Ischia: Holiday Apartment for Naples’ Culture and Coast

Ischia can be combined with Naples in this travel context. Here, ancient urban history, underground sites, royal collections and protected coastal landscapes come together. The various locations showcase a city where Greek, Roman, Spanish and Bourbon periods are just as present as the sea and gardens.

Culture

In the historic centre of Naples, the rectangular street grid of the ancient Greek foundation of Neapolis is still recognisable today and continues to shape the urban fabric. Along the coast, the UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves Roman archaeological remains and restored small boat harbours between Castel Nuovo and Capo Posillipo. Another prominent coastal landmark is Castel dell’Ovo: the Norman fortress stands on the ancient Isolotto di Megaride and is one of the oldest castles in Naples. From its terraces, views extend across the sea, Mount Vesuvius and Naples.

The museums of the Palazzo Reale di Napoli also combine architectural history with concrete insights into past ways of life. The Museo della Fabbrica is a permanent exhibition that introduces visitors to the tour of the entire monumental complex of the Palazzo Reale di Napoli. The Appartamento di Etichetta contains paintings, marble, stucco, tapestries and valuable furnishings that tell the story of the lives of the Palazzo Reale’s inhabitants. The Museo Caruso is the first national museum dedicated to Enrico Caruso and includes 3D animations, multimedia platforms, as well as musical and film installations.

At the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, the mosaic collection displays mosaics from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other places in Campania. These include mosaics and furnishings from the House of the Faun in Pompeii. The Magna Graecia collection covers the most important historical and cultural phenomena of Greek colonisation in southern Italy from the end of the 8th century BC to the Roman conquest in the 3rd century BC. The Farnese collection is also located there; it is probably considered the best-known collection of Roman antiquities and is firmly rooted in the Renaissance milieu.

Below the city, Napoli Sotterranea continues this chronological span. The route begins at Piazza San Gaetano 68 in Naples. Access is via 121 low, wide steps; there are no lifts or escalators. Underground, visitors can see areas associated with the Greek, Spanish and Bourbon periods. The Catacombs of San Gennaro offer guided tours every hour, for which advance reservation is required.

Nature

The Parco Sommerso di Gaiola combines volcanological, biological and historical-archaeological features in a coastal landscape. It extends from the Borgo di Marechiaro to the Baia di Trentaremi and is part of the Natura 2000 protected area IT8030041 “Fondali Marini di Gaiola e Nisida”. This means that geological, biological and historical elements coexist within a clearly defined coastal area.

Inland, the Real Bosco di Capodimonte represents a different type of landscape. The historic garden is a former hunting reserve and covers approximately 134 hectares beside the Royal Palace. Over the course of two centuries, more than 400 plant species were planted there. The Spianato around the Reggia di Capodimonte offers visitors a viewpoint with panoramic views over Naples and the Gulf of Naples. The Stufa dei Fiori is also open for public use, with tastings as well as literary, artistic and social events.

From the Pedamentina, views extend across the historic centre, the bay, Mount Vesuvius and the islands. The views from the paths thus complement the coastal perspectives at Castel dell’Ovo and in the Parco Sommerso di Gaiola.

Routes and connections

Naples’ Metro Line 1 connects the northern part of the city with the centre and runs through Vomero, the historic centre, the monumental area and the main railway station. From Naples, year-round maritime connections to Capri, Ischia and Procida are available by ferry and high-speed passenger vessels. Dining on pizza in a historic pizzeria is another part of the visitor experience in Naples.

Other places

Other destination location pages available include Barano D'ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Fontana, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Forio. Beyond the island, further navigation leads to Caserta.

For the overarching travel overview: Campania.