Naples has been a metropolis since
ancient times. It has a fascinating history throughout
the ages and has handed down a rich cultural and
artistic heritage. Located in an environment that has
been shaped by man on the bay dominated Vesuvius, it is
a showcase for some of the most famous archaeological
treasures in the world.
Founded in the 7th and the 6th
centuries B.C. as a Greek colony, it flourished during
the Roman Empire as a port and a holiday center for
patrician families.
The Greek-Roman street system is still virtually intact
in the older districts of the city.
In later periods,
mediaeval buildings and Baroque palaces were constructed
over the original base. In the early Middle Ages, Naples
was the headquarters of the Duchy of Naples, which was
ruled from Byzantium. In 1139, it became part of the
kingdom of the Normans, then of the Swabians.
In 1266,
Charles of Anjou took over and made it his capital. In
1441, under the Aragonese, who ruled from Castel
Nuovo (New Castle),the Renaissance began in Naples.
In
1503, the Kingdom of Naples fell into the hands of the
Spaniards. The city began to extend its typical dense
network of narrow streets out towards the hill.
It
became a capital again in 1734 under the Bourbons, a
status it retained--apart from a brief pause during
Napoleon Bonaparte's reign (1806-1815)--until 1860, the
date of the Unification of Italy.
In addition to the 13th and the 14th centuries, which
generated a high level of artistic activity, the Baroque
period (17th and 18th centuries) was the most prolific
moment for Neapolitan art, architecture, painting and
music, all of which achieved new, dynamic forms of
expression.
North of Vomero, at the highest point of
the Campi Flegrei, is the monastery of Camaldoli (1585)
where there is a splendid view of the city and the bay
beyond.
Further north are the catacombs ant the church
of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples.
The
promontory of Posillipo, which separates the anchorage
of Naples from that of Pozzuoli, also has a magnificent
panorama over the whole bay and the islands.
Here, set on the coast road, is the church of Santa
Maria di Piedigrotta, famous for its Neapolitan song
festival held every September.
At
Torre del Greco, there's a coral museum. At Portici, on
the slopes of Vesuvius, you can visit the Royal Palace
built by Charles of Bourbon in 1738.
At Torre Annunziata, built on the ruins of the ancient
town of Oplontis, a fine Roman villa dating from the 1st
century has been excavated. At Agnano Terme, on the edge
of an old volcanic crater, are the ruins of a Roman spa.
At the center of the crater is the great Agnano
race-course and, not far off, the Wood of the Astroni.
Maschio Angioino - Photo ©
metallo
In addition to the 13th and the 14th centuries, which
generated a high level of artistic activity, the Baroque
period (17th and 18th centuries) was the most prolific
moment for Neapolitan art, architecture, painting and
music, all of which achieved new, dynamic forms of
expression.
