks before heading to the port.
Sacrestia del Vasari - Vasari Sacristy - Another sacred building wort visiting while walking around the city, decorated with beautiful frescoes of Giorgio Vasali.
Castel Sant'Elmo - fortress built on the top of the hill overlooking the city of Naples, the sea and Vesuvio volcano. Views? Breathtaking. However, by foot it's not very easy trek so make sure you have got plenty of water with you on a hot, summer day. If you don't trust yourself and your physical abilities it's better to get a bus or taxi to give you a lift high up. I've seen a lot of people coming by cars. But well, for us the part of exploration and wandering is walk as much as possible and that's what we did this time, too. The castle served as an autonomous military outpost and it continued to be so until late 70s when the Campania's authorities decided on its renovation. Now it is home to a museum, exhibition hall and offices. Absolute must-see while in Naples, just to get out of the city centre.
This is very intensive day 1 in Naples. Spend your evening on finding a great dining to fulfill the Italian experience and have a good sleep before you hit those streets to explore again tomorrow!
Day 2
Galleria Umberto I - Umberto Gallery is one of the public's shopping galleries in city centre. It wouldn't be anything interesting about it if that would be in any other city in the world. You will think - shopping centre is a shopping centre - well.. nothing more wrong! Designed by Emanuelle Rocco and called by the King of Italy - gallery is truly a masterpiece you can experience just by walking through. It's a good stop for ice cream too.
Piazza del Plebiscito and Palazzo Reale di Napoli - large public square few minutes away from the gallery with amazing and breathtaking view on the Royal Palace of Naples on the other side - makes it a great place for soaking the history and.. taking tones of photos! The building decorated is in statues - statues of rulers of Naples since its founding in the XII century. This place is absolutely worth your time. At the square you will also find the neoclassical facade of San Francesco di Paola's church, built on the model of Pantheon.
Castel dell'Ovo - Ovo Castle is located at the sea side of Naples. Small fishing village called Borgo Marinaro developed around the castle in XIX century and it's well known for its restaurants and marina. It makes a great place for a stop or continue to walk along the seaside to see more, like;
Castel Nuovo;
Fontana del Gigante - monumental fountain designed in XVII century;
Monument to Giambattista Vico;
Lungomare Caracciolo.
Honorable mentions:
Toledo metro station- located in the busiest shopping district in Naples. Even if you don't really like traveling by subway it must be a huge mistake not to see the most famous underground station - Toledo. Award-winning metro station! I won't say more - It's your call to pay a visit and judge if it was worth it! But I totally encourage you to do so.
I hope you enjoyed a little journey around Naples with me. Of course, there is plenty other attractions and places to see like underground city or more sacred places but this is what we actually visited and we couldn't squeeze anything else into our schedule. Hopefully, this will make your next trip to Naples a bit easier when you start planning what to see.
Please, let me know about any off-beaten path attractions in Naples, I will add it to my list whenever I'm there next! Thank you for spending your time visiting my blog and don't forget to follow me on Instagram - mags.travels - to be always on time with traveling photos and updates!
