DESTINATION:
Bay of Naples
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, the stretch of coastline bordered by the towns of Naples to the north and Sorrento to the south is commonly referred to as the Bay of Naples. It is an area of spectacular natural beauty affording some unforgettable town and seascapes, and the ancient civilisations who passed through the gulf have left behind many traces of their rich art and architecture. The archaeological sites at Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserved forever by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD, offer a lasting impression of the Roman World whilst the vibrant city of Naples is a fusion of Medieval, Renaissance and above all gloriously flamboyant Baroque styles. Beyond Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast offers equally spectacular vistas where cliffs terraced with scented lemon groves drop down into sparkling seas; whitewashed villas cling precariously to unforgiving slopes while sea and sky merge in one vast blue horizon.
Recommended duration – 4 nights/5 days
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
NAPLES a city which stands as testament to its long and varied past. Visits include the following:
- CAPODIMONTE PALACE – housing a magnificent collection of Italian art, including works by Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, Caravaggio, Masaccio and Luca Giordano.
- CERTOSA SAN MARTINO – home of the impressive National Museum. It was founded in the 14th century as a Carthusian monastery and its hilltop location affords stunning views over the whole city.
- NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM – deemed by many to be amongst the finest in Europe. The collection comprises the celebrated Farnese collection of antique sculptures and magnificent objects and works of art from the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- CHURCH AND CLOISTER OF SANTA CHIARA – Built in 1340, it is one of the most important buildings commissioned by the French Kingdom of Anjou, and houses several tombs of the Anjou family. The Cloister was redesigned in the 18th century and is richly decorated with majolica tiles.
- CHURCH OF GESÙ NUOVO – sits behind the diamond stoned, 15th century façade of the Palazzo Sanseverino, which was converted in the 16th century to create a Jesuit church with a magnificent Baroque interior.
- CAPPELLA SANSEVERO – built to house the tombs of the Princes of Sangro di Sansevero. The chapel has an interesting juxtaposition of Christian and Masonic symbolism and is noted, above all, for its fascinating 18th century sculptures, including Giuseppe Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ and Corradini’s Modesty.
- SAN LORENZO MAGGIORE – constructed in the 13th century. Excavations of the foundations revealed the remains of the original Agora of the Greek city which was subsequently used as the forum of the later Roman city of Naples.
- POMPEII – once a busy and prosperous town, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79; a disaster which served to preserve most of the buildings of both cities.
- OPLONTIS – site of the Villa Poppaea, which was the home of Poppaea Sabina, wife of the Emperor Nero. The height of luxury, it was being redecorated when Vesuvius erupted and buried it in ash. The villa boasts some excellent wall paintings, which depict the opulent lifestyle of the affluent Roman citizens of the Empire.
- HERCULANEUM – named after the powerful Hercules and situated to the west of Pompeii, this too was buried under a blanket of mud, yet miraculously preserved.
ALTERNATIVE VISITS
- PALACE OF CASERTA – the sumptuous palace built for King Charles III, which has over a thousand richly decorated rooms, grand sweeping marble staircases and royal apartments. The theme of the huge park is undoubtedly water, with numerous fountains and water features, and there is also the more intimate English Garden, designed in 1782 for Queen Carolina.
FURTHER AFIELD
CAPRI is a beautiful small island from where Emperor Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 14 to AD 37. Capri came under Greek, then Roman influence, then suffered Saracen incursions followed by a period of domination by Lombards, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese, Spanish, French and British. Visits will include the BLUE GROTTO (Grotta Azzurra), which is famous for its spectacular iridescent blue light and enchanting atmosphere and LA PIAZZETTA, the square at the very heart of the town and home to the clock tower, the pretty 17th century Baroque Church of San Stefano, and several chic cafés.
The magnificent coastline of the AMALFI COAST captures the colourful Mediterranean flavour of Italy. The Romans called it the ‘happy land’ and it has been an inspiration for poets, writers and artists for hundreds of years. Seaside villages nestle at the edge of the sea or high on a hill with a backdrop of citrus groves and vines. Visits include:
- POSITANO – famous for its steep position sloping down to the sea and its buildings which hang precariously over the cliff edge.
- AMALFI CATHEDRAL – dating from the 10th century, it stands proudly in the heart of Amalfi and is reached by a grand staircase leading up to the huge bronze doors. The cathedral is easily recognised by its intricate façade, which combines various architectural styles, and its pretty tiled Romanesque bell tower. The cloister, which abounds in romantic arches and beautiful frescoes, is known as the ‘Cloister of Paradise’ and was once used to house the decorated tombs of Amalfi’s noble men.
- VILLA RUFOLO – enchanting 13th century building close to the main square in Ravello, which once belonged to the powerful noble Rufolo family. The architecture has a distinct Moorish style and the beautiful panoramic gardens afford spectacular views over the Amalfi Coast, and were the inspiration for Wagner’s Parsifal.
ISCHIA AND THE GIARDINI LA MORTELLA – the volcanic island of Ischia lies just 19 miles from Naples and offers a charming contrast from the busy city. It has a lush, rural interior and a spectacular coastline. The garden of La Mortella is now universally regarded as one of the world’s greatest gardens. Designed by landscape architect Russell Page and developed by Susana Walton, wife of the composer Sir William Walton, it was inspired by the Moorish Gardens of Spain’s Alhambra Palace and today the gardens boast in excess of 1000 rare and exotic plants, set amongst terraces, pools, palms and fountains.