It is the most important architectural monument of Greek art on the Italian mainland. Greek colonists lived in Paestum already in the 7th century BC and called the town Poseidonia. Archeological discoveries confirm that the city was an important center of learning, full of temples, roads and rich buildings. It was founded by the Romans around the year 40 BC. At this time Paestum belonged to the prosperous cities of the Roman Empire.

In the Middle Ages Paestum (or Capaccio – as it was called) was abandoned for unknown reasons (historians are leaning toward the theory that it was due to malaria). The archaeological work that was carried out in 18th century (for an initial focus of Pompeii and Herculaneum) again showed this glory to the world and the city has enjoyed rediscovery. On 9th September 1943 the beach at Paestum became a landing place for the 36th American Division. Heavy fighting took place in the city nine days before the German were pushed to the north.

Thanks to archaeological discoveries, Paestum became a frequent tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy history together with a great opportunity to swim in the sea. The real tourist boom occurred after World War II, even though the city has undergone a difficult period of war. The city began to develop a robust tourism industry, which attracted visitors from all over the world. But not only the sea and monuments attracted to Paestum. It is also delicious cuisine and Nature (Paestum is located in the middle of the Cilento National Park).

Paestum has its own atmosphere and charm. You can sit in the numerous restaurants offering fish specialties in pizzerias and cafes. Come to Paestum and see that you will be very nice surprised!

You can also visit nearby Napoli, Pompeii or Capri island.

View Paestum – major Graeco-Roman city in Italy in a larger map

The post Paestum – major Graeco-Roman city in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul Resh

The island has been and still is for his position, and especially for its beauty and uniqueness, the seat of the higher society and artists. E.g. the Swedish writer Axel Munte spend here some part of his life. His Villa San Michele is now open to the public as a museum. In Capri you can find such villas and residences on each corner. One of the most famous – Villa Jovis – was built by Emperor Tiberius as his summer residence.

From the higher part of the island you can find a picturesque view of the entire magical panorama, but also of the Augustus Gardens and the magnificent white cliffs – Faraglioni. Near the town of Anacapri is the highest peak of the island, Solaro.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Nenita Casuga

From the above mentioned information, it is clear that the island of Capri has a romantic beauty. But its uniqueness lies elsewhere – in the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) – the sea cave – magnet for the tourists. And indeed, when the lights switch off in a dark cave and you see the azure blue sea, you stop breath and enjoy a unique experience. The trip to the famous cave, although you will pay around 16Eur, is worth your visit. Tourists can reach the cave by bus or taxi from Anacapri; or by boat from Marina Grande.

Capri, it is not only the nature and beauty, but also a typical Italian countryside atmosphere. In the picturesque square in the Capri town you find many shops and boutiques selling souvenirs and other products of local production. Lovers of sea and water activities can visit the beach at Marina Piccola, or drive around the island tour on a boat ride (an experience for about 9 Euro).

View Capri island – the centre of luxury Italy in a larger map

The post Capri island – the centre of luxury | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Napoli has quite a long and interesting history. The town Neapolis arose in the 8th century BC and was originally the Greek settlement, then it was settled by the Roman emperors, then by the Byzantines, Normans, Spaniards, Napoleon Bonaparte and finally in 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi joined Napoli to the Italian Kingdom.

It is quite significant that in 1973 erupted epidemics of cholera due to bad sanitary conditions in the city, during which 30 people died.

Unique architecture and history led Napoli in 1995 on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see in Napoli
Cathedral of San Gennaro, the Jesuit church of Gesù Nuovo (on the same-name square) with an unusual facade composed of the large stones. Just Opposite stands the Gothic church of Santa Chiara.

Piazza Municipio and Piazza del Plebiscito with the Church of San Francisco di Paola with unusual colonnades. Opposite there is the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), home library (Biblioteca Nazionale). There is also beautiful monumental passage of the 19th century – Galleria Umberto I.

If you have more time, look at the Castel Nuovo (new castle by the sea) and Castel dell’Ovo (castle of golden eggs).

You should see also Teatro di San Carlo, that is operating since 1737, and today it is the oldest active opera in Europe and one of the largest theaters in the world.

You can go on a trip to three famous islands: Procida, Ischia and Capri. To get to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvio you can take the train or bus.

There is also beautiful Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) at the south from Napoli, with clear blue sea and imposing rocks.

View Napoli – busy city under Mount Vesuvius in Italy in a larger map

The post Napoli – busy city under Mount Vesuvius in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

In the shadow of Ischia and Capri is small, only 2.5 km long and fewer tourists visited island of Procida. However Chiaiolella offers good swimming and, like Ischia, also cheap accommodation. In a neglected town of Procida is the main ferry port, Marina Grande.

View Ischia and Procida – two gems of the bay of Napoli in Italy in a larger map

The post Ischia and Procida – two gems of the bay of Napoli | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Inside Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy by Jun

Located at the waterline inside the cave, a hole in the wall of the cave that is only one and a half meters in diameter allows the sunlight into the Blue Grotto. This is also just large enough to allow a small rowboat into the cave. Below this small hole is an even larger hole which allows the light to reflect on the base of the cave beneath the water line. As a result, the water in the Blue Grotto emits this eerie blue glow.

Inside of the Blue Grotto, many marble statues were found back in the early part of the 1800s. There was also a landing spot inside of the cave which means that they Blue Grotto was well known even back in the days of the Roman Empire. Today, this cave is the symbol of the Island of Capri and is the number one reason why people make their way to the island every single year.

Entrance to Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy by Arnaud Gaillard

To enter the cave, one must transfer to a wooden boat that is oared into the Blue Grotto. Since the size of the hole is so small, when entering the cave, you will have to lay flat on your back so as to prevent hitting your head. However, the inside of the Blue Grotto is very spacious. Furthermore, if there are any trough seas, access to the caves are limited because the rowboat can barely fit through the small opening in a calm sea.

During the peak season, when the conditions are just right, it is not uncommon for traffic jams to occur as the boats take turns entering and exiting the cave. However, for those who are brave enough, in the evenings after the rowboats have gone for the day, it is possible to swim into the Blue Grotto. Special precautions must be taken so as not to get slammed into the edges of the opening by the waves.

The post Blue Grotto – amazing sea cave you must see! | Capri, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.