Naples, Italy – November 1999
Origins of Naples
The City of Naples can trace its origins to nearly 3000 years ago. Named Partenope at first, after the nymph that tried to seduce Ulysses during his long voyage home following the Trojan war, a newer city – Neapolis (literally “new city”) was founded by Greek settlers approximately around the time of the founding of Rome.
Naples was one of several cities in Southern Italy founded by the Greeks in what came to be known as Magna Grecia. When you visit the historic center of the city you will see structures dating back to the Greek era; they are superimposed by ruins from the Roman period that followed. In fact, it is claimed that the old quarter of Naples is the only urban area in the Western Hemisphere to have been continuously inhabited over the past three millennia.
Today, the “Centro Storico“, which comprises the University of Naples – founded in the 13th Century by the Emperor Frederic II – is a residential area filled with artisan shops, monuments and Churches that give testimony to the the city’s long history, much of it as an independent duchy or kingdom, always conveniently allied with the superpower of the day, from the Romans, to the French, Spanish and British, to the Americans.
The Naples Travel Guide will, in future issues, make reference to key periods and events in the history of the city; it is the only way to visit, learn and appreciate the arts & cultural treasures that this European and Mediterranean capital has to offer to its visitors and, just as important, come to know, understand and even appreciate the Neapolitan people and their music, cuisine, literature and theater.
Location
Here is a map showing Naples location with regards to the rest of Italy.
Getting There
There are a number of ways to arrive in and depart from Naples.
Click here for a rundown.
Money
Unit of currency is the Italian Lira. Check your exchange rate on this currency converter.
Transport
Traffic congestion aside, it is rather easy and inexpensive to get around the city. The best way is to just walk, but rail and bus transport – strikes permitting – allow you to reach any part of the city for just 1500 Lira or 0,77 Euro with as much as four connections among bus, metro and funicolari which are the trolley cars connecting downtown with the upper parts of Naples.
Accommodation
Click here for a list of B&B’s in the Naples area.
Food/Drink
Naples and Southern Italy have a great culinary tradition. Click here for a list of restaurants and pizzerias.
Arts/Music
The most important archeological finds from Pompeii and Aercolaneum
can be seen at the National Archeological Museum of Naples located in Piazza Museo, 19.
Entry fee:
Visiting hours:
Aside from being a mecca of popular and traditional music, Naples is
home to the famed San Carlo Opera House. Check the website for performance dates.
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