Europe Travel Guide » naples http://www.europetravelguide.net Melissa tips Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:19:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Christmas Shopping in Naples Italy http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-naples-italy/ http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-naples-italy/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:41:50 +0000 Melissa http://www.europetravelguide.net/?p=212 Christmas season in Naples, Italy is usually celebrated every December 24 to January 6.  The people in Naples celebrate the season from the Eve of Christmas to its epiphany.  Although they start their celebration at 24 many Christmas events are most likely found earlier than 24.  Following the pagan way in old Italy.  In the eve of Christmas people at Naples dine the traditional 7 dishes of fish.  One of the many traditions of  the people at Naples is the bagpipe and flute playing also known as the zampognari and pifferai. They often wear traditional colorful costumes with sheepskin vests, long white stockings, and dark cloaks. Many of them travel from the mountains of the Abruzzo region to play outside churches and in popular city squares. Naples is the best city to visit for their presepi. Hundreds of nativity scenes are erected throughout the city. Some creches are very elaborate and may be handmade or use antique figures. Naples has a lot of nativity scenes it’s a tradition at Naples that is followed and passed by thru generations.

The greatest attraction during Christmas season in Naples is the little shops selling the terracotta nativity scenes with quaint figures. They are open all year long and the Christmas season is the best time to visit this street. A number of nativity shops have flooded the streets of Naples. The nativity of Christ is the most indispensable object in the market. In Via San Gregorio Armeno, religious or not religiously inclined there are best buys for you.

Where to shop during the Christmas season in Naples isn’t so hard to go either. There are certain districts in Naples that are more specialized than others. There are designer clothes whre you’ll find the most expensive boutiques in and around Piazza dei Martiri, there is also an area around Via dei Mille which is not so expensive, but quality buys I must say. The Vomero district has a long line of clothing and accessory shops, from whre you could drop your eyeballs out and shop for sales. If you’re up for shopping for furniture and fittings, Piazza Municipio and via dei Mille is the place suited for you. Antique buyers must visit via D. Morelli or towards via Costantinopoli in the historic centre.

Although the transportation and some restaurants in Naples are closed during this season you can make your travel a lot easier by renting a car or by foot.  The restaurants of some hotels are also open where they serve special food in Christmas season.  Although Christmas dinners at Naples are meat based, people who are vegetarian are allowed and is given by the restaurant the food they want to eat, they also have Christmas cookies for everyone.  Aside from traditional Christmas beliefs, Naples also is a fun and amusing city.  The Edenlandia Amusement Park is filled with lights and a lot of promos to enjoy this Christmas season.  Children from 12 onwards will surely enjoy the treats.  Truly an educational trip to experience before the Christmas day.  Visit Naples in this holy Christmas season but don’t forget to bring your family along with you.

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]]> http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-naples-italy/feed/ 0 Naples travel guide http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/naples-travel-guide/ http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/naples-travel-guide/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:14:13 +0000 Melissa http://www.europetravelguide.net/?p=187 Naples is easily Italy’s most controversial city. You are either going to fall in love with it or just hate it. However, Naples is still considered one of the most important tourist centers of Italy with its rich history and showcase of art. Here are some of the places that you can visit while in Naples.

One great sight to visit is Piazza San Giovanni Bovio. This piazza’s centerpiece is a Neptune statue which was designed by Domenico Fontana in 1600. On the left side of the piazza is the majestic Palazzo della Borsa, which serves as the stock exchange, built in 1905. This was founded by a Greek family on the ruins of Roman baths.

Santa Maria La Nova is a church next to Piazza Giovanni Bovio. It was built in the second half of the 13th century by Giovanni da Pisa. This church has often been altered and restored and is a great way to see the changes in Naples’ architectural design.

The church of Santa Maria del Carmine is one of the most popular churches to visit in Naples. It was built in the 12th century but later underwent alterations.

San Carlo Theatre is one of the largest theaters in Europe. It was built in 1737 for Charles III of Spain and Naples by Angelo Caresale by the Plans of Giovanni Antonio Medrano. The interior was decorated by Ferdinando Fuga and Domenico Chelli.

Palazzo Reale in piazza Plebiscito I is a palace that was designed by Domenico Fontana in the 17th century. The eight statues on the façade are of Neopolitan kings. The palace is located in the heart of the city and the square on which it stands is considered to be one of Naples’ most architecturally interesting.

The National Archaeological Museum is another great site to visit in Naples as it contains one of Europe’s most valuable archaeological collections which were excavated at Pompeii and Herculaneum. The building itself dates from the 16th century and was turned into a museum two centuries later by Charles and Ferdinand IV of Bourbon.

Castle of the Egg is an interesting site to visit. The 2000-year old fortress overlooks the Gulf of Naples. It was an important site centuries before the birth of Christ and was fortified by early settlers. Later on, a major stronghold to guard the bay was erected and duly celebrated by Virgil. It is also said that Virgil built it on an enchanted egg of mystical powers. Legend has it that if the egg breaks, Naples will collapse.

Il Duomo is another interesting site. The Duomo of Naples has access to the 4th century Basilica of St. Restituta, the earliest Christian basilica erected in Naples. An even greater treat is the Chapel of San Gennaro, whose altar is said to have the blood of Saint Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples.

There are many more places to visit in Naples, each with its own history that could hold anyone’s curiosity. There are many more museums to visit, more castles to explore and more art and history to immerse your little tourist heart in.

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]]> http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/naples-travel-guide/feed/ 0 Security Tips for Visiting Naples http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/security-tips-for-visiting-naples/ http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/security-tips-for-visiting-naples/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:39:35 +0000 Melissa http://www.europetravelguide.net/?p=87 If you are a tourist, Naples gives you the impression of a colorful city which is marked by close human contact and an amusing sense of chaos. However, it’s also a place where you should always be on your guard.  In some quarters, tourists need to be aware that they may be the targets of street crime. Don’t let this put you off from visiting the city though. I just want you to have some security tips to make sure that your visit is safe.

While some may be on the adventurous side and want to discover a city on your own. It’s sensible advice to travel in a group while visiting Naples as a lone tourist is an easy target.

If you want to avoid walking, I say it’s your life. They say that if you can drive in Naples, you can drive anywhere as the rules of the road are completely ignored. It isn’t necessary to drive your own car or scooter in Naples, so for the security of your own life, I say just rely on the excellent public transport network. There are also guided tours in double-decked coaches that tour you around the city in complete safety.

Just like any big city, it’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t put your wallet in your back pocket while traveling. Another security tip is to travel with a money belt. It’s a good idea to avoid obvious displays of wealth like jewelery and cameras. The government in Naples actually placed security guards in plain clothes on buses to try to prevent pick pocketing.

If you find yourself in Piazza Garibaldi, it’s best to leave quickly. As soon as you get off the train, you will probably get hounded by offers of taxis. These are illegal vehicles without permits or meters. Do not converse with them, don’t even smile. Just walk straight out of the station and take a licensed taxi from the line. Authorized taxi drivers never go by the trains to offer services.

My last security tip for visiting Naples would be to not buy anything unless it’s from a proper shop. There are many people that many think they got themselves a real bargain after buying a cheap camera or a mobile phone. It’s only later on that they find that the box just contains half a brick. You obviously can’t take that to any sort of complaints department.

I’m not meaning to steer you clear of Naples. These are just some security tips to make sure that your visit is a safe and pleasant one. if you take these into consideration and get to enjoy Naples, you will see that it is a city which values culture with a deep desire for change. The violence is often exaggerated anyway.

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