Naples

Archaeological drown parks Naples, regional capital city of Campania, extends along the homonymous gulf, over the splendid Tyrrhenian seaside, between the majestic Vesuvius and the charming Campi Flegrei (Phlegrean Fields- quaternary caldera). The “captivating city” is very famous for its artistic and architectural treasures, signs of a culturally significant past; thanks to the uniqueness of its historical quarter it has been declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The Neapolitan economy draws its resources from the developed international tourism, as well as from an important commercial and industrial activity, benefited by the presence of one of the main Mediterranean ports. The first urban aggregate in the area was Palaepolis, founded in the 9^th century BC, while the new city, Neapolis, dates back to the 5^th century BC, being part of Roman territories. After a Byzantine period, the Normans annexed it to the newborn Kingdom of Sicily in the 12^th century, but the city had to wait for the Angevins to be a capital city again. Naples boasts some of the most famous architectural and cultural Italian attractions, from the majestic Castel dell’Ovo to the massive Maschio Angioino castle (or Castelnuovo), from the eighteenth-century San Carlo Theatre to the legendary Monastery of Santa Chiara, from the splendid Duomo (Cathedral) to the historical Piazza Plebiscito. The museum facilities offered to visitors are very significant: among them the underwater Archaeological parks in Baia and Gaiola, unique examples in the Mediterranean Sea, the prestigious Città delle Scienze (a science centre) in Bagnoli, the Reggia di Capodimonte Palace with its china and the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which is considered the most important one in Europe. Among the unforgettable experiences of those who have spent their holidays in the splendid city, it is impossible not to mention the underground tour through the ancient Graeco-Roman cisterns and the exciting catacombs. Speaking of the main musts for tourists in the area, do not forget the refined gastronomy that every year attracts visitors from all over the world to the town: pizza, pastasciutta (pasta and sauce), sfogliatelle (puffs filled with ricotta and candied fruit), the babà (a dessert), the zeppole (a cake) and the pastiera (Italian cake) are just some of the set pieces of a universally appreciated cooking.