Naples is the loud, maddeningly deafening, polluted lawless ,seedy city that you would like to avoid at first sight .If the high decibels don't put you off, the crime-it's the global HQ of Mafia- and the open flouting of laws and morals will. However, look closer. You will find that the city is chock a bock with churches, medieval treasures and innumerable delights for the gourmets. And yes, you will fell elevated by the sheer energy of the city!
A visit to Naples would be one of a kind stop in your destination Italy.
CHIESA DI SAN DOMENICO MAGGIORE
The Gothic church stands as imposingly as it was when it was the Aragonese nobility's favourite sacred spot. The baroque style overruns the place, though often melded with the neo -Gothic. You will still be transfixed by the Renaissance sculptures within. Incidentally, the church's sacristy is the final resting place for many an Aragonese noble.CAPELLA SAN MARINO
If Baroque is a statement is artistic ostentatiousness, this could be termed as its apogee. Yet, in parts, it is hauntingly beautiful and touches aesthetic and technical perfection. Built in 1590, this chapel throws up a medley of frescoes and sculptures that perhaps overstates storytelling abilities of the Neapolitan masters. Experience the softness in stone as they create the illusion of a shimmering veil over a dead Christ lying on the pillow. The wall sculptures are equally arresting and you will be transfixed at least by 3 of them- Celebrano's relief of the Deposition, Corradini's allegory of Modesty, and Francesco Queirolo's virtuoso allegory of Disillusion showing a man wrestling with a rope carved in marble. It could turn out to be the beginning of your romance with Baroque.CERTOSA DI SAN MARTINO & MUSEO NAZIONALE DI SAN MARTINO
The former monastery is another prime example of over the top baroque. Completely clad in marble, it is adorned with Ascension by Lanfranco as well as 12 Prophets by Giuseppe Ribera. Witness too Luca Giordano's ceiling fresco of the Triumph of Judith (1704) and Ribera's masterful Descent from the Cross. The museum inherits the baroque legacy as well as two stately carriages, historic documents, ships' replicas, china and porcelain, silver, Campagna paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, military costumes and armor, and a lavishly adorned crib by Cuciniello. The vast collection of presepi (Neapolitan Christmas crèches) exhibits numerous peasants and holy figures.IL DUOMO
After Milan, this may be a bit of a comedown. But its Gothic façade encloses myriad treasures. In fact , if faith could move a city , Naples' heart could be said to reside here. For the altar of Chapel of San Gennaro (Cappella di San Gennaro), contain contains two vials of the blood of St. Gennaro, patron saint of Naples. The blood is believed to liquefy and boil three times annually to ward of every catastrophe that the city faces-except of course the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara (Museum Complex of St. Clare)
If you are tired by the hectic tour of the city's delights, this is the perfect place for refreshing your body -and soul. The placid retreat is meant to shield Chiostri dell'Ordine di Santa Chiara from the city's bustle. The courtyard of the flowering cloisters and four paths leading to its center are lined with arbors . Colorfully painted majolica tiles and tiled benches provide the perfect setting for your breather. It adds a peaceful note to destination Italy.New Castle (Castel Nuovo)
It was built for Charles I, king of Naples, as the royal residence for the House of Anjou and today house the Municipal offices. But its march through triumphs and defeats has seen great embellishments that are reminiscent of the Renaissance. Three imposing round battle towers guards its front, while the arch of triumph designed by Francesco Laurana is a Renaissance masterpiece.