Naples: the armpit by the sea

Naples. A city so unique you either hate it or love it...or both in one day.

When we arrived in Naples it was certainly the 'hate it' emotion. Lost in piles of garbage, with streets congested by 'vendors' selling bootleg designer products, it was certainly alot to take in. To top it off, we were warned about the danger lurking outside (street thug, pick pocket stuff). It didn't sound like much fun, so we decided to hit the sack and experience it on a full night's sleep. And what an experience it was.

outside the Duomo

inside. This Cathedral has foundations from the ancient Roman and medieval times.

we were intrigued that someone thought to cover over this painting. It's been found now...and is several hundred years old.

Before going to visit Pompeii, we went to the Acheological museum where all of the uncovered sculptures, mosaics and artifacts are now housed.

This is a sculpture from Herculaneum. Both Pompeii and Herculaneum were covered in volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. Uncovered for the first time in the late 1500s, these two cities have given a great insight into the socities of the time.

An unbelievable marble statue. The maroon is not painted, but another piece of marble.

a jug found in Pompeii. Note the bubbling caused by the extreme heat.

actual armour worn by actual Gladiators

a mosaic made of extremely tiny pieces of marble.

another mosaic

this building is a pretty clear example of Naples. It's beautiful in structure and with one coat of paint would be awesome...but no one has painted it yet...so it's crap.

Pallazo Reale

Piazza Ples

Castel Nuovo. Built by a king to take over for the old castle (Castel D'Ovo), it is now where the city council meets.

The best views of Naples, however, come from the area near the sea. Here they are.

Once you get past the initial griminess of it, Naples is pretty cool. It's got the dodgy area near the train station, the amazing shopping streets and one of the most beautiful waterfront views I've ever seen in a big city. Naples is a little like China...shocking if not expected, but very cool once you know. Naples is: the home of pizza, the most multicultural city we've seen in Italy, one of the cheapest places to shop, and brimming with character. Rough on the edges, but well worth the trip.

From here we go to Sorrento to visit Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast