One of Italy’s most iconic cities and an extremely popular tourist destination on the Mediterranean Coast, Naples enchants and mesmerizes every step of the way. Here’s a sneak peek into southern Italy’s most magical city!
1. Naples is Italy’s 3rd largest city, after Rome and Milan. It is also the regional capital of southern Italy’s Campania region.
2. Naples was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 2nd century B.C. At that time, the Greeks named the city “Neapolis”, literally meaning “New City” in Greek.
3. Even today, the Italians call the city “Napoli” after its ancient Greek name. Naples’ citizens are known as “Neapolitans” or “Napoletano” in the Italian language.
4. Contrary to popular belief, Naples wasn’t always part of Italy. The city was included in Italy only in 1861 after the country’s unification.
5. The historic city center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest in Europe with several historic sites in its vicinity, including the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
6. The Gulf of Naples, a.k.a. Bay of Naples boasts several beautiful coral reefs, as well as some exotic fish species such as amberjacks, and tiny spotted sharks.
7. Beneath the city of Naples, there are several catacombs or burial sites dating back to the 2nd century B.C. They have over 2,000 burial coves and 500 sarcophagi.
8. Naples is home to seven castles, which made it the city with the most number of castles in the ancient world. These ancient castles still exist today and are also open to tourists.
9. The Naples Cathedral is a late 13th century A.D. edifice commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou.
The interior boasts beautiful frescoes by Domenichino and Giovanni Lanfranco. It also houses a vial containing the blood of Saint Januarius.
10. In 1830, the first ever pizzeria in the world was founded in Naples. The Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba remains functional even today.
11. The famous Margherita Pizza has been named after Queen Margherita of Savoy post her visit to Naples in the 19th century.
12. While in Naples, don’t miss trying out some of the Neapolitan pastries. They are absolutely delicious and will surely satisfy your cravings for sweets.
13. The skyline of Naples is dominated by the looming Mount Vesuvius, one of the most dangerous volcanos in the world. It is located just 5.6 miles east of Naples.
14. The Central Funicular of Naples is one of the longest and most used Funicular Railways in the world. Opened in 1928, it supposedly transports over 10 million passengers every year.
15. Naples is home to the 12th biggest passenger port in Europe. The Port of Naples transports more than 6.5 million of passengers per annum.
16. Naples is home to the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia.
Founded in the 17th century, it is one of Italy’s oldest crime organizations. Even today, the Camorra is believed to have more than 50,000 members.