The Sibilla Cumana (The Cave of the Sybil of Cuma). Located in Cuma, the first Greek colony in Italy, the Sibilla Cumana is a magical place, with a mysterious and obscure history. Walking down the long and tall oval arch, you will find yourself in a very dark cave. The legend tells of a woman who lived there. She foretold the future to many heroes of the Greek and Roman mythology who used to visit her before important battles, to know whether or not they would succeed.
Castel dell’Ovo (The Egg Castle). Located down town Naples, this castle has been built on the sea, a very strategic place where soldiers could fend off enemy forces attacking from the sea. Legend has it that underneath the castle there is a magical egg kept in a small crystal box. If the egg ever broke, it would be the end for the entire city of Naples.
Maschio Angioino or Castel Nuovo (New Castle). Built in 1282 and located close to Castel dell’Ovo, this imposing castle has a triumphant arch that better decorates its entrance hall. The name Maschio Angioino was given in honor of Naples’ former king, Charles I of Anjou, who moved the capital of the Kingdom of Naples from Palermo, in Sicily, to Naples.
Lago D’Averno (Lake Avernus). This breath-taking lake is located near the volcanic field known as Campi Flegrei. Lago D’Averno is a volcanic crater lake. The name has Greek origins; meaning “birdless.” Its waters released poisoned fumes that killed the birds. For this reason, people used to think that the lake was in fact the entrance to Hades, the mythological Greek underworld.
Montesanto Market Place. Montesanto is well-known for its daily market of fresh fish. It is considered to be a unique Neapolitan experience, for its positive energy spread by venders who sing traditional songs of their beloved city and the uncountable different sounds and smells that characterize this place.
Spaccanapoli. Close to Montesanto there is yet another famous road: Spaccanapoli. It literally means “the road that separates Naples in two parts.” It is one of the oldest roads in Naples, with venders that decorate this extremely narrow street with souvenirs and typical Italian food, such as pasta and pizza.
Partenope Statue. It is the statue of a mermaid, called Partenope, who lived in what is now the city of Naples. Legend has it that Ulysses heard her signing and fell in love with her. When he founded the first Greek colony in Italy, he called it Partenope, after his beloved one. It was only many years later that the city changed its name in Naples, which means New City, from Nea Polis. Nowadays Neapolitan people also refer to themselves as Partenopei, meaning Partenope’s children.
Solfatara. Located in Pozzuoli, the Solfatara is actually an active volcano. It releases fumes and natural hot water that perfectly function as a sauna. The Solfatara was actually a used for thermal baths due to its natural mud pit and steamy water.
Vesuvio (Mount Vesuvius). Probably one of the most famous tourist attractions when visiting Naples, Vesuvio is indeed a must. The origins of its name are not sure, due to the melting pot of different cultures that Naples used to be. However, according to the most common meaning, Vesuvius means “unquenchable” or “hurling violence,” for the frequency of its eruption and the tragic events caused by them.
Pizzeria da Michele. You can’t go to Naples without eating the true pizza. The pizzeria da Michele is the best place to be when such need has to be satisfied. It is the oldest pizzeria in the entire city, dating back to 1870. The poems in Neapolitan dialect on the walls of the pizzeria explain why you can only order two types of pizza (Margherita and Marinara): they are the original ones. All the other types with different topping that followed afterwards are mere imitations.
Also not to be missed at Cappella Sansevero, the justly famed statue of the veiled Christ. Tour guides and art books often use words like “the statue seems to come to life” to describe well-carved marble figures, but I think that phrase is so overused as to feel meaningless. It’s exactly what springs to mind, however, when you get a look at the Veiled Christ sculpture in the center of the Sansevero Chapel. Carved in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino, it shows the figure of Christ lying under what looks like a piece of the thinnest of fabrics. The facial features are clearly visible, as are the body and even the crucifixion wounds, but the entire body is covered by the delicate folds of a cloth. The visual effect is truly stunning. There are two other sculptures of note in the Capella Sansevero, each dedicated to one of the parents of the man who commissioned them and built the chapel, but it’s the Veiled Christ which rightfully commands all the attention. I defy you to not leave the chapel in awe of that kind of sculptural skill.
And, if you’re taking a day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum, but if you want to see all the “stuff” that used to be at both of those locations before they were excavated, you don’t even need to leave Naples. The city’s National Archaeological Museum houses one of the most remarkable collections of Roman art and artifact anywhere, including massive fresco and mosaic panels as well as sculpture taken from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The pity is that the museum’s descriptions are borderline abysmal, the audio-guide is meh, and the entire building’s layout so confusing that it’s possible to miss an entire wing and never realize it. Still, it’s absolutely one of Naples’ top sights and you don’t want to miss it – just come equipped with a self-guided walking tour from a good guidebook, or sign up for a guided tour with a reputable tour company.
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