A few words about Naples

Naples is situated in the region of Campania in southern Italy. It has over one million inhabitants and another two million in the suburbs. The third largest town in the country, it is also a main port with industries like shipbuilding, iron, steel, petroleum and porcelain. It is adamantly Catholic and maintains historic traditions in art and culture, and its cuisine is something to behold - it is the homeland of pizza among other things.
It is a wonderful city to promenade in. No substitute can be found for the firsthand experience of walking in the bustling streets. The city is exciting, the buildings are beautiful, and tourists are welcome to travel by ferry to the nearby islands of Capri and Ischia and the port of Genoa.
History shows that the Greeks founded Naples in the 8th century BC. Its original name was Neapolis. This is where the last Roman emperor was detained after he lost power in 476. Naples was subdued by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD and came under Norman rule, which was sweeping through Europe at the time, in 1039. In its history Naples has been subjugated to Spain and Austria. It did not become a region of new Italy proper until 1860.
Unfortunately Naples' reputation as a centre of organized crime precedes it, but this is no longer the case by any means. The town is just as charming and tourist-friendly as Florence and Venice. Development and improvement are evident - many churches dating from the Middle Ages are currently undergoing refits, as are other buildings in the downtown area. Naples even presents an advantage to tourists before other destinations in Italy - accommodations and food are reasonably priced, and what is more, a very authentic atmosphere is offered. The city streets bursting with life, the regular events and celebrations render Naples a combination of European modernity and Arabian exoticism.
We couldn't possibly go further without mentioning some attractions. There are cathedrals, museums, regal sites, restaurants and shops for all tastes.
The Cathedral Duomo was erected in the late 12th century. It has been reconstructed repeatedly over the ages and contains the relics of the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro. The Church of Santa Chiara was built in 1300 and reconverted to its authentic Gothic architecture after WWII. The monument of Robert I of Anjou is prominent here. Other churches worth visiting are the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore, the Church of San Gregorio Armeno and the Church of Gesu Nuovo.
Tourists are invited to visit a number of museums, which will express facts of city life and culture most vividly. The most prominent among these is the National Museum of Archaeology - not only in Italy, but in all of Europe. It displays a collection of possessions of the Bourbons and a set of sculptures, found in excavations of Pompey and Herculaneum. The Capodimonte Museum and Gallery, which opened in 1950, contains paintings by Michelangelo, Tiziano, El Greco, Raffaello and Botticelli. This destination is a must to all art lovers and collectors.
The residence of the Spanish Viceroys is now housed in the Royal Palace and Gardens. The gardens are lined with trees and contain a multitude of rare plants.
The most renowned royal site is the Reggia di Capodimonte. Erected in 1738, it is visible from all parts of the city. It is both a museum and royal chamber, and has always been.
Over the ages the city has been under the rule of all kinds of nations, which has resulted in the emergence of a wide variety of native foods. Freshly grown products like potatoes, peppers, beans, coffee and tomatoes are often used in dishes. A typical meal course in Naples will begin with mozzarella in carrozza with anchovies followed by spaghetti. Mussels and mullets are preferred main courses. After fish foods one is recommended to try mature Italian cheeses.
Famous wines produced in Campania are Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino, among others. These are perfect with fish.