Piazza dei Martiri Live Cam
Views over the monument and the square of the Martiri Napoletani
Naples History
Naples is a historic city in Southern Italy that has a rich and complex history. The city was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC and was known as Neapolis, which means "new city" in Greek. The city was strategically located on the Bay of Naples and quickly became an important center of trade and commerce in the Mediterranean.
Over the centuries, Naples was ruled by a succession of powers including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese, Bourbons, and finally, the Italian state. Each of these powers left its mark on the city's architecture, culture, and cuisine.
During the Roman period, Naples was a prosperous city and home to many wealthy patricians. The city was also a center of early Christianity and is said to have been visited by the apostle Paul. In the Middle Ages, Naples was ruled by a series of powerful dynasties, including the Normans, who left behind many impressive monuments such as the Castel dell'Ovo and the Castel Nuovo.
In the Renaissance period, Naples was a center of art and culture and was home to many notable figures, including the poet Giambattista Basile and the artist Caravaggio. However, the city also suffered from social and economic problems, and was plagued by poverty, crime, and disease.
In the 19th century, Naples was part of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, which was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. The city played a key role in the unification of Italy, and in 1860, it was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy.
Today, Naples is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to many important museums and landmarks, including the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Catacombs of San Gennaro, and the Royal Palace of Naples. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including its famous pizza, and for its stunning natural beauty, such as the nearby Mount Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast.
Naples Top Tourist Attractions
Naples is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many tourist attractions to explore. Here are some of the top attractions that visitors to Naples should consider:
- Pompeii: The ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Visitors can explore the ruins of the city, which include well-preserved Roman homes, public buildings, and even a brothel.
- Mount Vesuvius: The volcano that destroyed Pompeii is still active today, and visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Naples National Archaeological Museum: This museum is home to an impressive collection of ancient art and artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- Castel dell'Ovo: This medieval castle is situated on a small island in the Bay of Naples and offers beautiful views of the city and the sea.
- Royal Palace of Naples: This grand palace was once the home of the Bourbon kings of Naples and now houses a museum and art gallery.
- Catacombs of San Gennaro: These ancient catacombs are the final resting place of early Christians and are decorated with impressive frescoes and mosaics.
- Piazza del Plebiscito: This grand square is the heart of Naples and is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
- Spaccanapoli: This narrow street runs through the historic center of Naples and is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
- Teatro di San Carlo: This grand opera house is one of the oldest and most famous in the world and hosts performances throughout the year.
- Naples Underground: This tour takes visitors below the streets of Naples to explore the ancient tunnels, catacombs, and aqueducts that lie beneath the city.
Naples Climate
Naples has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city is located on the western coast of Italy, near the Bay of Naples and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In the winter months (December to February), temperatures in Naples typically range from around 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F), and the city can be quite rainy. Snow is rare in Naples, but it can occur in the surrounding mountains.
In the summer months (June to August), temperatures in Naples can soar to around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), and the city is often hot and dry. The sea breezes can provide some relief from the heat, and many locals and tourists head to the nearby beaches to cool off.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually mild and pleasant in Naples, with temperatures ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). These seasons are a good time to visit the city, as the weather is usually comfortable and there are fewer crowds than in the summer months. Overall, Naples enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, with plenty of sunshine and warmth in the summer and moderate temperatures in the winter.
Naples Geography
Naples is a city located in southern Italy, on the west coast of the Italian peninsula. It is the capital of the Campania region and is situated on the Bay of Naples, which is an inlet of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The city of Naples is built on a plain that extends from the sea to the surrounding hills and mountains. The terrain around Naples is rugged and mountainous, with the nearby Mount Vesuvius being the most famous of the area's many volcanoes.
The city is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and history. The historic center of Naples, which includes the Spaccanapoli district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many of the city's most famous landmarks and tourist attractions.
The Bay of Naples is a major natural feature of the city and is bordered by several smaller towns and villages, including the picturesque town of Sorrento and the island of Capri. The bay is also home to many small islands, including the islands of Procida and Ischia, which are popular tourist destinations. Overall, the geography of Naples is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, rugged terrain, and its location on the Bay of Naples, which has played an important role in the city's history and culture.