Naples is fascinating. A city like no other. Beautiful, overwhelming, chaotic, greedy, poor, luxurious, with the sea, palaces, historical ruins and special castles. A site that leaves no one indifferent.
The vast majority of people who visit it are amazed by this unique mix of elements and a certain atmosphere of madness and freedom that surrounds everything. Let’s take Naples and see where its chaos leads us.
Naples, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea
The character of Naples would be incomprehensible without its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The city rises to the sea and its beaches are its best views. From some you can see the island of Capri and especially the profile of Vesuvius, one of them The most famous volcanoes in the worldand whose menacing presence undoubtedly contributes to the peculiar character of the Neapolitans.
This characteristic madness, which has one of the most charismatic places in the monumental castle of the egg (dell’Ovo), in the center of the city, even though it occupies an island on the sea. Legend has it that the Roman poet Virgil hid a magic egg in the foundation of this castle.. And here it must be continued, because the same legend says that if this egg falls and breaks, the same will happen to the whole castle, except that Naples will suffer a disaster.
The monumental heart of Naples
A short distance from this castle and its legend is the most monumental place in Naples. It’s an easy walk from the sea to the wide Plaza del Plebiscito, surrounded by a colonnaded portico that flanks the round church of San Francisco de Paula.and three palaces at other cardinal points: the Prefectural Palace, Salerno Palace, and the Royal Palace.
Like we said, walking here from the beach is easy and fast, almost easier than going by car or motorbike because the traffic can be crazy. And we can walk Places to visit such as the underground entrance to Naples or the Teatro San Carlo, where opera has been performed since the 18th century..
Equally, if you are on foot, you must enter Umberto I Gallery. A luxurious shopping arcade that once again reflects the diverse urban landscapes that coexist in Naples. Because just a step away from this late 19th-century seclusion of elegance, Via Toledo and the narrow streets of the beautiful Spanish Quarter open up.
Spanish quarter
First of all, let’s clarify the name of this central area of Naples. “Spanish” is due to the fact that for centuries the city was still under Aragonese and then Spanish rule.. Once that is clear, we can forget about history and just walk these streets.
As you walk, keep an eye out for certain commotions and grab your camera to capture some details. The Motorcycles passing between pedestrians, cars parked in impossible places, improvised altars in the streets, vendors moving from one facade to another, children playing football, people enjoying the coolness in a hurry. Quite an urban spectacle.
Spaccanapoli
If the Spanish quarter is one of the most typical and authentic of Naples, this madness continues and even increases in Spacanapoli Street, whose name can be translated as “Rompenapoles”. This is a long street in the old heart. In its layout there are palaces or churches such as Gesu, San Domenico and even a cathedral. But other than that It is worth looking at the people who literally live on the street. The Neapolitan essence is found here.
And no doubt part of this essence lies in their religious beliefs, the highest expression of which is Cathedral of San Gennaro, the patron saint of the city. This temple is a must see, especially the Chapel of Treasures and its museum. Few, very few places in the world store such a large number of jewels: about 21,000 pieces.
Visiting other temples in Naples
The truth is that the city is full of interesting churches. You can visit an infinite number of them, but we are going to mention two in particular. A The Chapel of Sansevero, where the statue of the Enthroned Christ of Sanmartino, a masterpiece of Baroque art, is impressive.. We would also like to recommend a visit to the Basilica of Santa Clara and especially a walk through its great cloister, one of the four that this monumental complex had, which originated from the Roman Baths.
We continue to talk about faith in Naples
We have already commented on this Walking through the Neapolitan streets, you should not be surprised to see altars, small or large, where candles and flowers are never missing. And some passers-by may even stop to pray or cross themselves while walking. Well, some of these altars can have a very peculiar figure. Neither more nor less than Diego Armando Maradona, a real myth in Naples.
We also do not want to stop talking about another very peculiar sanctuary. Graffiti of the Virgin of Arms, supposedly painted by the famous Banks. Something clearly disrespectful in a devout city like Naples, but which is so accepted that today it is even protected by a glass urn.. This city is really different.
Eating in Naples
After so much walking, the strength should be restored. That is, you should sit down and eat something. Options are plentiful and inexpensive. All you have to do is enter the trattoria and choose from its pasta, meat and fish dishes. However, it would be a sin to go to Naples and not try the local specialty. And it was in this great city that the most universal dish of all time was invented: pizza.