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Guide to Naples, Italy
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Naples
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NaplesSome say its wonderful, some say its chaotic, and some say its unusual, but rarely has anyone ever expressed dislike for Naples. It can be noisy and overwhelmingly crowded, but Naples the third-largest city in Italy is visited more for the buzz than for any other reason. Countless visitors have expressed enjoyment in the fact that the city is not a showy place, with beautiful expansive boulevards and frolicking park-goers. Its relatively safe, but not a city where evening walks are advisable. A walk along the bay, to an outdoor caf, or to an ancient site, will allow you to see why Naples is one of the most sought-out destinations in Europe every year.
When to go:
The ideal time to visit Naples is early-summer (April to June), when the crowded piazzas are not so crowded, prices are significantly lower, and the weather is just about right. Late-summer, on the other hand, is the worst time to visit. Youll find yourself elbowing too many people along the sidewalks and youll be spending most of your budget just on accommodations; the beating sun isnt very welcoming either. Autumn can be nice, however, and winter, though a bit chilly and rainy, brings a freshness that you wont find any other time of the year.
Getting there and around:
All flights international and domestic to Naples arrive at Capodichino Airport, which is roughly 8km (5mi) from the city centre. Because of the frequent flight schedule, the terminal must accommodate the great number of travelers, and it does this superbly. Capodichino has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable: exchange bureau, post office, bank service, information desk, lounges, and car rental agencies.
Most of the citys inhabitants travel via bus. It is the cheapest way to go (besides walking, of course), and though the buses get crowded, they are reliable, and get to their destinations quickly. The only downsides to the bus system and these are pretty big downsides are the confusing schedules and routes. They are not friendly to visitors, but once you ride the buses for a while, you get the gist of them. Besides, one look at the total fare of a taxi ride and youll be springing for bus tickets in no time.
Attractions:
The best way to see Naples is take a brief tour of the city, and then ditch the wheels and walk to the citys landmark buildings. Many of the citys buildings are more than just architecturally sophisticated; they have great history. Well take you through a few.
A great first-stop is the Gothic church of Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore. Contruction was completed in 1324, but because of slight damage sustained after the earthquake of 1456, part of the interior had to be done over. But, instead of creating faux-Baroque pieces to coincide with the original work, architects chose to mix the old with neo-Gothic work.
The Duomo, in Naples, is one of the most spectacular sites youll visit in Italy. At first glance, youll known that it was first built in 1272, and later restored and altered after the 1456 earthquake. But what many dont know is that the cathedral was built on the site of several earlier churches. Even more fascinating is history of this site doesnt stop there. Before the earliest churches were built, a pre-Christian temple dedicated to the god Neptune stood here.
Napless Museo Archeologico Nazionale holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Greco-Roman artifacts in the world. Pieces from Pompeii and Herculaneum can be found here, along with Etruscan and Egyptian items. Starting as a housing complex for cavalry, and then altered into a university, the Museo Acheologico Nazionale not only holds history within, it is history itself.
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