<p>Regional Attractions</p> <ul> <li><a href="#blue-grotto" rel="facebox">Blue Grotto</a></li> <li><a href="#naples-harbor" rel="facebox">Naples Harbor</a></li> <li><a href="#catacombs-of-san-gennaro" rel="facebox">Catacombs of San Gennaro</a></li> <li><a href="#emerlad-grotto" rel="facebox">Emerald Grotto</a></li> <li><a href="#ruins-at-paestum" rel="facebox">Ruins at Paestum</a></li> </ul> <div id="blue-grotto" style="display:none;"> <p>One of Capri&#8217;s great tourist attractions, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), which can be reached either by boat from Marina Grande or by the Via Pagliaro (3km/2mi) from Anacapri. This, the most famous of Capri&#8217;s caves, was carved out of the rock in prehistoric times by the constant battering of the sea, and as a result of the sinking of the land is now half-filled with water. The entrance, only about 1m/39in. high, can be negotiated only by small boats when the sea is calm. The cave is 54m/178ft long, 30m/99ft wide and 15m/50ft high, with 14 to 22m/46 to 66ft depth of water. When the sun is shining it is filled with an extraordinary blue light (at its best from 11am to 1pm).</p> </div> <div id="naples-harbor" style="display:none;"> <p>To the east of the palace and the Castel Nuovo in Naples extends the harbor, divided into separate docks and basins by a series of piers and breakwaters, which is always a bustle of activity. Extending east from the Piazza del Municipio is the Molo Angioino, on which is the Marine Station. To the west of this is the Eliporto (Heliport), from which there are regular helicopter services to Capri, Ischia, Capodichino Airport (7km/4.5mi north), etc. Farther south, from the quay on the Calata di Beverello, boats sail to Ponza, Capri and Ischia. The harbor of Naples is the primary place to visit, with it&#8217;s beautiful scenery and numerous cafes and ice cream parlors. The Margherita pizza, the original pizza, is a &#8216;must eat&#8217; when visiting.</p> </div> <div id="catacombs-of-san-gennaro" style="display:none;"> <p>Like the Roman catacombs, these consist of a maze of passages and tomb chambers, but are more ambitious architecturally and have finer paintings than their Roman counterparts. The church of San Gennaro extra Moenia dates from the fifth century (restored).</p> </div> <div id="emerlad-grotto" style="display:none;"> <p>(Local Name: Grotta di Amalfi) There is an attractive trip by motorboat (15 minutes) to a stalactitic cave, the Grotta di Amalfi, also known as the Grotta dello Smeraldo or Grotta Verde, west of the Capo Conca (fee).</p> <p>Emerald Cave became a marine cave as a result of changing ground levels due to the influence of vocanoes in the region. The water is so clear that it is possible to see through to the bottom (10m below), and is colored a beautiful emerald.</p> </div> <div id="ruins-at-paestum" style="display:none;"> <p>The ruins at Paestum are an excellent example of ancient Greek architecture. Here you will find yellow, limestone temples rising out of the ruins of several dwellings.<br /> Opposite the entrance to the Zona Archeologica is the magnificent Temple of Hera (misnamed Temple of Neptune), a consummate example of the mature, strictly disciplined architecture of the fifth century B.C., reflecting the Greek ideal of harmony and proportion. The stone is a porous limestone to which the passage of time has given a beautiful yellow tone. At the east end of the temple the tip of an earlier oval structure emerges from the ground. 10m/11yd east are the remains of the sacrificial altar associated with the temple.<br /> To the south of the Temple of Hera can be seen the misnamed Basilica, the oldest temple on the site, dated by the marked swelling of the columns and the form of the capitals to the second half of the sixth century B.C. As with the Temple of Hera, there are remains of an earlier oval temple at the east end and, 27m/29yd farther east, a sacrificial altar 21m/23yd wide.<br /> 200m/220yd north of the Temple of Hera is the Forum (150m/165yd long, 57m/63yd across), which was surrounded by a colonnade of late Doric columns. North of the Forum are the massive substructures of the Tempio Italico (273 B.C.), with one re-erected column.<br /> The so-called Temple of Ceres has traces of stucco and painting on the gable, which shows Ionic influences.<br /> Just beyond the west end of the basilica is a section of the ancient Via Sacra which ran across Paestum from north to south.</p> </div> Regional Attractions <ul> <li><a href="#blue-grotto" rel="facebox">Blue Grotto</a></li> <li><a href="#naples-harbor" rel="facebox">Naples Harbor</a></li> <li><a href="#catacombs-of-san-gennaro" rel="facebox">Catacombs of San Gennaro</a></li> <li><a href="#emerlad-grotto" rel="facebox">Emerald Grotto</a></li> <li><a href="#ruins-at-paestum" rel="facebox">Ruins at Paestum</a></li> </ul> <div id="blue-grotto" style="display:none;"> One of Capri's great tourist attractions, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), which can be reached either by boat from Marina Grande or by the Via Pagliaro (3km/2mi) from Anacapri. This, the most famous of Capri's caves, was carved out of the rock in prehistoric times by the constant battering of the sea, and as a result of the sinking of the land is now half-filled with water. The entrance, only about 1m/39in. high, can be negotiated only by small boats when the sea is calm. The cave is 54m/178ft long, 30m/99ft wide and 15m/50ft high, with 14 to 22m/46 to 66ft depth of water. When the sun is shining it is filled with an extraordinary blue light (at its best from 11am to 1pm). </div> <div id="naples-harbor" style="display:none;"> To the east of the palace and the Castel Nuovo in Naples extends the harbor, divided into separate docks and basins by a series of piers and breakwaters, which is always a bustle of activity. Extending east from the Piazza del Municipio is the Molo Angioino, on which is the Marine Station. To the west of this is the Eliporto (Heliport), from which there are regular helicopter services to Capri, Ischia, Capodichino Airport (7km/4.5mi north), etc. Farther south, from the quay on the Calata di Beverello, boats sail to Ponza, Capri and Ischia. The harbor of Naples is the primary place to visit, with it's beautiful scenery and numerous cafes and ice cream parlors. The Margherita pizza, the original pizza, is a 'must eat' when visiting. </div> <div id="catacombs-of-san-gennaro" style="display:none;"> Like the Roman catacombs, these consist of a maze of passages and tomb chambers, but are more ambitious architecturally and have finer paintings than their Roman counterparts. The church of San Gennaro extra Moenia dates from the fifth century (restored). </div> <div id="emerlad-grotto" style="display:none;"> (Local Name: Grotta di Amalfi) There is an attractive trip by motorboat (15 minutes) to a stalactitic cave, the Grotta di Amalfi, also known as the Grotta dello Smeraldo or Grotta Verde, west of the Capo Conca (fee). Emerald Cave became a marine cave as a result of changing ground levels due to the influence of vocanoes in the region. The water is so clear that it is possible to see through to the bottom (10m below), and is colored a beautiful emerald. </div> <div id="ruins-at-paestum" style="display:none;"> The ruins at Paestum are an excellent example of ancient Greek architecture. Here you will find yellow, limestone temples rising out of the ruins of several dwellings. Opposite the entrance to the Zona Archeologica is the magnificent Temple of Hera (misnamed Temple of Neptune), a consummate example of the mature, strictly disciplined architecture of the fifth century B.C., reflecting the Greek ideal of harmony and proportion. The stone is a porous limestone to which the passage of time has given a beautiful yellow tone. At the east end of the temple the tip of an earlier oval structure emerges from the ground. 10m/11yd east are the remains of the sacrificial altar associated with the temple. To the south of the Temple of Hera can be seen the misnamed Basilica, the oldest temple on the site, dated by the marked swelling of the columns and the form of the capitals to the second half of the sixth century B.C. As with the Temple of Hera, there are remains of an earlier oval temple at the east end and, 27m/29yd farther east, a sacrificial altar 21m/23yd wide. 200m/220yd north of the Temple of Hera is the Forum (150m/165yd long, 57m/63yd across), which was surrounded by a colonnade of late Doric columns. North of the Forum are the massive substructures of the Tempio Italico (273 B.C.), with one re-erected column. The so-called Temple of Ceres has traces of stucco and painting on the gable, which shows Ionic influences. Just beyond the west end of the basilica is a section of the ancient Via Sacra which ran across Paestum from north to south. </div> 2009-03-03T03:40:55+01:00 false <p>Located in southern Italy, <strong>Campania</strong> was originally known to the Romans as <em>Campania felix</em>, meaning “fertile countryside”. With a population of 5.8 million people, it is the most densely populated region in Italy and has a diverse and bountiful landscape, dominated by the still-active volcano, Mount Vesuvius.</p> <p>Settled first by the Ancient Greeks and then briefly by the Etruscans, the Romans took control of what was then known as Capua. The area grew into a cultural hub under Roman rule until the Normans took over the region, during which time Campania became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. The kingdom was eventually split and the southern portion of the Italian peninsula became known as the Kingdom of Naples. Alternately ruled by France and then Spain, with a brief period of independent rule, the area flourished as the city of Naples grew to become the second largest city in Europe.</p> <p>The cultural history of Campania can be seen in the works of such artists as Caravaggio and Bernini and in the music of Rossini. While the art, architecture and physical grandeur of the region are legendary, many would argue that its greatest gift to the modern world was the invention of pizza in the 19th century. With it’s springtime climate and the draw of stunning beaches, islands, food and wine, Campania is a diverse and fascinating destination.</p> <h3>Naples</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/naples.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/naples-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /><br /> </a><br /> Originally named <em>Neapolis</em>, or “new city”, by the Greek colonists who founded it in the 7th century, <strong>Naples</strong> is the capital of Campania and of the province of Naples. Located on the Gulf of Naples, it is the third largest city in the country and the largest Italian port. Naples expanded during Roman times and was an important ally to the Roman Republic. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples was absorbed into the Germanic Ostrogothic Kingdom only to be invaded and ruled by the Byzantine Empire. However, the city gained its independence and remained so despite battles with various rival duchies.</p> <p>Eventually Naples fell to the Normans and joined the Kingdom of Sicily until a rebellion split the kingdom in half in 1282. The city became part of the Kingdom of Naples in the southern peninsula, though Sicily and Naples continued to battle and rejoin forces until their final separation in 1458. The city flourished during the Renaissance period, fostering artists and philosophers such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Giordano Bruno and Tommaso Campanella. France briefly took control of Naples until Spain absorbed the city into the Spanish Empire after the Battle of Garigliano in 1503. During this period of Spanish rule, Naples grew to become the second largest city in Europe and became a significant cultural force during the Baroque period.</p> <p>Spain continued to rule until 1714, when the city fell to the Austrian King Charles VI. What followed was an extended period of upheaval as Naples fell under Spanish rule again, only to be invaded by France during the French Revolution in 1798. A civil war ensued as the class system in Naples took sides against one another; the French Army briefly secured the city but was eventually defeated, restoring Spain once again to power. Napoleon conquered the city in 1806 but the outcome of the Neapolitan War in 1815 brought Naples back under Spanish rule.</p> <p>In this same year, Naples and Sicily were merged to create the Two Sicilies, or Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with Naples as it’s capital. The kingdom remained intact until 1860 when a volunteer corps, led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, launched the Expedition of the Thousand, collapsing the joint kingdom; Naples joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Though the city sustained the most bombings during World War II, Naples was the first Italian city to rise up against the Nazi forces. Known as the “four days in Naples”, the citizens fought against the Nazi occupiers and remained free.</p> <p>Naples today is a youthful city that is far less dependent on tourism than other major Italian destinations. Walking the streets and neighborhoods, particularly the Spaccanapoli district that is full of shops, churches and is a largely pedestrian area, gives the best insight into this unique city. The Piazza del Plebiscito is the center of Naples and houses the domed church the San Francesco di Paolo as well as the Royal Palace. There are also many wonderful museums, including the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the Palazzo delle Arti Napoli and Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, both of which are free to the public and display contemporary art. The 13th century Gothic cathedral, the Duomo, is a remarkable landmark and is flanked by the oldest church in Naples, the Basilica Santa Restituta, which was built in the 4th century. There are many old castles, including the Castel dell’Ovo (the oldest castle in Naples) and the Castel Nuovo, as well as medieval churches and monasteries that help provide insight into the history, and future, of Naples.</p> <h3>Amalfi Coast</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi-coast.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi-coast-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /><br /> </a><br /> Located on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the <strong>Amalfi Coast</strong> is a beautiful and diverse expanse of coastline. The remarkable scenery has drawn tourists from as early as the 18th century, making it one of the first places to establish a tourist industry. The Amalfi Coast consists of the towns of Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Positano, Ravello, Scala, Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare. Known as <em>Costiera Amalfitana</em> in Italian, the area is renowned for the lemon-infused liqueur Limoncello as well its stunning coastline and distinctive towns with their individual and unique offerings.</p> <p>The coastline has been a significant port from early times, starting as a crossroad for Aegean sailors in the 15th century and becoming a major trading port. However, the area stayed remarkably isolated until 1815 when the Amalfi Drive was built, connecting the small towns along the coast. It remains one of the best ways to see the coastline and showcases why the Amalfi Coast is one the largest tourist draws in Italy.</p> <h3>Amalfi</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /><br /> </a><br /> According to legend, <strong>Amalfi</strong> was named for a nymph buried there who was greatly loved by Hercules. Seated at the foot of Monte Cerreto, the town is at the heart of the Amalfi Coast on the Gulf of Salermo, southeast of Naples in the province of Salermo. Though Amalfi’s population rose to 80,000 during the 9th-12th centuries, today’s populace is approximately 5,000. Of the four Maritime Republics (including Venice, Pisa and Genoa), Amalfi is the oldest and had become a powerful port of trade as early as the 6th century. The town was also the capital of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, founded in 839.</p> <p>From the 7th century until 1073, Amalfi was an independent republic governed by a duke or count, elected by representatives of various noble families. The town thrived until it was conquered first by the Normans in 1073 and then fell to Pisa in 1137. However, more devastating was the tsunami of 1343 that ravaged the port, halting the growth of the prospering town. Amalfi recovered and by the 1920s became a vacation destination for wealthy Europeans. The beautiful beaches, coastline and hotels draw tourists from all over the globe. While in Amalfi, visit the Duomo, a cathedral reached by a steep climb, to catch a glimpse into the town’s past. The Cloisters of Paradise are also well worth seeing, particularly the crypt of St. Andrew.<br /> <br class='clear-left' /></p> <h3>Positano</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/positano1.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/positano1-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /><br /> </a><br /> Located at the center of the Amalfi Coast, <strong>Positano</strong> is a beautiful town that has retained much of its original structure and character. Legend states that Poseidon, the god of the sea, is said to have named the town for the nymph Pasitea. A prosperous port through the 17th century, Positano’s economy and population diminished significantly during the 19th century and the town remained a small fishing village until it was rediscovered and became a tourist destination. Starting in the 1950’s, Positano’s popularity began to rise and today, tourism is the backbone of the town’s economy.</p> <p>The famously beautiful white houses built along the rocky hillside of the town are one of the remarkable sites Positano offers. Hundreds of winding stairs link the town and the cliffs above it, rewarding visitors with vistas of the town and the Galli Islands in the distance. Citrus trees and olive groves are abundant. This largely pedestrian village has many small nooks and hidden treasures to be discovered as well as historical architecture, such as the cathedral of St. Maria Assunta and the Villa Romana. <br /> <br class='clear-right' /></p> <h3>Ravello</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/ravello.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/ravello-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /><br /> </a><br /> Located on a ledge overlooking the ocean, <strong>Ravello</strong> is a small town that affords expansive views of the Amalfi Coast. Founded in the 6th century, the town was an early rival to Amalfi, whose inhabitants likely named the town Ravello from the word “ribbelarsi”, or “to rebel”. The town prospered through trade but earthquakes, invasions and disease decimated the wealth and population of Ravello. However, many of the villas and churches built during prosperous times remain as evidence of the town’s early history.</p> <p>Built in 13th century, the Villa Rufolo is a popular destination and is the location of the renowned Ravello Music Festival, which takes place during the summer every year. The San Pantaleone Cathedral is located in the market square and is well worth visiting, as is the church of San Giovanni del Toro. But it is the panoramic views from this remote village that have made it popular with tourists, artists and writers from around the world.</p> <h3>Sorrento</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/sorrento.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/sorrento-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /><br /> </a><br /> Overlooking the bay of Naples, <strong>Sorrento</strong> was originally settled by the Greeks and later became a vacation destination for wealthy noble families during the Roman Empire. The sleepy town was ravaged by attacks directed by Sultan Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, requiring the residents to build high walls and towers to protect themselves, some of which can still be seen today. Though the attacks were followed by a revolt against the rule of Spain and then by the plague, Sorrento remained an important and powerful town. The steady stream of visitors through the 19th century secured the town’s reputation as one of Italy’s most popular destinations, which still holds true today.</p> <p>Strolling the cobbled streets of Sorrento brings both great shopping and spectacular views of the Bay of Naples. While there are few beaches, the Marina Grande harbor is a wonderful spot to visit to get a sense of the authenticity of Sorrento. Remarkable sunsets can be enjoyed while sipping locally made Limoncello but perhaps the ultimate treat can be found in one of the gelaterias, which offer as many as 70 different varieties of handmade gelato.</p> <h3>Capri</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/capri.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/capri-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /><br /> </a><br /> Located in the Gulf of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea, <strong>Capri</strong> is an island that was once part of the mainland and now is a popular and beautiful resort destination. Encompassing 4 square miles (10 square kilometers), Capri has a population of approximately 12,400 and produces wine, olive oil and various fruits. Derived from the word “Kapros” or “wild boar”, the island’s first recorded inhabitants were Greek, who named Capri “Island of the Wild Boars”.</p> <p>The Roman Empire soon took control of Capri, building a series of villas while running the empire, under Emperor Tiberius, from the island from A.D. 27 to A.D. 37. The Villa Jovis, the most remarkable of the buildings, is still preserved and can be viewed. When the Empire fell, the island was ruled by Naples and was later given to Amalfi, though raids by pirates raged during this period. After falling to Turkish admirals in the1500’s, Capri was juggled between French and British rule before returning to the care of Naples in 1815.</p> <p>In 1826, Capri’s first hotel was built as the island’s popularity was growing with writers, artists and poets. The artist John Singer Sargent began staying on the island and created a series of portraits of a local model that were to be his most recognized work. The island also became a refuge for Russian intellectuals as well as a getaway for the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, whose stay would later be memorialized in the Academy Award nominated film Il Postino.</p> <p>While the small island provides many remarkable sites, including the sea stacks the Faraglioni rocks, the Marinas Grande and Piccola and the villa-lined promenade Belvedere of Tragara, it is the Blue Grotto that is Capri’s most famous landmark. A cave carved by years of erosion by the sea, the two-meter high opening requires visitors to lie down in a boat in order to enter the cave. Once inside, the sun lights the water, creating a deep blue color that has enchanted people for centuries.</p> <h3>Pompeii</h3> <p><a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/pompeii.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"><br /> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/pompeii-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /><br /> </a><br /> Located less than a mile from Mount Vesuvius, <strong>Pompeii</strong> is a ruined ancient city that was buried when Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Ruled alternately by the Etruscans, Greeks and then the Romans, the city’s location on the western coast of Italy and mild climate drew wealthy Romans to Pompeii to build their country homes near the Mediterranean Sea. Prior to the catastrophic volcanic eruption that destroyed the city, Pompeii was a thriving seaside town with a population of 20,000 people.</p> <p>Surrounded by a great wall with seven gates, Pompeii was built in the shape of an oval with streets paved with blocks of lava. Mount Vesuvius had erupted previously in A.D. 63, damaging several towns including Pompeii, yet despite their close proximity to the volcano, the towns were rebuilt. The eruption in A.D. 79 lasted two days, blasting the top of Mount Vesuvius off, leaving 2 smaller peaks. Pompeii was buried under cinders, stones, and hot ashes, as were the smaller towns of Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis. It was said that most of central Italy was sprinkled with ash, with some dusting as far as Africa. When the tremors began, most of the townspeople evacuated but of the 2,000 who stayed behind, all were either buried in their homes or died from inhaling poisonous gases and fumes.</p> <p>Once the eruption ended, the layers of hot ash and cinders dried, sealing Pompeii beneath 25 feet of volcanic matter. The strangely preserved city and the remains of its inhabitants would stay buried for almost 1,700 years before being rediscovered when a peasant hit a wall while working in a vineyard in 1748. Excavation of the site began in earnest in 1860, under the direction of Giuseppe Fiorelli. By the 1900’s, the Italian government began funding the project with the goal of restoring the city, keeping the buried treasures intact as much as possible.</p> <p>At present, nearly three-fourths of Pompeii has been excavated and restored, allowing the public an amazing glimpse into a town nearly 2,000 years old.</p> <p>Pompeii’s sister city Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae have been restored and are open to the public. Of particular interest is the Villa Poppaea in Oplontis, once the home of Emperor Nero’s wife, which has remarkable frescoes, gardens and sculptures. The Temple of Jupiter, an ancient ruin prior to the eruption, is a remarkable landmark as well as the temples of Apollo and Fortuna Augusta.</p> <p>As for Mount Vesuvius, it is still an active volcano that destroyed several towns in a particularly large eruption in 1906, and later demolished the town of San Sebastiano in 1944. Prior to this, visitors from all over the globe flocked to Mount Vesuvius, taking a cable railway to the edge of the crater. The railway was destroyed in 1944 but people still come to see the volcano, and some still farm the fertile ground surrounding the mountain.</p> Located in southern Italy, *Campania* was originally known to the Romans as _Campania felix_, meaning “fertile countryside”. With a population of 5.8 million people, it is the most densely populated region in Italy and has a diverse and bountiful landscape, dominated by the still-active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. Settled first by the Ancient Greeks and then briefly by the Etruscans, the Romans took control of what was then known as Capua. The area grew into a cultural hub under Roman rule until the Normans took over the region, during which time Campania became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. The kingdom was eventually split and the southern portion of the Italian peninsula became known as the Kingdom of Naples. Alternately ruled by France and then Spain, with a brief period of independent rule, the area flourished as the city of Naples grew to become the second largest city in Europe. The cultural history of Campania can be seen in the works of such artists as Caravaggio and Bernini and in the music of Rossini. While the art, architecture and physical grandeur of the region are legendary, many would argue that its greatest gift to the modern world was the invention of pizza in the 19th century. With it’s springtime climate and the draw of stunning beaches, islands, food and wine, Campania is a diverse and fascinating destination. h3. Naples <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/naples.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/naples-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /> </a> Originally named _Neapolis_, or “new city”, by the Greek colonists who founded it in the 7th century, *Naples* is the capital of Campania and of the province of Naples. Located on the Gulf of Naples, it is the third largest city in the country and the largest Italian port. Naples expanded during Roman times and was an important ally to the Roman Republic. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples was absorbed into the Germanic Ostrogothic Kingdom only to be invaded and ruled by the Byzantine Empire. However, the city gained its independence and remained so despite battles with various rival duchies. Eventually Naples fell to the Normans and joined the Kingdom of Sicily until a rebellion split the kingdom in half in 1282. The city became part of the Kingdom of Naples in the southern peninsula, though Sicily and Naples continued to battle and rejoin forces until their final separation in 1458. The city flourished during the Renaissance period, fostering artists and philosophers such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Giordano Bruno and Tommaso Campanella. France briefly took control of Naples until Spain absorbed the city into the Spanish Empire after the Battle of Garigliano in 1503. During this period of Spanish rule, Naples grew to become the second largest city in Europe and became a significant cultural force during the Baroque period. Spain continued to rule until 1714, when the city fell to the Austrian King Charles VI. What followed was an extended period of upheaval as Naples fell under Spanish rule again, only to be invaded by France during the French Revolution in 1798. A civil war ensued as the class system in Naples took sides against one another; the French Army briefly secured the city but was eventually defeated, restoring Spain once again to power. Napoleon conquered the city in 1806 but the outcome of the Neapolitan War in 1815 brought Naples back under Spanish rule. In this same year, Naples and Sicily were merged to create the Two Sicilies, or Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with Naples as it’s capital. The kingdom remained intact until 1860 when a volunteer corps, led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, launched the Expedition of the Thousand, collapsing the joint kingdom; Naples joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Though the city sustained the most bombings during World War II, Naples was the first Italian city to rise up against the Nazi forces. Known as the “four days in Naples”, the citizens fought against the Nazi occupiers and remained free. Naples today is a youthful city that is far less dependent on tourism than other major Italian destinations. Walking the streets and neighborhoods, particularly the Spaccanapoli district that is full of shops, churches and is a largely pedestrian area, gives the best insight into this unique city. The Piazza del Plebiscito is the center of Naples and houses the domed church the San Francesco di Paolo as well as the Royal Palace. There are also many wonderful museums, including the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the Palazzo delle Arti Napoli and Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, both of which are free to the public and display contemporary art. The 13th century Gothic cathedral, the Duomo, is a remarkable landmark and is flanked by the oldest church in Naples, the Basilica Santa Restituta, which was built in the 4th century. There are many old castles, including the Castel dell’Ovo (the oldest castle in Naples) and the Castel Nuovo, as well as medieval churches and monasteries that help provide insight into the history, and future, of Naples. h3. Amalfi Coast <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi-coast.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi-coast-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /> </a> Located on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the *Amalfi Coast* is a beautiful and diverse expanse of coastline. The remarkable scenery has drawn tourists from as early as the 18th century, making it one of the first places to establish a tourist industry. The Amalfi Coast consists of the towns of Amalfi, Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Positano, Ravello, Scala, Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare. Known as _Costiera Amalfitana_ in Italian, the area is renowned for the lemon-infused liqueur Limoncello as well its stunning coastline and distinctive towns with their individual and unique offerings. The coastline has been a significant port from early times, starting as a crossroad for Aegean sailors in the 15th century and becoming a major trading port. However, the area stayed remarkably isolated until 1815 when the Amalfi Drive was built, connecting the small towns along the coast. It remains one of the best ways to see the coastline and showcases why the Amalfi Coast is one the largest tourist draws in Italy. h3. Amalfi <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/amalfi-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /> </a> According to legend, *Amalfi* was named for a nymph buried there who was greatly loved by Hercules. Seated at the foot of Monte Cerreto, the town is at the heart of the Amalfi Coast on the Gulf of Salermo, southeast of Naples in the province of Salermo. Though Amalfi’s population rose to 80,000 during the 9th-12th centuries, today’s populace is approximately 5,000. Of the four Maritime Republics (including Venice, Pisa and Genoa), Amalfi is the oldest and had become a powerful port of trade as early as the 6th century. The town was also the capital of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, founded in 839. From the 7th century until 1073, Amalfi was an independent republic governed by a duke or count, elected by representatives of various noble families. The town thrived until it was conquered first by the Normans in 1073 and then fell to Pisa in 1137. However, more devastating was the tsunami of 1343 that ravaged the port, halting the growth of the prospering town. Amalfi recovered and by the 1920s became a vacation destination for wealthy Europeans. The beautiful beaches, coastline and hotels draw tourists from all over the globe. While in Amalfi, visit the Duomo, a cathedral reached by a steep climb, to catch a glimpse into the town’s past. The Cloisters of Paradise are also well worth seeing, particularly the crypt of St. Andrew. <br class='clear-left' /> h3. Positano <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/positano1.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/positano1-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /> </a> Located at the center of the Amalfi Coast, *Positano* is a beautiful town that has retained much of its original structure and character. Legend states that Poseidon, the god of the sea, is said to have named the town for the nymph Pasitea. A prosperous port through the 17th century, Positano’s economy and population diminished significantly during the 19th century and the town remained a small fishing village until it was rediscovered and became a tourist destination. Starting in the 1950’s, Positano’s popularity began to rise and today, tourism is the backbone of the town’s economy. The famously beautiful white houses built along the rocky hillside of the town are one of the remarkable sites Positano offers. Hundreds of winding stairs link the town and the cliffs above it, rewarding visitors with vistas of the town and the Galli Islands in the distance. Citrus trees and olive groves are abundant. This largely pedestrian village has many small nooks and hidden treasures to be discovered as well as historical architecture, such as the cathedral of St. Maria Assunta and the Villa Romana. <br class='clear-right' /> h3. Ravello <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/ravello.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/ravello-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /> </a> Located on a ledge overlooking the ocean, *Ravello* is a small town that affords expansive views of the Amalfi Coast. Founded in the 6th century, the town was an early rival to Amalfi, whose inhabitants likely named the town Ravello from the word “ribbelarsi”, or “to rebel”. The town prospered through trade but earthquakes, invasions and disease decimated the wealth and population of Ravello. However, many of the villas and churches built during prosperous times remain as evidence of the town’s early history. Built in 13th century, the Villa Rufolo is a popular destination and is the location of the renowned Ravello Music Festival, which takes place during the summer every year. The San Pantaleone Cathedral is located in the market square and is well worth visiting, as is the church of San Giovanni del Toro. But it is the panoramic views from this remote village that have made it popular with tourists, artists and writers from around the world. h3. Sorrento <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/sorrento.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/sorrento-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /> </a> Overlooking the bay of Naples, *Sorrento* was originally settled by the Greeks and later became a vacation destination for wealthy noble families during the Roman Empire. The sleepy town was ravaged by attacks directed by Sultan Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, requiring the residents to build high walls and towers to protect themselves, some of which can still be seen today. Though the attacks were followed by a revolt against the rule of Spain and then by the plague, Sorrento remained an important and powerful town. The steady stream of visitors through the 19th century secured the town’s reputation as one of Italy’s most popular destinations, which still holds true today. Strolling the cobbled streets of Sorrento brings both great shopping and spectacular views of the Bay of Naples. While there are few beaches, the Marina Grande harbor is a wonderful spot to visit to get a sense of the authenticity of Sorrento. Remarkable sunsets can be enjoyed while sipping locally made Limoncello but perhaps the ultimate treat can be found in one of the gelaterias, which offer as many as 70 different varieties of handmade gelato. h3. Capri <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/capri.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:left;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/capri-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail left" /> </a> Located in the Gulf of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea, *Capri* is an island that was once part of the mainland and now is a popular and beautiful resort destination. Encompassing 4 square miles (10 square kilometers), Capri has a population of approximately 12,400 and produces wine, olive oil and various fruits. Derived from the word “Kapros” or “wild boar”, the island’s first recorded inhabitants were Greek, who named Capri “Island of the Wild Boars”. The Roman Empire soon took control of Capri, building a series of villas while running the empire, under Emperor Tiberius, from the island from A.D. 27 to A.D. 37. The Villa Jovis, the most remarkable of the buildings, is still preserved and can be viewed. When the Empire fell, the island was ruled by Naples and was later given to Amalfi, though raids by pirates raged during this period. After falling to Turkish admirals in the1500’s, Capri was juggled between French and British rule before returning to the care of Naples in 1815. In 1826, Capri’s first hotel was built as the island’s popularity was growing with writers, artists and poets. The artist John Singer Sargent began staying on the island and created a series of portraits of a local model that were to be his most recognized work. The island also became a refuge for Russian intellectuals as well as a getaway for the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, whose stay would later be memorialized in the Academy Award nominated film Il Postino. While the small island provides many remarkable sites, including the sea stacks the Faraglioni rocks, the Marinas Grande and Piccola and the villa-lined promenade Belvedere of Tragara, it is the Blue Grotto that is Capri’s most famous landmark. A cave carved by years of erosion by the sea, the two-meter high opening requires visitors to lie down in a boat in order to enter the cave. Once inside, the sun lights the water, creating a deep blue color that has enchanted people for centuries. h3. Pompeii <a href="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/pompeii.jpg" rel='facebox' style="float:right;"> <img src="http://insidersabroad.s3.amazonaws.com/regions/pompeii-thumb.jpg" class="thumbnail" /> </a> Located less than a mile from Mount Vesuvius, *Pompeii* is a ruined ancient city that was buried when Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Ruled alternately by the Etruscans, Greeks and then the Romans, the city’s location on the western coast of Italy and mild climate drew wealthy Romans to Pompeii to build their country homes near the Mediterranean Sea. Prior to the catastrophic volcanic eruption that destroyed the city, Pompeii was a thriving seaside town with a population of 20,000 people. Surrounded by a great wall with seven gates, Pompeii was built in the shape of an oval with streets paved with blocks of lava. Mount Vesuvius had erupted previously in A.D. 63, damaging several towns including Pompeii, yet despite their close proximity to the volcano, the towns were rebuilt. The eruption in A.D. 79 lasted two days, blasting the top of Mount Vesuvius off, leaving 2 smaller peaks. Pompeii was buried under cinders, stones, and hot ashes, as were the smaller towns of Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis. It was said that most of central Italy was sprinkled with ash, with some dusting as far as Africa. When the tremors began, most of the townspeople evacuated but of the 2,000 who stayed behind, all were either buried in their homes or died from inhaling poisonous gases and fumes. Once the eruption ended, the layers of hot ash and cinders dried, sealing Pompeii beneath 25 feet of volcanic matter. The strangely preserved city and the remains of its inhabitants would stay buried for almost 1,700 years before being rediscovered when a peasant hit a wall while working in a vineyard in 1748. Excavation of the site began in earnest in 1860, under the direction of Giuseppe Fiorelli. By the 1900’s, the Italian government began funding the project with the goal of restoring the city, keeping the buried treasures intact as much as possible. At present, nearly three-fourths of Pompeii has been excavated and restored, allowing the public an amazing glimpse into a town nearly 2,000 years old. Pompeii’s sister city Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae have been restored and are open to the public. Of particular interest is the Villa Poppaea in Oplontis, once the home of Emperor Nero’s wife, which has remarkable frescoes, gardens and sculptures. The Temple of Jupiter, an ancient ruin prior to the eruption, is a remarkable landmark as well as the temples of Apollo and Fortuna Augusta. As for Mount Vesuvius, it is still an active volcano that destroyed several towns in a particularly large eruption in 1906, and later demolished the town of San Sebastiano in 1944. Prior to this, visitors from all over the globe flocked to Mount Vesuvius, taking a cable railway to the edge of the crater. The railway was destroyed in 1944 but people still come to see the volcano, and some still farm the fertile ground surrounding the mountain. 10 Campania campania 2010-02-27T20:11:44+01:00 ITXX0052