naples italy (napoli) city of art in italy: local attractions, sightseeing near the hotel

Naples is one of the major city of art in Italy!
Here below a no exhaustive list of recommended local attractions in the surroundings of the hotel Villa Medici. Each one of these excursions can be done in the day, by individual, public or private transport.
When you will be at the hotel our staff we'll give you any assistance to establish a plan of visit.

> The Phlegraean fields: Pozzuoli, Solfatara, Cumae, Baia...

The Phlegraean fields are located in the north-west of Naples (craters, lakes, volcanic activity, archeological sites...). These places are impregnated by Greek and Roman mythological stories.

Pozzuoli (birthplace of Sophia Loren) was founded by Greek refugees in IIIe century before J-C, it became a significant Roman center. The downtown area had to be evacuated at the beginning of the Seventies following movements of bradyseism. Departures of ferries for the islands of Procida (15 to 30 mn) and Ischia (60 mn). To see: the temple of Sérapis, the large amphitheatre, the historical center, the small fishing port bordered of sympathetic restaurants of fish specialties.

The Solfatara volcano was formed 4000 years ago and is the only one in the Phlegraean Fields which still exhibits an impressive fumarolic activity. In the crater we can see such interesting phenomena as jets of sulphurous steam, an idea for an original walk.

Cumae is one of the oldest colony Greek in the Mediterranean, its foundation goes up in VIIIe century before J-C. To see: Arco Felice, the archaeological park (Sibyl's cave, via Sacra with its splendid view on the sea, the ruins of the temple of Apollo and the temple of Jupiter).

The castle of Baia occupies a highly strategic vantage point dominating the gulf of Pozzuoli. An important part of the castle has been housing the archaeological museum of the Phlegraean Fields since 1993.

To also see: Bacoli (small fishermen's village and seaside resort), the "Piscina Mirabile", the Mount Miseno, the Lake Avernus, the Lake Fusaro, the town of Monte di procida...

> Naples: the Monumental centre, Spaccanapoli (historical center), the national Archaeological museum, Il lungomare, Capodimonte...

Naples was a great European capital until the unification of Italy. Today the city is still an important artistic and cultural center. The history of Naples is perfectly visible in its urban structure, which maintains especially in the old center, the sign of a city built over a period of 25 centuries, that embraces cultures from that of the Greek-Roman era to the Baroque period, passing through the influences of the Medieval, Angevins, Shavians, Spanish and French. In perpetual activity, it is a very dynamic city.

The Monumental center is located in the district of the piazza Plebiscito. To see: the Palazzo Reale, the theatre San Carlo, the church San Francesco di Paola, the Umberto Gallery, the Castle Nuovo, the place of Municipio, the Gambrinus Coffee...

Spaccanapoli is a museum open! Located on the site of the old Greek-Roman city, this district is very animated: markets, shops, small places, coffees, restaurants. It also is very attended by the young people, the university is very close. To see: the church of Gesù Nuovo, the monastery of Santa Chiara, the convent San Domenico Maggiore, the palazzo Santangelo, Sansevero, Naples underground, via Toledo (partly pedestrian it is bordered of palazzo, numerous shops of clothing), Spanish districts...

The national archaeological museum is probably one of most beautiful in the world. The richness of its collections of Antiquity is fabulous. To see: the Mosaic of Alexander, the Bull Farnèse, the secret cabinet, many frescos, statues and objects coming from the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The district of the antique shops is situated at the exit of the museum.

Il Lungomare, pleasant walk, begins on the level from Santa Lucia and is prolonged to the port of Mergellina, while passing through the Castle dell' Ovo, the Pignatelli Villa and the park of the Comunale villa. The view over the gulf is magic.

The palazzo of Capodimonte located on a hill, is surrounded by a splendid park. It shelters collections of medieval and modern art.

> The hill of Posillipo and the Virgiliano park

The hill of Posillipo with a splendid view over the bay of Naples, was the favorite vacation resort of the Roman of antiquity. Today it is a very required residential district with sumptuous villas (end 19th and beginning of the 20th century). The countryside with the sea!

The Virgiliano park offers a superb panorama on the gulf of Naples, of Pozzuoli, the bay and the island of Nisida, Capri and Ischia. From the park, we advise you to join the Via Posillipo in direction to the port of Mergellina.

> The hill of Vomero

Located on the heights of Naples, this residential and shopping center district offer also a splendid panorama on Naples. To see: The Floridiana villa (surrounded by a park, it has a significant collection of decorative arts), the manor house Sant' Elmo, San Martino, via Scarlatti (numerous shops), Pedamentina (street with staircases which goes down towards the center of the town, superb view and walk)...

> Islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida accessible by ferries or hydrofoils starting from the port of Mergellina (near to the hotel), Molo Beverollo (center) or Pozzuoli (Ischia and Procida)

Capri, colonized by the Greeks and the Romans, was the privileged vacation resort of the emperor August and Tiber which remained 10 years there. An Eden on a rock surrounded by the sea. Let lose yourself in the maze of the little streets and discover: Piazzetta (at the arrival of the funicular, meeting point), the Villa Jovis, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, Mount Solaro, the Villa San Michele, Grotta Azzura (visit by boat), the garden of August, Arco Naturale, the Malaparte Villa (located at the end of the Massullo point), Anacapri, San Giacomo...

Ischia is the largest island of the gulf of Naples, very touristy, it is especially known for its hydrotherapy and its superb beaches. Sightseeing: "Ischia porto" (situated in a volcanic crater, many bars, shops), "Ischia Ponte" (old village). Possibility to visit the island by bus (approximately 2 hours).
Procida is the smallest of the islands of the gulf, it is probably the most authentic one. Colored houses, old coffees, small paths, give him an undeniable charm.

> Herculaneum, Pompeii, Vesuvius, Sorrente, Amalfitan coast

Herculaneumis located at 12 km of Naples. At the time of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 this residential city counted approximately 4500 persons. It was completely absorbed under a mud and lava flow. Sightseeing: the House of Neptune and Amphitricha, the House with the Large Gate, Thermal baths, the House of the Bicentenary... Visit: in 2 hours.

Pompeiilocated at 25 km of Naples, counted approximately 20000 persons at the time of the eruption of Vesuvius. It was a city of merchants and rich people. It was covered by tons of ashes and lapilli. To see: the Atrium, the house of the Mysteries, the house of Century, the house of the Loves Gilded, the Forum, Thermal baths, the Amphitheatre... Visit: approximately 5 hours.

Vesuvius. At 12 km of Naples, it is the largest active volcano of continental Europe. Its presence gives character not only to Naples but to the whole region. The last eruption was over 50 years ago, but certainly the one most remembered is that of 79 D.C. Today it is a national park visitable until its crater.

Sorrente located at 50 km of Naples is accessible by train (Circumvesuviana, which serves also Herculaneum and Pompeii), in car or by ferries. This elegant and holiday resort could be discovered by foot. Famous Caruso remained there. Panorama on Capri and Naples.

The Amalfitan coast is a panoramic road, certainly the most beautiful of the Mediterranean. Sightseeing: Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Vietri... Possibility of return towards Naples by the motorway starting from Salerno.

Villa Medici

Hotel in naples and Residence