Discovering the Captivating City of Napoli

Visiting Enchanting Napoli

I’ve read stories about how Napoli in Italy isn’t a safe place for tourists. We visited Napoli in September 2023 and fell in love with the town. We were not afraid, nor did we encounter any situations to be fearful of. Of course, we need to be cautious of the places we visit, but you find those types of places everywhere in the world. It is not something just local to Napoli.

It was early morning when we arrived at the Stazione Marittima. Located on the historic Angevin pier of the port, this grand building, which has stood since 1936, serves as the primary transit point for all cruise passengers. Within its walls, visitors will find a variety of retail outlets offering clothing, souvenirs, alcohol, and cafes to cater to their needs.

Coffee Anyone?

Of course, we could not begin our day without Italy’s exquisite cappuccino, crafted with the finest espresso and velvety steamed milk. Paired with a delectable biscuit from Caffe Cola, it was the perfect start to our day.

Capella Palatina del Maschio Angioino

The first landmark that caught our attention was the Castel Nuovo or Capella Palatina del Maschio Angioino, built in the 13th century. It is indeed a breathtaking sight. The imposing structure, with its five round towers and sturdy stone walls, exudes a sense of grandeur and history. The intricately carved white marble triumphal arch at the main entrance adds to its majestic appearance, making it a must-see landmark for anyone visiting Napoli. If you want to explore the inside of the castle or delve deeper into Naples’s history, it’s open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The entrance cost only 6 euros.

City Center Tour on the Tramvia

We hopped on the Tramvia Napoli before deciding where we wanted to spend our day. After a tour around the city center, we hopped off at the busy Quartieri Spagnoli, a commercial center surrounded by Via Toledo, a partially pedestrian street with popular and high-end fashion shops. In addition, there are various churches, the entrance to Napoli Sotterranea, and an underground network of tunnels and catacombs.

The Spanish Quarter

Exploring the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) was an enchanting experience, with its diverse array of artisan shops offering leather goods, pastries, and local crafts. After spending a few euros on local crafts, we continued to explore Napoli. The vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to discover unique and high-quality items made it a truly memorable adventure.

Galeria Umberto I

We came across the Galeria Umberto I. It is truly remarkable, constructed in the 1890s, with its expansive halls, magnificent glass dome, intricate mosaic floor, and breathtaking details throughout. Originally designed for public use, encompassing shopping, dining, and commercial purposes, with living spaces above. During our visit, the bustling atmosphere inside, filled with people enjoying the various amenities, left a lasting impression. The design of it is highly impressive. It’s definitely a place worth experiencing.

The Original Pizza Napolitana

Leaving Napoli without savoring their pizza Napolitana with fresh burrata cheese was out of the question. We made a stop at Antica Trattoria da Peppino in Via Trinità degli Spagnoli and chose to sit outside, immersing ourselves in the vibrant streetscape. The food exceeded our expectations, the service was excellent, and the price was just right.

Mt. Vesuvius View

We made a stop at the Terraza Panoramica to take in the breathtaking views of the renowned Mt. Vesuvius, which is approximately 8 miles away. Mt. Vesuvius famously destroyed Pompeii in 79 A.D. and remains an active volcano, being one of the most closely monitored in the world.

Overall, a Fantastic Day!

Our day in Naples was truOverall,ly unforgettable. We had the pleasure of engaging with friendly locals, savoring delicious local cuisine, immersing ourselves in the vibrant city, indulging in some retail therapy, and marveling at the breathtaking beauty of Napoli. Without a doubt, we are already looking forward to our next visit to this enchanting city.

Originally published at http://travelerwow.com on September 18, 2024.