Holiday Systems International User Group
Naples:
The city is known for its rich history, art, culture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,800 years old. Naples is located halfway between two volcanic areas, the volcano Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, sitting on the coast by the Gulf of Naples.
Naples is lush, chaotic, funny, confounding, intoxicating, and very beautiful. Few who visit remain ambivalent. Armed with the right attitude -- "be prepared for the worst but hope for the best" -- you will find that Napoli does not disappoint. Among other things, it's one of Italy's top città d'arte, with world-class museums and a staggering number of fine churches. The most important finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum are on display at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale -- a cornucopia of sculpture, frescoes, and mosaics -- and seeing them will add to the pleasure of trips to the ancient ruins. And Naples has a wonderful location: thanks to the backdrop of Vesuvius and the islands in the bay, it's one of those few cities in the world that are instantly recognizable.
Naples is lush, chaotic, funny, confounding, intoxicating, and very beautiful. Few who visit remain ambivalent. Armed with the right attitude -- "be prepared for the worst but hope for the best" -- you will find that Napoli does not disappoint. Among other things, it's one of Italy's top città d'arte, with world-class museums and a staggering number of fine churches. The most important finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum are on display at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale -- a cornucopia of sculpture, frescoes, and mosaics -- and seeing them will add to the pleasure of trips to the ancient ruins. And Naples has a wonderful location: thanks to the backdrop of Vesuvius and the islands in the bay, it's one of those few cities in the world that are instantly recognizable.
Leather goods, jewelry, and cameos are some of the best items to buy in Campania. In Naples you'll generally find good deals on handbags, shoes, and clothing. If you want the real thing, make your purchases in shops, but if you don't mind imitations, rummage around at the various street-vendor bancherelle (stalls). The immediate area around Piazza dei Martiri, in the center of Chiaia, has the densest concentration of luxury shopping, with perfume shops, fashion outlets, and antiques on display. Via dei Mille and Via Filangieri, which lead off Piazza dei Martiri, are home to Bulgari, Mont Blanc, and Hermès stores. The small, pedestrian-only Via Calabritto, which leads down from Piazza dei Martiri toward the sea, is where you'll find high-end retailers such as Prada, Gucci, Versace, Vuitton, Cacharel, Damiani, and Cartier. Via Chiaia and Via Toledo are the two busiest shopping streets for most Neapolitans; there you'll find reasonably priced clothes and shoes, with a sprinkling of cafes and food shops.
Naples has a reputation for petty street crime, but if you use common sense precautions, you should be fine. The main risks in Naples are bag-snatching, pickpocketing, and fraud. My advice is to carry as little as possible with you if you are going into the city. Give twosomes on scooters soem extra room -- this is a favored method of bag-snatchers. Never make major purchases from unlicensed dealers. And be particularly vigilant around the central station area of Piazza Garibaldi.
Naples has a reputation for petty street crime, but if you use common sense precautions, you should be fine. The main risks in Naples are bag-snatching, pickpocketing, and fraud. My advice is to carry as little as possible with you if you are going into the city. Give twosomes on scooters soem extra room -- this is a favored method of bag-snatchers. Never make major purchases from unlicensed dealers. And be particularly vigilant around the central station area of Piazza Garibaldi.
