Founded in the 5th century B.C. when the Greeks of Cuma expanded their area to include this mainland port. The originally urban landscape of the city closely resembled Grecian road systems of the time. Although Naples was conquered by the Romans in 327 B.C., the city maintained good trade relations with the Greeks and Athenianss. During the Middle Ages the city would broaden it''s territory by expanding the city walls and constructing many of the major centers for Christian worship including the Baptistry of John the Baptist.

In 1140 Naples was acquired by the Normans, and after a brief rule by the Kingdom of Sicily, the city would be turned over to the Hohenstaufen dynasty in 1189. Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily, founded the university there in 1224. The city''s intellectual heritage remains prevalent today.

Given the Pope''s encouragement, Charles I of Anjou, who was the King of Sicily, put an end to the Hohenstaufen Kingdom''s rule of the city and relocated the capital from Palermo to Naples. Under the authority of Anjou, Naples would undergo massive transformation as many of the public works systems were improved. Trade and industrialization would also increase greatly leading the city of Naples to prosper over the next 200 years. Arts and intellect continued to flourish throughout the city as well. The series of frescoes in the ancient Santa Maria Donnaregina are evidence of Roman influence in the city at this time. During Angoian leadership construction began on the Castel Nuovo and several other Gothic churches and structures were erected throughout the city.

The succession of the Aragon Dynasty in 1442 and especially that of King Ferdinand I were followed by yet another period of architectural and urban achievement. After being ruled by the French, the city would become a province of the Spanish Empire through the 16th and 17th centuries. The Spanish viceroy would oversee another period of expansion for the city, whose area would increase by nearly 40% during this construction phase. Many of the aristocratic residencies throughout the city were built during this time and remain in their original Renaissance style including the Orsini, Marigliano and Corigliano Palaces. Through the 17th the city would benefit from secured trade routes, construction would continue but architectural styles would change with the times. There are some fantastic examples of traditional Baroque architecture remaining in the city today, including the Maddaloni Palace, designed by Cosimo Fanzago. In the late 17th century however, the effects of the cholera epidemic would seriously injure the population of the city, leaving her economy weak and susceptible to invasion.

The Austrian Hapsburg Dynasty would be the next to take the thrown, over throwing what had become an excessively dictatorial Spanish power. But the Austrians would provide little relief and by the time Charles III of Bourbon would assume leadership the city was desperate. The first institution imposed by the new monarch was to tax the property of the Church. This would provide additional resources for the Treasury, these resources would be used to seriously renovate the city''s infrastructure. From the mountains to the sea there would be a total overhaul of roads and bridges, continued expansion and the introduction of major architectural projects including the Teatro San Carlo, the Royal Palace at Capodimonte and the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation. Charles was a cultivated and judicious monarch, but his predecessor, son Ferdinand proved to be a degenerate. Under his misrule the city''s population would grow, but her reputation would not be one of honor. Naples would finally become part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Throughout the long history of Naples her fortifications were expanded, reinforced and updated; in places, the original wall is still visible. From the time of ancient Neapolis, some of the Grecian roads have survived, and today these combined with the newer transversal roads create a series of city blocks that run perpendicular to the slope. Other parts of the city are less organized and reflect the somewhat frantic expansion of the medieval and Spanish eras of history. But her rich and varied history provides travelers with an exceptional illustration of the some of the most drastic periods of architectural styles and development. Her monuments and landmarks are a picture of Romanesque, Gothic, Catalan, Tuscan, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Neoclassical architecture at their finest.

San Ferdinando - Combined with the Chiaia and Posilippo district to make a ''triangle'' including Naples most famous landmarks.

Chiaia - This bayside district hosts the Villa Pignatelli

Posilippo - Worth traveling to for the great views of Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

ll Centro Antico - The ancient city center.

ll Centro Storico - This historical district is an extension of Centro Antico.

The Spanish Quarter - Find the Palazzo Gravina, the fountain built to honor Carlos ll of Spain.

Distance from Naples city : 6 Km

Phone Numbers:
Information: 081 - 7896259
Lost Luggages: 081-7896237

Via San Carlo - Galleria Umberto is a MUST STOP for any shopper or traveler. This gallery offers a mall of stores offering everything under the sun, literally, as the four arcades which comprise the Umberto are glass.

Via Chiaia, Via Roma & Via Calabritto surround the Piazza dei Martiri which has traditionally been the main shopping area in the city for tourists and locals alike.

Via Santa Maria di Constantinopoli - This is a great place to find antiques and other treasures.

Via San Gregorio Armeno - You will surely find a locally crafted gift to tickle your fancy.

Via dei Tribunali - Streets full of unique gift stores and other novelty items.

Via B Croce - For a less traditional approach to shopping. More artists, jewelers and crafts people.

Piazza Antignano - The Mercatino Antignano offers a wide range of wares, and is a popular stop for locals. If you haven''t experienced the atmosphere of Italian markets this is a great place to start!

Palazzo Reale - Home to a great many nobles, this enormous palace was commission by the Spanish

Caertosa di San Martino - A splendid example of Baroque architecture and an amazing panoramic view of the bay.

San Domenico Maggiore - This 14th century gothic church hosts the Deposition of Christ.

The Duomo (Cathedral) - Though rebuilt several times, today''s gothic monument was constructed on the site of the ancient Roman basilica.

Castel Nuovo (The New Castle) - Commissioned by Charles of Anjou in the late 13th century this castle was renovated under Aragon rule by Tuscan and Catalan artists in the 15th century. You can view the statues of the 4 cardinal virtues during your visit.

Cuomo Palace - Near the Duomo you will find this Renaissance palace which is host to the Civic Filangieri Museum. View an impressive collection of Roman art, Spanish and Italian armaments, sculptures, paintings, ceramics and embroidery tracing centuries of Napoli history.

Porta Capuana (Capuana Gate) - Considered to be one of the most important Renaissance monuments existing in the city today.

Villa Floridiana - In the neoclassical style generally associated with Pompeii; this elegant villa was once given as a gift by Fernando I to his wife, the duchess of Floridia.

National Archaeology Museum - Considered one of the most important museums in the world. An extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, mosaics, bronzes and vases gathered from Herculaneum, Stabia, Cuma and Pompeii are on display.

Lombardi a Santa Chiara - Via Benedetto Croce, 59. The city''s famed pizzeria! Need we say more!

Ambrosino - Via Scarlatti, 49. The atmosphere is simple and somewhat sparse, but the freshest of fresh produce, meats and cheeses will delight your palate in a custom made panino. This is an exceptionally well priced eatery, great for lunch!

La Focaccia Express - Vico Belledonne a Chaia, 18. For inexpensive, mouth-watering slices of focaccia topped with fresh and delicious combinations. Makes a great mid-day or late night snack.

Amici Miei - Via Monte di Dio, 78. For a tasty alternative to the traditional fish dish, this eatery offers hearty meals. The fare is reasonably priced too!

La Taverna Dell''Arte - Rampe San Giovanni Maggiore, 1. This traditional trattoria hosts locals. Always a good sign when you are looking for a real Italian dining experience. Dinners are moderately priced, and though the décor is simple there is a certain warm ambience.

Ristorante Bellini - Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 79. For a fun and comedic dining experience you simply must try Bellini''s. The waitstaff makes your meal into a real experience! Moderately priced, and well worth it!

Brandi - Salita Sant''Anna di Palazzo, 1. On the more expensive end of the dining spectrum, this establishment offers an impeccable atmosphere rich with 19th century décor. Their specialty is Naples own symbol, pizza.

Excelsior - Via Patenope, 48. One of the most highly celebrated eateries in the city offers traditional fare with exceptional taste replete with an antique ambience.