Founded by Greeks in the first millennium BC, Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. In the eighth century BC, a colony known as Parthenope was established on the Pizzofalcone hill. Parthenope was named after the siren in Greek mythology, said to have washed ashore at Megaride, having thrown herself into the sea after she failed to bewitch Ulysses with her song. In the sixth century BC, it was refounded as Neápolis. The city was an important part of Magna Graecia, played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society, and was a significant cultural centre under the Romans. The Romans greatly respected Naples as a paragon of Hellenistic culture. During the Roman era, the people of Naples maintained their Greek language and customs. At the same time, the city was expanded with elegant Roman villas, aqueducts, and public baths.
Naples has a Mediterranean climate The climate and fertility of the Gulf of Naples made the region famous during Roman times, when emperors such as Claudius and Tiberius holidayed near the city. The climate is a crossover between maritime and continental features, as typical of peninsular Italy. Maritime features mitigate the winters but occasionally cause heavy rainfall, particularly in the autumn and winter. Summers feature high temperatures and humidity. The continental influence still ensures summer highs averaging near 30 °C/86 °F, and Naples falls within the subtropical climate range with summer dairyman above 22 °C/72 °F with hot days, warm nights and occasional summer thunderstorms. Winters are mild, and snow is rare in the city area but frequent on Mount Vesuvius. November is the wettest month in Naples, while July is the driest.
Our tour took us by bus
around the city, with the occasional stop for pictures and a cappuccino
in the main square,
prior to returning to the ship.
On the way to Naples, we spotted what we initially thought was an old aqueduct. Closer inspection with binoculars showed that it was actually newer construction to support a roadway across the cliff.
Across the top of the hill is a series of windmills - a smart choice for energy production considering the constant winds the area is known for.
After boarding a bus at the pier, we were taken on a meandering drive through Naples and up into the surrounding hills . .
. . . where we were treated to sweeping views of the city.
The outskirts of Naples is more industrial in nature but still boasts beautiful views of the Bay and the city.
The view is much nicer without a factory in the way..
The bus stopped at a viewing area at the top of Posillipo Hill where we were able to get more the Bay of Naples.
The city of Naples as seen from Posillipo Hill.
Izak checking the pictures on his camera.
Heading back down, we passed newer apartments and hotels on the Bay.
The harbour filled with sail boats and private yachts.
Dell'Ovo Castle
The most ancient castle in Naples is Castel dell'Ovo ("Egg Castle"), which was built on the tiny islet of Megarides. In Roman times the islet became part of Lucullus' villa, later hosting Romulus Augustulus, the exiled last western Roman emperor. It had also been the prison for Empress Constance between 1191 and 1192 after her being captured by Sicilians, and Conradin and Giovanna I of Naples before their executions.
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is a somma-stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania. It lies about 9 km (5.6 mi) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is the only volcano on Europe's mainland to have erupted in the last hundred years and is regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. According to the tour guide, a major eruption has the potential of turning much of Namples into another Pompeii.
Galleria Umberto I
Back in the city, the bus passed a number of beautifully designed buildings. One of them is the Galleria Umberto I, a luxurious and fashionable space to shop and eat. The Galleria is a light-filled shopping arcade crowned with a domed glass and steel roof. It was built at the end of the 19th century as part of a long project to rebuild and renovate much of Naples, and is elegantly decorated with murals and sculptures.
San Francesco di Paola Basilica
San Francesco di Paola is a prominent church located to the west in Piazza del Plebiscito, the main square of Naples. Finished in 1816, it was dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, who had stayed in a monastery on this site in the 16th century.
Palazzo della Prefettura
The Palazzo della Prefettura or Palace of the Prefecture is a monumental palace located in the central Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples. It stands in front and to the north of the Royal palace. The palace, which previously housed a 14th-century convent of Basilian Monks, was commissioned by Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies as a guest house in the gardens of his royal palace.
The bus then dropped us off downtown to wander on our own before returning to the ship.
Naples has a lot of pigeons!
We found an outdoor cafe in the central square where we enjoyed our ritual cappuccino.
Across from us there was a mother amusing her child by blowing bubbles for him to catch. I couldn't resist taking a picture.
Back on the bus headed to the port, we passed several beautiful structures.
Nuovo Castle
Castel Nuovo ("New Castle"), often called Maschio Angioino, is a medieval castle located in front of Piazza Municipio and the city hall in central Naples. Its scenic location and imposing size makes the castle, first erected in 1279, one of the main architectural landmarks of the city. It was a royal seat for kings of Naples, Aragon and Spain until 1815. n the course of its history, has been used several times as a temporary residence to host illustrious personalities who went to Naples as guests of the royal court or on an official visit.
Although this looks a lot like the Royal Palace, its actually an apartment building.
Headed back to the port.
That's our ship on the right and Naples in the background.