THE ARSENALS Amalfi, an ancient Maritime Republic of the 9th century, was equipped with both a merchant and war fleet, which was very advanced for the time. The vessels were safe and fast.The people of Amalfi built their ships in the town itself, at the present “Porta Marina” for warships, and at the sandy shore for merchant ships.
THE DUOMO
The cathedral was erected in the 9th century, but its present appearance is the result of several renovations. On the inside, along with its original structure, it has Baroque forms dating back to the 1700s. At the beginning of the 13th century, Cardinal Pietro Capuano had the crypt built, where the sacred relics of St. Andrew the Apostle, Amalfi’s patron saint, are still kept.
THE PARADISE CHIOSTRO
The Paradise Cloister dates back to 1266 and was erected by Archbishop Filippo Augustariccio as a cemetery for the distinguished citizens of the city of Amalfi. It is currently a well-maintained flower garden formed by columns from the Arab style.
THE PAPER MUSEUM
The Paper Museum is located in Amalfi on Via Delle Cartiere, 24.
Amalfi has ancient traditions in papermaking. The techniques had been imported from Arab countries and later perfected in Amalfi itself. Today it is possible to follow the making of sheets of paper by hand and see again the ancient watermills at work with the power of the Canneto stream.
Duration of visit: about 4 hours
The Neapolitan city stretches from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius to the Campi Flegrei. The artistic value of Naples is undisputed, and there are indeed many destinations during a visit to the city.Here are just a few:
Plebiscito Square: with the 1816 Church of St. Francis of Paola inspired by the magnificence of the Roman Pantheon;
Town Hall Square: Large rectangular square named after the town hall housed in the Bourbon Palace of St. James (1819/25);
The great Cathedral of San Gennaro (or Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta). It is among the largest basilicas in the city. It houses the oldest baptistery in the West (Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, 4th century AD);
Castel Nuovo or Maschio Angioino dating back to 1279 is one of the most famous Neapolitan monuments, a stronghold in the Middle Ages of first Angevin, then Aragonese and finally with Bourbon power;
San Carlo Theater (1737);
Royal Palace of Capodimonte built between 1738 and 1760;
The Spanish Quarters, came into existence around 1530 when the period of Spanish rule began and the city underwent many transformations: churches were erected, palaces were built, and roads were constructed;
S. Michael in Port’Alba;
The Umberto I Gallery;
The Carafa Palace of Maddaloni (1580);
La Chiesadello Spirito Santo (1562);
Convento di S. Chiara (1310);
There are also many interesting museums in Naples such as the National Archaeological Museum, the National Museum and Gallery of Capodimonte and the Royal Palace Museum.
Duration of visit: 6 hours min.
The secrets, stories and legends of Naples still resonate in its hollows.
Since the time of the Greeks, excavation has been going on in the bowels of the city for the construction of ancient water mains and for the extraction of tuff, a rock of volcanic origin with which most of Naples’ historic buildings are constructed.
This continuous excavation work has produced large cavities underground that have had different destinations over time: they were used as shelters during the world wars, as secret gathering places, or as charnel houses in the case of the Fontanelle Cemetery.
Guided tours depart from Piazza S. Gaetano, in the historic center, and from Vico S. Anna di Palazzo, in the Spanish quarters.
The azure island is a natural extension of the Sorrento Peninsula. It offers culture, social life and a range of itineraries to explore.
Natural Arch
It is one of the most scenic routes on the island, winding in front of the natural spectacle of the Faraglioni rocks.
The first stop is the Grottadi Matromania (or Matermania Cave), a natural cavity that has some natural vaults reinforced by the Romans with masonry and stucco mosaic decorations.
It continues upstream from the stairway of the Fig Tree.You continue the walk skirting the coast adjacent to the Faraglioni, which, impetuous stand out from the water.Finally you reach the Tragara lookout and Via Camerelle, which leads back to the fashionable Piazzetta.
Duration of the walk 2 hours. Sneakers are recommended.
Villa Jovis
Villa Jovis, is the first among the 12 Roman villas, erected in the 1st century AD and discovered in the 700s under Charles of Bourbon. The villa was born as a fortress: in the center were cisterns for collecting rainwater used both as drinking water and as a reserve intended for the baths. The view sweeps over the Gulf of Naples, the island of Ischia, all the way to Punta Campanella.How to get to Villa Jovis:From Piazza Umberto I, via Le Botteghe, Fuorlovado, Croce and Tiberio Streets, or, again from Piazza Umberto I, by following Via Longano, Via Sopramonte and Via Tiberio.
Time: 45 minutes.
Gardens of Augustus and Krupp Street
The Gardens of Augustus, a short walk from the Piazzetta, rise near Via Krupp, designed by German steel industrialist A.F. Krupp.Via Krupp, (currently closed), was built in 1902 and with its characteristic zig-zags leads to Marina Piccola. A few minutes from the Gardens, stands the Charterhouse of San Giacomo.How to get there: From Piazza Umberto I, walk down Via V. Emanuele, Via F. Serena and Via Matteotti.
Time: 15 minutes.
The Charterhouse of St. James
It was founded in 1371 and is said to have been built on the remains of Roman buildings and on the sixth villa of Tiberius. Today, the Church of St. James preserves remains of frescoes from the late 17th century and statues from the Roman era found in 1964 in the depths of the Blue Grotto.
Island Tour
No visit to the island can be said to be complete without spending a couple of hours discovering the colors of the sea in the bays and coves that line the island. Whether you choose an organized tour, or hire a boat with a sailor, it is the only way to ply the azure waters around the island.On average, a tour around the island takes about 2.30 hours including a stop for a swim, but there are also opportunities for excursions for the whole.
The Blue Grotto
This is a marine erosion cavity about 60 meters long and about 25 meters wide. To enter, one has to take one of the small rowboats moored outside the cave; after paying the ticket, one enters the cave while lying on the bottom of the boat, as the entrance is very narrow (as soon as the sea becomes rough, boat entry service is suspended). In fact, there is second larger entrance, but it is completely submerged. There is a greater chance of finding few visitors in the early morning hours. Light conditions always allow visiting the cave, but there are optimal conditions for particularly intense blue such as water transparency and a clear sky. Unfortunately, bathing is prohibited.
How to get there: 10 minutes by boat from Marina Grande
Monte Solaro – Cetrella – chairlift
It is the highest place on the island 589 meters above sea level. You can get there either on foot (taking the small road from the beginning of Viale Axel Munthe) or by chairlift.The chairlift station is a short walk from Piazza Vittoria.
From Piazza Vittoria: 12 minutes by chairlift; about 1 hour on foot.
Villa San Michele – Axel Munthe
The Villa San Michele is located on the northeastern slope of Anacapri, 327 meters above sea level. An imperial Roman villa once stood here, the ruins of which, preserved by architect Axel Munthe, can be seen in the garden. Inside the villa, we find finds from the Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian periods.
Located in the Sele plain, Paestum is an archaeological site of great significance, founded by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C. and dedicated to the god Neptune. Visiting Paestum one can admire:
THE TEMPLE OF NEPTUNE
This temple has long been considered slightly later than the Temple of Zeus, built between 471 and 456 BCE, while more recent studies place it instead in the evolutionary process of temple architecture in the Greek West.
THE BASILICA.
Located in the southernmost part of the city, it was the first temple built in Paestum.
THE TEMPLE OF CERES
Located at the extreme northern edge of the southern part of the city, the temple was named after Ceres but was actually dedicated to Athena, as evidenced by the discovery of images of the goddess, depicted in armor.
THE SACRED WAY AND DWELLING QUARTERS
Leaving the rear facade of the temples behind and walking westward, one encounters the foundations of the long block wall that surrounded the sanctuary and accesses the Via Sacra road.Walking along it in the direction of the Forum, one can observe on the left, the dwelling quarters of the Roman period.
Duration of visit: 6 hours
Three routes are possible:
The first, lasting approx. 2 hs, touches the main sites of city life: the Amphitheater, the Large and Small Theater, the Forum Baths, the buildings of public administration, the Basilica, the Temples of Isis, Jupiter, Apollo, the sanctuary of the Public Lares , the Macellum, the Lupanare and a few private houses, such as the House of the Faun and the House of the Ancient Hunt.
A second, more complete itinerary, lasting approx. 4 hs, is the one that starting from Amphitheater Square includes a visit to the Necropolis, the Garden of the Fugitives, the Garden House of Hercules, the Amphitheater, the Great and Small Theater, the Stabian Baths, the Eumachia building, the Public Administration buildings, and the various Temples of Jupiter, Isis, and Vespasian.
The third is more complete itinerary (lasting approx. 6 hs) touches all the places mentioned above plus: the Triangular Forum, the Doric Temple, the Temple of Fortuna Augusta, the House of the Dioscuri, the House of Meleager, the House of the Ship Europa, the House of the Lararium of Achilles, the House of the Small Fountain, the House of Sallust, the Bakery, the Lupanare, and ends with the majestic Villa of the Mysteries, whose name derives from a particular fresco found there, which would depict women engaged in a pagan, precisely mystery ritual.
Among the most remarkable private dwellings, we certainly mention the House of the Faun, the largest and most majestic dwelling found in Pompeii, the House of the Golden Cupids and the House of the Vettii, the Lupanare, the Bakery, the Macellum, the Baths and the Gymnasium are other places, which give the idea of Pompeii as a wealthy city, with a flourishing economy and a pleasant lifestyle.
In the vesuvian area cannot miss a nature itinerary at the enchanting Vesuvius National Park , which with its 10,000 sq. m. certainly stands as one of the richest in history and culture. It offers a series of trails that cater to different targets depending on duration, difficulty, age and interests. The Park is equipped with signage that allows these routes to be followed without difficulty. It consists of a total of 15 routes, 9 of which already secured and set up.
Some of them have a high degree of difficulty and, therefore, are to be recommended especially to the most enterprising people:
Inferno Valley (Departure from Ottaviano),
i Cognoli (Departure from Ottaviano)
and The Matrone Road (Departure from Trecase). This is the most scenic trail in the Park with an ascent to theGran Cone of Vesuvius.
Less challenging are instead:
La Riservadel Tirone (Departure from Herculaneum),
the Vallone della Profica (Departure from San Giuseppe Vesuviano)
and the little train at Cremagliera (Departure from San Sebastiano al Vesuvio) during whose path it will be possible to observe the impressive lava flow of 1872.
The last path that can be easily walked is the lava river (Departure from Herculaneum), a path that will have to be crossed in single file.
Duration of the walk: 6 – 7 hours
The name “Herculaneum” derives from the legend that Hercules founded the city after falling in love with the beauty of the area. The eruption of 79 AD covered the city with a layer of lava and mud, which formed a bank up to 25 meters high on which Resina later developed.Excavations, which began in the 1700s, unearthed residences from Roman times, foremost among them the Villadei Papiri, which opened to the public in 2003, some 250 years after its discovery; it owes its name to the collection of some 1,000 papyri found and now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Places not to be missed:
Mosaic House of Neptune and Amphitrite
Deer House
Half-timbered House
The Urban Baths
Bicentennial House
The excavation area
The gymnasium area
Fun fact: Herculaneum boasts the best-known market for used items, christened: “The Resina Market,” which arose during World War II. Inside, clothes, stage costumes and military garments are displayed and sold. It is open to the public throughout the week including Sundays at Via Pugliano, in the Municipality of Herculaneum.
Duration of the visit: 5 – 6 hoursSome of them present a high degree of difficulty and, therefore, are to be recommended especially to the most enterprising people:
La Valle dell’Inferno (Departure from Ottaviano),
i Cognoli (Departure from Ottaviano)
and La strada del Matrone (Departure from Trecase). This is the most scenic trail in the Park with an ascent to theGreat Cone of Vesuvius.
Less challenging, however, are:
La Riservadel Tirone (Departure from Herculaneum),
the Vallone della Profica (Departure from San Giuseppe Vesuviano)
and the little train at Cremagliera (Departure from San Sebastiano al Vesuvio) during the course of which it will be possible to observe the impressive lava flow of 1872.
Last path that can be easily walked, is the lava river (Departure from Herculaneum), a path that will have to be crossed in single file.
Duration of the walk: 6 – 7 hours
History
Rising in the 6th century, Ravello is situated at one of the widest views of the gulf.Its historical origins are uncertain; probably founded by a Roman colony in the 6th century. Named as an episcopal seat, it experienced its heyday between the 10th and 13th centuries thanks to flourishing maritime trade, wool and cotton production.Immersed in its architectural beauty and enchanting landscape, Ravello is considered to be the most precious gem of the Amalfi peninsula, which can be reached through one of the most strikingly beautiful roads. For this reason it has been a favorite destination for travelers, intellectuals, artists, musicians, such as Boccaccio, Wagner and many others. The town still retains its medieval appearance: twisted narrow streets, villas, churches with wonderful mosaics still testify to the strong Byzantine and Arab influence on southern Romanesque.
To visit
Villa Rufolo dates back to the 13th-14th centuries. The three-story Arab-style palace hosted important figures such as Pope Adrian IV and King Robert of Anjou.The building is characterized by a large hall, “dining room” with low, massive columns; on the left of the building stands a 30-meter-high tower with an ogival arch; on the right, however, is the cloister enclosed by arches and adorned with Arabic elements.In the beautiful exotic garden of Villa Rufolo, Wagner found Klingsor’s ideal garden from Parsifal.
Villa Cimbrone
One might call it the visionary creation of an English lord. This was a large landed estate of the noble Acconciagioco family, on which stood a vast rustic farmhouse. The villa’s lush garden, in which statues, small temples, epigraphs, fountains, and natural grottos are scattered, culminates in the scenic Belvedere dell’Infinito, from which the view sweeps and expands to take in the panorama that Gore Vidal called “the most beautiful in the world.”
Events:
Ravello Festival (July-September) Ravello and its villas provide the backdrop for this music festival, packed with classical and jazz concerts. The inspiration, which Wagner found here for his masterpiece Parsifal, has meant that this great artist is often celebrated during the concert season and has made Ravello famous worldwide as a “city of music”.Places not to be missed:
Mosaic House of Neptune and Amphitrite
Deer House
Half-timbered House
The Urban Baths
Bicentennial House
The excavation area
The gymnasium area
Fun fact: Herculaneum boasts the best-known second-hand market, christened: “The Resina Market,” which arose during World War II. Inside, clothes, stage costumes and military garments are displayed and sold. It is open to the public throughout the week including Sundays at Pugliano Street in the City of Herculaneum.
Duration of the visit: 5 – 6 hoursSome of them present a high degree of difficulty and, therefore, are to be recommended especially to the most enterprising people:
The Valley of Hell (Departure from Ottaviano),
the Cognoli (Departure from Ottaviano)
and The Matrone Road (Departure from Trecase). This is the most scenic trail in the park with an ascent to theGreat Cone of Vesuvius.
Less challenging, however, are:
La Riservadel Tirone (Departure from Herculaneum),
the Vallone della Profica (Departure from San Giuseppe Vesuviano)
and the little train at Cremagliera (Departure from San Sebastiano al Vesuvio) during whose path it will be possible to observe the impressive lava flow of 1872.
The last path that can be easily walked is the lava river (Departure from Herculaneum), a path that will have to be crossed in single file.
Duration of the walk: 6 – 7 hours
