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Capri island – the centre of luxury | Italy

Claire — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:53:54 +0000

The picturesque island of Capri lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the Gulf of Naples. Not like the many islands in the vicinity, Capri has not been created by volcanic activity arose, but was separated from the Sorrento peninsula. The Blue Island – like Capri is often called – covers an area of about 10 km2. The island itself is composed of two parts – the Capri and Anacapri, which is located in the upper part of the island.

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).

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Napoli – busy city under Mount Vesuvius in Italy

Claire — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:40:29 +0000

Naples (or Napoli in Italian), with more than a million inhabitants, is the capital of Campania and lies in the Gulf of Naples. It is the third most populous city in Italy, the entire area has over three million inhabitants.

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.

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Monte Vesuvio – destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy

Claire — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:16:22 +0000

If you’re ever in or around Pompeii or Napoli, you surely will see the hill in the background. It is the volcano Mount Vesuvius (or Monte Vesuvio in Italian). It is not very high – about 1277 m but it has a lot of troubled history. It is known mainly for destroying Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum when exploded in the year of 79, and killed many thousands of people. The towns’ locations were eventually forgotten until their accidental rediscovery in the 18th century.

Already on the way to Vesuvio you can see the places where nothing grows. In 1944 there was the last eruption of lava flowed through here. From the car park you can walk to the top of a very busy sidewalk. Hike is pretty tough and definitely not suitable for older people. There are stalls selling refreshments and souvenirs on the top.

During the beautiful weather it really worth to look at the Gulf of Naples, the sea and also to the crater of a volcano.

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