Naples (Napoli) is the third largest city in Italy (after Rome and Milan), the largest city in southern Italy, the administrative center of the Campania region and the Province of Naples. Population of Naples is about 960 000 people (2012). Near Naples are located such world-famous places as Vesuvius, the ancient city of Pompeii, Capri island.
It is believed that in order to learn about Italy is not enough to visit Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. The real Italy is located in south part of country. To learn about Italy it is necessary to visit Naples.
Naples is located in the southern part of the country, on the shores of the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean Sea). Distance from Naples to Rome in about 200 kilometers. Mild, Mediterranean climate attracts hear large number of tourists from Europe countries for a summer holidays. Roman emperors such as Claudius and Tiberius enjoyed spending time here at the time of ancient Rome. Temperatures rarely released below 5°C in the Naples region in winter. The average daily temperature in December, January and February is about 9°C. In the period from April to October, the air temperature during the day is usually above 20 ° C. Most rain falls here between November and March (up to 10 days with precipitation per month).
In the region of Naples live about 4 million people. This is one of the most densely populated regions of Europe. The level of fertility in the region is one of the highest in Italy. Unlike many cities in the north of Italy there are relatively few foreigners, about 98 % of the population is ethnic Italians. Locals consider themselves distinct ethnic group (as well as people from other regions of Italy). Naples differences from other Italian cities appear in the culture, traditions, language and cuisine. Napoli is recognized as the birthplace of pizza, costumed masquerades, several art schools, guitar and mandolin.
Attractions and interesting places
Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Human settlements in the region were already in the Bronze Age. Permanent settlement on the site of modern Naples was founded by Greek settlers in the VIII century BC. Thus, the history of Naples has about 2,800 years. Among the architectural sights here are monuments of the Renaissance and middle ages. In the neighborhood are located the famous ancient cities Pompeii and Herculaneum. East of the city rises the famous Vesuvius volcano. Bay of Naples and the Mediterranean Sea are the southern boundary of the city.
The historic center of Naples is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naples was one of the most important cultural centers of Europe in the Renaissance time. There are many monuments, attractions and interesting places for tourists in the historic center of the city. The traditional place to start exploring the city is the “Piazza del Plebiscito” square. On the square is located the Royal Palace, the two majestic colonnade and the church of San Francesco di Paola. The oldest opera house in Italy, “Teatro di San Carlo”, is located near the square. Opposite the theater is the famous “Galleria Umberto” shopping center. “Galleria Umberto” is a shopping arcade with a glass roof, which was built in the late nineteenth century.
Napoli Fortress is one of the city's attractions. Narrow embankment leads to the medieval fortress “Castel del Ovo”. The fortress is situated on little Megaride island in the Bay of Naples. It is believed that the Greeks founded their first settlement on this small island in ancient times, which became the modern Naples. Castel dell'Ovo fortress is the oldest extant fortification in the city. Near the port stands another fortress – “Castel Nuovo”. It was built in the thirteenth century by King Charles of Anjou.
There are more than 400 (448) historic Catholic churches within the city. Description of all important churches of Naples and their features would require a special article. Cathedral of St. Januarius is devoted saint patron of the city. The majestic church of San Domenico Maggiore and San Lorenzo Maggiore considered as masterpieces Angevin Gothic. Chapel of San Severo some time turned into a museum. Previously, it was a private chapel, as well as the burial place of a noble Sangro family. Within its walls are stored famous sculptures of the eighteenth century.
Transportation
Airport
Naples International Airport (L'aeroporto internazionale di Napoli - Capodichino, official name: Ugo Niutta) located at a distance about 6 kilometers to north of the city. It is the second largest airport by passenger traffic in the southern part of Italy (after Fontanarossa airport on the Sicily island). The airport has two terminals.
You can get to the airport on a bus route 3S and Alibus. Buses to airport leave from Plaza Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Piazza Municipio squares. The airport also has a bus service to Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, Sorrento, Salerno and Serre. It is planned construction of metro station near the airport.
Central Station of Naples
Central Railway Station (Napoli Centrale) is the main railway station of Naples and the largest by number of passenger’s station in southern Italy. Station is located next to Piazza Garibaldi, just east of the Old city. Station has an underground section, known as the “Stazione di Napoli Piazza Garibaldi”, which serves the local trains line 2. Distance to train station Roma Termini in Rome is 216 kilometers. From the central railway station you can reach the cities Rome, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Milan or Venice. There are also stations Napoli Mergellina (Stazione di Napoli Mergellina) and Napoli Campi Flegrei in Napoli.
Port of Naples
Sea port of Naples is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. The port is located in the city center, near the central train station (at distance less than 1 kilometer) and squares “Piazza Municipio” and “Piazza Garibaldi”. Distance to the airport is approximately 15 kilometers. Port serves a large number of passengers. The port has berths for receiving cruise ships, ferries, hydrofoils. Hydrofoils depart (Molo Beverello terminal) to the islands Capri, Ischia, Procida. Port cruise terminal has 10 berths and annually serves about 1.5 million passengers.
Passenger terminals are located in the western part of the port. The nearest metro station is “Universita”.