THE BEST NAPLES ARCHITECTURAL BUILDINGS 🏛️

PALAZZO FILOMARINO DELLA ROCCA   15th century

It is most recently well-known for having been the residence of the great Neapolitan historian and philosopher, Benedetto Croce. The original structure was built in the 1300s and was rebuilt and enlarged in the first decade of the 1500s. Subsequent modifications were added by the renowned architect Ferdinando Sanfelice in the 1700s when the building passed into the hands of Tommaso Filomarino della Rocca. He was responsible for the addition of a fine library, as well, keeping with the intellectual  tradition of the premises, which had in the past hosted no less a philosopher than Giovan Battista Vico. That tradition still survives, as the building currently houses the Italian Institute for Historical Studies founded by Croce.

The building is on a long street popularly known as "Spaccanapoli" (Naples-Splitter) in the historic center of the city . The section of the street where the building stands is, today, named via Benedetto Croce. 

Address : Via Benedetto Croce 12 - pics of palazzo filomarino 👇 

PALAZZO VENEZIA  15th century 

One feature of Neapolitan nomenclature (beside the fact that street names get changed every two or three days!) is that so many buildings are named for peoples from beyond Naples. There is a church “of the Spanish” and one “of the Genovese,” and there is a theater “of the Florentines.” (There is also a "church of the Italians"—strange story, that one!) Except for that last one, the reason behind the names is quite straightforward. Centuries ago, the kingdom of Naples not only maintained diplomatic relations with the various states in the northern part of the Italian peninsula, but carried on great amounts of trade with them. This resulted in sizable colonies, for example, of Genovese and Florentine businessmen and merchants in Naples. They had their own areas with their own churches and theaters, etc. One of best-known examples of this —but still not very well known, even among Neapolitans— is the building called Palazzo Venezia, located in the heart of the historic section of Naples at via Benedetto Croce 19.

The original premises were the property of the Sanseverino family, one of the most powerful feudal families in the Middle Ages in the Kingdom of Naples. They were involved, however, in disputes with central royal authority and the building was confiscated by King Ladislao and given to the Republic of Venice in 1412 as a residence for the Venetian consul in Naples. (The building was, in fact, called Palazzo San Marco for a while in honor of Venice). The premises originally included adjacent property on both sides—that is, on the east towards San Domenico Maggiore as well as on the west, now the Palazzo Filomarino (and Benedetto Croce’s residence for many years).

The premises of the Palazzo Venezia contain a number of plaques that indicate various dates of restoration and provide somewhat of a synthesis of the history of the building. There is one, for example, to indicate work done in 1610 by Geronimo Zono and another telling of work down to the courtyard in 1646 (shown below). After the large earthquake of 1688, extensive reconstruction was undertaken by Antonio Maria Vincenti; as well, there was another restoration of the building in 1737. A plaque from 1756 recalls the beginning of the fragmenting of the property as one bit of it goes to the adjacent Palazzo Filomarino. There are still ample archives extant that cover various periods in the history of the building. There are records of the very first Venetian consul in Naples, one Alvise Bonrizzo; and also documentation from the time of Andrea Rosso, who had to balance between Masaniello’s revolutionaries (who were intent on modeling their new Naples after the Republic of Venice!) and the ruling Spanish viceroys in 1647. 

PETRUS DULCIUS

PRO SER.ma REIP.ca NEAP.i

RESIDENS EIUSDEM IUSSU

PARTEM HANC

DOMUS DIRUTAM

ISTAURAVIT

AN.D.NI. 1646

It says: "Pietro Dolce, for the Most Serene Republic of Naples, on the order of the same, while residing here restored the part of this house that was destroyed. AD 1646.

These days the Palazzo Venezia serves as cultural venue for art shows, exhibitions, lectures and musical productions, generally focused on characteristically Neapolitan themes.

Address : Via Benedetto Croce, 19, 80134 Napoli NA - pics of palazzo Venezia  👇 

PALAZZO PETRUCCI 14th century

Palazzo Balzo, now called Palazzo Petrucci . Its origins are in the early 14th century as a residence of nobility connected with the move of the Angevin dynasty from Sicily to Naples. It passed into the hands of Petrucci in the mid-1400s. Petrucci enjoyed the favor of Ferrante, the Aragonese ruler of Naples, until he joined the so-called "Barons' revolt" of 1485. He was executed by decapitation. The building has changed hands many times since then, and the only real remnant of the 14th century seems to be the main portal. 

Address : P.za S. Domenico Maggiore, 33 - pics of palazzo Petrucci  👇  

CASTEL NUOVO (Maschio Angioino) 🏛️ The most famous castle in Naples

 CASTEL NUOVO  (Maschio Angioino) The most famous castle in Naples  

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Castel Nuovo (or New Castle), which locals call the Maschio Angioino, is a medieval castle located in Naples, Italy. Built in 1279, it was the royal residence of the Kings of Naples until the 16th century. Today the gothic castle, which dominates the space between the waterfront and the central Piazza Municipio, is a museum and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Naples.

Visitors can explore the three courtyards, the defensive walls and the castle towers, as well as the Sala dei Baroni, the Chapel of San Giovanni, and the Cappella Palatina. The castle also houses numerous art collections, including paintings by Italian masters such as Battistello Caracciolo and Luca Giordano. With its rich history and abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, the Maschio Angioino is a must for anyone visiting Naples.

The local name comes from the Italian word for "male", or "keep", which centuries ago meant the main tower of a fortress. Angioino (or "Angevin”), on the other hand, refers to the dynasty that started the construction of the castle.

THE HISTORY OF CASTEL NUOVO 

The oldest part of the fortress was built by Charles I of Anjou, starting in 1279 after the defeat of the Swabians and the transfer of the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily to Naples. Over the centuries, the castle has been enlarged and renovated several times, in particular by King Alfonso V of Aragon in the 15th century and by Charles III of Bourbon in the first half of the 1700s.

During its history, the Maschio Angioino has been the setting for key events, such as the famous abdication of Pope Celestine V, who gave up the papal seat in the main hall of Castel Nuovo on December 13th, 1294. Important artists and other historic figures have been hosted in the castle over the centuries, including Giovanni Boccaccio, Francesco Petrarca, and Giotto, who was commissioned to fresco the Palatine Chapel.

THE CONSPIRACY OF THE BARONS 

After the Aragonese claimed the throne of the Kingdom of Naples in the 15th century, King Ferdinand I began to modernize the kingdom, with tax reform and laws to abolish feudalism. The area's powerful barons organized a violent revolt that ended in bloodshed in Castel Nuovo in 1487.

It was King Ferdinand himself, also known as Ferrante d'Aragona, who summoned the barons to the throne room under the pretext of wanting to celebrate the wedding of his niece. Instead, it was a trap: the nobles were arrested and put to death and now that room - one of the most beautiful in the Maschio Angioino - is known as the Sala dei Baroni (Hall of the Barons).

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MASCHIO ANGIOINO  

The Maschio Angioino is one of the most striking sights in Naples. Today it houses a museum stuffed with art and other treasures dating from medieval and Renaissance Naples, but visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the castle ramparts.

THE TRIUMPHAL  ARCH

The triumphal marble arch at the entrance to the Castel Nuovo was commissioned by King Alfonso of Aragon. The work is decorated with important sculptures dating from the Neapolitan Renaissance by Francesco Laurana and various other artists.

THE PALATINE  CHAPEL 

The Cappella Palatina, or Church of San Sebastiano or Santa Barbara, is the only surviving element of the fourteenth-century Angevin castle, though it has undergone much damage followed by renovations and restorations over time.

The chapel interiors are decorated with frescoes by Maso di Banco and a ciborium by Iacopo della Pila from the end of the fifteenth century. Other highlights include precious sculptures by Francesco Laurana and other works of the Neapolitan Renaissance.

The Palatine Chapel had been 'frescoed with scenes from the Old and New Testament by Giotto around 1330, but this cycle of frescoes was almost completely destroyed at the time of the Spanish Viceroys.

THE HALL OF THE BARONS 

The Sala dei Baroni, initially called the "Throne Room", is the main room of the Maschio Angioino and was built at the behest of King Robert of Anjou. In addition to the bloody event to which it owes its current name, the room is famous for the splendid vault with crests and sails.

THE PRISON AND THE LEGEND OF THE CROCODILE 

According to an ancient legend, the prisoners chained in the dungeons of the castle, which were also used as a grain store, were subject to mysterious disappearances. Over time it was discovered that the perpetrator was a crocodile who was able to pass through an opening in the basement and drag the prisoners into the sea by their leg. The discovery allowed the king to use the large reptile to carry out death sentences without too much fuss. In the end, the crocodile's fate was no better than its victims: according to legend, the animal was captured using a poisoned leg of a horse as bait. The most famous crocodile in Naples was stuffed and hung on the entrance door of the castle. 

THE CIVIC MUSEUM 

The Civic Museum of Naples, inaugurated in 1990, is housed inside the castle. Visitors first pass through the Palatine Chapel and the Armoury Hall, then climb up to the first and second levels of the fortress to admire the frescoes and paintings. The museum galleries display works by important artists of the Neapolitan Renaissance and Baroque periods, such as Battistello Caracciolo, Luca Giordano, Francesco Solimena, and Mattia Preti.

CASTEL NUOVO  (Maschio Angioino) IT IS LOCATED.....

It  is located in Piazza Municipio the center of Naples. The fortress is located a short distance from the port of Naples, including the cruise terminal and Beverello pier, where ferries to and from Capri and the other islands in the Gulf of Naples dock. Nearby sights include Piazza del Plebiscito, the San Carlo Theater, the Royal Palace of Naples, and Castel dell’Ovo.

The fortress is easy to reach with Line 1 of the metro (get off at the Municipio stop). You can reach the Maschio Angioino in just a few minutes on foot if you are arriving in the city via the port.

ROMAN SHIPS FOUND UNDER THE MASCHIO ANGIOINO 

In the Greco-Roman era, the coastline was located further inland than it is today and the sea reached the area where the castle now stands. During the construction of the Piazza Municipio metro station the port of ancient Neapolis was discovered along with five Roman ships that were probably used to transport goods and food. The boats probably date back to the end of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 3rd century AD and are excellently preserved. Some of the articles unearthed are displayed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

VISITING THE MASCHIO ANGIOINO 

Address : Via Vittorio Emanuele III, 80133 Napoli NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/untYFm7

Website : https://www.comune.napoli.it/maschioangioino

Visitors must purchase tickets to enter the Maschio Angioino, which must be booked in advance on the official website of the Municipality of Naples.

Opening hours

The castle is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Entrance tickets Full: €6 /Free: under 18 and over 60.

My last TIPS

WHERE TO STAY NEAR  THE CASTEL NUOVO   AND SAN CARLO OPERA HOUSE 

The historic center of Naples is quite compact, so any hotel you choose in Decumani or the Spanish Quarters will be close to the square - follow the info below 👇

I suggest you being at Capodichino airport at least 3 hours before your plane's departure.

.

-🛎️ Are you Looking to book superhost apts in Naples (OLD TOWN - METRO - CITY CENTER - BALCONY CITY VIEW ) ? well this is the right moment , follow the link below 👇

https://www.spaccanapoliexperience.com/

.

- 🛎️ In case you need we we can provide private transfer (to/from everywhere,airport included ) Tour Guide service (pompei herculaneum, etc ) Amalfi Coast tour with a driver ( Positano , Ravello , Amalfi etc) , contact me in advance and ask for availability

ROYAL PALACE (Naples) 🏛️ The lavish Bourbon residence in the heart of the city

 ROYAL PALACE (Naples)  The lavish Bourbon residence in the heart of the city

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Naples' Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) sits in the heart of the city on the elegant Piazza del Plebiscito, and is one of four royal residences used by the Bourbons during their reign, together with the Capodimonte Palace, the Royal Palace of Caserta, and the Royal Palace of Portici.

The Palazzo Reale in Naples was the most central of the royal residences and was where the royal family could most often be found during the Bourbon reign from 1734 to 1861. Today, visitors can admire the royal apartments, court theater, library, and gardens overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

Address : Piazza del Plebiscito, 1, 80132 Napoli NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/UJdyyAU

website + ticket : https://palazzorealedinapoli.org/

VISITING NAPLES'  ROYAL PALACE 

The main entrance to the Royal Palace can be accessed via Piazza del Plebiscito, the main square in Naples. The exteriors of the palace are rather plain, with just eight statues representing the rulers of Naples decorating the facade. The interiors, however, dazzle, beginning with the monumental staircase at the entrance designed by the architect Genovesi that leads to the court theater, and continuing through the Throne Room and the Royal Apartments. About 30 rooms and halls are open to the public, all ornately decorated by the prominent artists of the Bourbon reign.

After taking in the interiors, visitors can stroll through the Royal Gardens, scattered with statuary and crosscrossed with paths that offer breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.

THE NATIONAL LIBRARY (Biblioteca Nazionale)

The city's national library occupies one wing of the palace, one of the most important in Italy and home to 2 million books and manuscripts, including works by San Tommaso d’Acquino, Giambattista Vico, Torquato Tasso, and Giacomo Leopardi. Papyrus scrolls uncovered at the Herculaneum archaeological ruins are also conserved in the library.

Tip : Entrance to the Biblioteca Nazionale is free !

THE SAN CARLO OPERA HOUSE  (Teatro San Carlo)

Naples' historic Teatro San Carlo was once part of the Royal Palace, and there was a separate entrance leading to the Royal Box. Today, visitors can take in the opulent interiors of this landmark theater even without having to book tickets to a performance.

Guided tours are offered daily, unless rehearsals for a performance are being held.

San Carlo opera house 

Address : Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Napoli NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/mtFyzg9

Website + ticket : https://www.teatrosancarlo.it/

Italian tours daily at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30

English tours daily at 11:30 and 3:30

French tours on Saturdays at 5PM

Tickets: EUR 9

Reservations for tours should be made by contacting visiteguidate@teatrosancarlo.it

DINING NEAR THE ROYAL PALACE 

Be sure to stop either before or after visiting the Royal Palace for an authentic espresso at Caffè Gambrinus, Naples' landmark coffee house located on the square. Founded in 1860, the café has its original Art Decò interiors and works by D’Annunzio and Marinetti. Near the entrance is a large moka espresso pot used to hold register receipts for a “caffè sospeso”, or an espresso paid for in advance and "left hanging" for clients who may not be able to treat themselves to an espresso themselves.

Caffè Gambrinus 

Address :  Via Chiaia, 1, 80132 Napoli NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/cGJ5PVn

Tripadvisorlink : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d1091714-Reviews-Gran_Caffe_Gambrinus-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

WHERE TO STAY NEAR  THE ROYAL PALACE AND SAN CARLO OPERA HOUSE 

The historic center of Naples is quite compact, so any hotel you choose in Decumani or the Spanish Quarters will be close to the square - follow the info below 👇

My last TIPS

I suggest you being at Capodichino airport at least 3 hours before your plane's departure.

.

-🛎️ Are you Looking to book superhost apts in Naples (OLD TOWN - METRO - CITY CENTER - BALCONY CITY VIEW ) ? well this is the right moment , follow the link below 👇

https://www.spaccanapoliexperience.com/

.

- 🛎️ In case you need we we can provide private transfer (to/from everywhere,airport included ) Tour Guide service (pompei herculaneum, etc ) Amalfi Coast tour with a driver ( Positano , Ravello , Amalfi etc) , contact me in advance and ask for availability

PIAZZA DEL PLEBISICITO ( Naples )🏛️ The history and legends surrounding one of Naples' great public squares

 PIAZZA DEL PLEBISICITO ( Naples )

The history and legends surrounding one of Naples' great public squares

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Piazza del Plebiscito—or simply “Piazza Plebiscito”, as the Neapolitans call it—is one of the most famous squares in Naples, the city’s elegant heart and backdrop to countless films, TV series, and documentaries. Home to the Royal Palace of Naples, this sweeping square is an ideal spot for an iconic Neapolitan snapshot with the looming peak of Mt. Vesuvius in the background.

A BRIEF  HISTORY OF PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO 

Covering roughly 25,000 square meters (270,000 square feet), Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest squares in both the region of Campania and the whole of Italy. It is located in Naples’ central San Ferdinando district, about halfway between the historic center of Naples and its waterfront. Via Toledo, one of the city’s main shopping streets, leads directly to the square; locals and visitors stroll the length of this busy thoroughfare (which some Neapolitans still refer to by its former name of Via Roma) to take in its shops, cafes, and historic buildings on their way to the Piazza del Plebiscito.

This area has been an important location in the city’s complex history and politics for centuries. An open square has occupied this space since the mid-1500s, when the ruthless viceroy Don Pedro of Toledo had his palace built here, a residence that was torn down about two centuries later.

The square in its present iteration, however, has only existed since the beginning of the 19th century, when Joachim Murat, king of Naples during the Napoleonic era, commissioned Domenico Fontana to create a large semicircular piazza in front of the Royal Palace.

When first built, the square was simply called Largo di Palazzo. Its name was changed after the plebiscite of 21 October, 1860, held after the expulsion of the Bourbons, which led to the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies by the newly formed Kingdom of Italy.

TOP SIGHTS IN PIAZZA PLEBISICITO 

Closed to traffic and opened to the public at the end of the 1900s, Piazza Plebiscito is not only an elegant space where some of the city’s busiest streets converge, but also an open-air museum of architectural treasures and a highlight of most sightseeing tours in the heart of Naples.

THE ROYAL PALACE (Palazzo Reale)

The magnificent Palazzo Reale di Napoli lines an entire side of the square. This sweeping palace was in turn residence of the Spanish viceroys, the Bourbon kings, the Austrians, and the French over the 150 years after Charles III of Bourbon decided to make it his seat in 1734.

Until the unification of Italy, the palace was an important setting in the long history of Naples and its people, hosting royalty and nobles of different dynasties and nationalities. The 19 arches on the main facade house the statues of the most famous rulers in the history of Naples, from King Ruggiero II the Norman to Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy.

Since 1919, the Royal Palace has belonged to the Italian state and today houses one of the city’s top museums. Visitors can marvel at the grand staircase and tour the Royal Apartments, as well as admire the National Library with attached gardens. The sumptuous Teatro San Carlo opera house, overlooking the nearby Piazza Trieste e Trento, is also part of the palace complex.

THE BASILICA DI SAN FRANCESCO DI PAOLA 

Just opposite the Royal Palace, the neoclassical Basilica di San Francesco di Paola is one of the most famous churches in Naples. Its unique 19th-century architecture features a semicircular colonnade that lines the square and a dome similar to that of Rome’s Pantheon .

INFO : The Basilica di San Francesco di Paola has long been one of the most popular and beloved local churches for the celebration of weddings, in part because Piazza Plebiscito offers a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. Visitors to the church and square often come across a newly married couple and their guests being photographed in the piazza.

OTHER PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO HIGHLIGHTS 

The square is bookended by two identical buildings, Palazzo della Prefettura and Palazzo Salerno (on the side nearest the waterfront). Gran Caffè Gambrinus, one of the oldest and most famous coffee houses in Naples, is just off the square. Stop here for an authentic Neapolitan espresso and a delicious sfogliatella.

Caffè Gambrinus 

Address :  Via Chiaia, 1, 80132 Napoli NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/cGJ5PVn

Tripadvisorlink : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d1091714-Reviews-Gran_Caffe_Gambrinus-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

LEGENDS AND FACTS ABOUT PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO 

Legend : This landmark square in the heart of Naples is the subject of an ancient legend in Neapolitan popular culture. According to tradition, once a month Queen Margherita of Savoy would pardon any prisoner sentenced to death who could cross the square blindfolded, starting from the entrance to the Royal Palace. To be pardoned, convicts would have to pass between the equestrian statues of Charles III and Ferdinand I which have marked the center of Piazza del Plebiscito since the 18th century (the first work is by Antonio Canova and the latter by the sculptor Antonio Calì).

CROSSING PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO BLINDFOLDED 

It is said that no one ever managed to escape execution, due to a curse cast by the queen herself to mock her prisoners. But since then, Neapolitans and tourists have continued to attempt the feat, closing their eyes and attempting to walk the 170 meters (560 feet) necessary to cross the exact center of the square without running into one of its statues.

Info : The reason that it is so difficult to cross the square blindfolded is probably due to the uneven cobblestone pavement. Queen Margherita, to whom the most famous pizza in history was dedicated, was not known to be particularly violent and, on the contrary, may have even contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in the Kingdom.

Fact: During the Spanish and Austrian viceroyalty, bullfights were held in Piazza del Plebiscito, as recorded in several Neapolitan chronicles dating from the 1500s and 1600s.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR PIAZZA DEL PLEBISCITO 

The historic center of Naples is quite compact, so any hotel you choose in Decumani or the Spanish Quarters will be close to the square - follow the info below 👇

My last TIPS

I suggest you being at Capodichino airport at least 3 hours before your plane's departure.

.

-🛎️ Are you Looking to book superhost apts in Naples (OLD TOWN - METRO - CITY CENTER - BALCONY CITY VIEW ) ? well this is the right moment , follow the link below 👇

https://www.spaccanapoliexperience.com/

.

- 🛎️ In case you need we we can provide private transfer (to/from everywhere,airport included ) Tour Guide service (pompei herculaneum, etc ) Amalfi Coast tour with a driver ( Positano , Ravello , Amalfi etc) , contact me in advance and ask for availability

ONE WEEK IN SORRENTO 🌴 - What To See and Do In and Around Sorrento Tips for planning a seven-day trip to Sorrento (day 1 sorrento - day 2 minicruise - day 3 pompeii and vesuvius - day 4 capri - day 5 hiking - day 6 amalfi coast - day 7 naples )

ONE WEEK IN SORRENTO  - What To See and Do In and Around Sorrento 

Tips for planning a seven-day trip to Sorrento

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A week in Sorrento is the ideal amount of time to spend exploring the Sorrentine Peninsula and its nearby sights, including some of the top destinations and attractions on the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast.

So, how do you organize seven days in Sorrento? Here are my  suggestions: 

DAY 1: SORRENTO 

Set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea, Sorrento is one of the most captivating resort towns in Italy and has been attracting visitors from across the globe for centuries. Kick off your week on the Sorrentine Peninsula by exploring its most famous and beautiful town. Take in the old town at a leisurely pace to soak in the “Old World” atmosphere and visit the main sights. With a full day dedicated to Sorrento, you’ll have time to sights, shop, and relax over lunch or an aperitivo in Piazza Tasso plus spend a few hours sunbathing at one of the local beaches.

For some ideas on how to spend your day in Sorrento, check out my Self-guided Sorrento Walking Tour.

🛎️   SELF-GUIDED SORRENTO WALKING TOUR ⛱️ ⭐🌬️🐙  - follow the link below  👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/sorrento-self-guided-walking-tour.html

DAY 2  : MINICRUISE 

If you are wondering how to fill a week in Sorrento, keep in mind that no holiday on this spectacular peninsula is complete without a boat tour of the Sorrento coast, the most scenic way to explore the coastline and access its most picturesque beaches.

My tip : The top destinations to explore by sea on a full-day boat tour included Massa Lubrense, the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve, and Nerano, a fishing village along the coastline that is famous for its excellent restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean.

There are a number of boat tours that set off from Sorrento to explore the Amalfi Coast, island of Capri, and other destinations along the Bay of Naples so you have a wide variety of itineraries to choose from.

DAY 3: POMPEII AND Mt. VESUVIUS 

Sorrento is a perfect jumping-off point to visit the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Walk its ancient Roman streets and admire the villas, temples, baths, and other dazzling remains famously buried by the devastating eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.

HOW TO GET TO POMPEII FROM SORRENTO 

Reaching Pompeii from Sorrento is easy. Hop on one of the many Circumvesuviana train that depart from Sorrento for Naples, and get off at the Pompei-Villa dei Misteri stop (about 20 minutes from Sorrento). The entrance to the ancient site is just outside the Circumvesuviana station.

🛎️   POMPEII RUINS ( info + what to see + tips)🌴🏺⚡⭐ - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/pompeii-ruins-info-what-to-see-tips.html

If you want to avoid the crowds and hassle of the train, you can opt for a comfortable and relaxing private transfer with a professional car service ( in this case you can contact me ) 

Your driver will pick you up directly at your hotel or other accommodation and drop you at the entrance to Pompeii. A private transfer is also the easiest way to reach the Mt. Vesuvius National Park: you can have your driver first drop you at Pompeii for a few hours then take you directly to the trailhead for the walk up to the volcanic crater atop Mount Vesuvius.

The Mt. Vesuvius National Park is also accessible via public transportation, but keep in mind that it will take much longer to both reach the peak and return to your accommodation in Sorrento.

DAY 4: CAPRI

Capri sits like a jewel in the waters of the Mediterranean just opposite Sorrento: the island is an extension of the Sorrentine Peninsula and shares the same geological origins, culture, and legends. Take advantage of your week-long holiday in Sorrento to spend a day exploring Capri either with a private or group tour, or independently with a DIY itinerary. 

HOW TO GET TO CAPRI FROM SORRENTO 

A number of ferries depart for Capri each day from Sorrento’s port. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the island and the ticket prices vary according to the type of ferry (from about €15 to €18). You can simply go directly to the port in Sorrento and purchase a ticket for the next departing route, though i suggest booking in advance in the busiest summer months to avoid a long line.

TIPS FOR VISITING CAPRI FROM SORRENTO 

For your day trip to Capri from Sorrento, i suggest purchasing a round-trip ferry ticket upon departure (to avoid waiting in line at the ticket office for your return trip) and sitting on the left side of the ferry for the best views of the Sorrentine Peninsula from Sorrento to Punta Campanella along the way. The regular ferries are slower but also offer a smoother ride for those who suffer from seasickness; hydrofoils are faster but also a bit bumpier. If you plan on using public transportation to explore Capri, purchase your tickets at the tobacco shop (tabaccaio) at the Sorrento port to avoid a long line once you arrive on Capri.

Once you disembark on Capri, you an get around with the public bus and funicular or with the island’s traditional open-top taxis.

To get the most out of your day on Capri, take a look at my suggested itinerary. Keep in mind that the island is very crowded in the summer months so travel times to get between towns and sights on the island may be much longer:

🛎️  ONE DAY ITINERARY ON CAPRI ( The perfect one day itinerary ) ☀️🌴❤️🍋 - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/one-day-itinerary-on-capri-perfect-one.html

DAY 5 : HIKING 

The Sorrentine Peninsula is more than just pristine beaches, fabulous food, and picturesque villages. There is also dazzling countryside best explored on foot or bike along a number of trails that span a wide range of lengths and difficulty levels.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual walker, I suggest taking a day during your week in Sorrento to explore the lush hills and scenic coastline along the area trails.

Choose a route through the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve for sweeping views across the water to Capri or through the Monti Lattari mountains for bird’s-eye panoramas and unbeatable local cuisine. You can also head from the Bay of Ieranto to Mount Faito, considered one of the most scenic spots in the region (and accessible via cable car).

Otherwise, head to the Amalfi Coast to explore the network of trails and walking routes that are unforgettable scenic, from the famed Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) above Positano to the Valley or the Mills above Amalfi.

🛎️  PATH OF GOD ( sentiero degli Dei) 🦎🐏👣🥇 - follow the link below  👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/path-of-god-sentiero-degli-dei.html

DAY 6 : THE AMALFI COAST 

A week-long holiday in and around Sorrento must include at least one day trip to the Amalfi Coast! Though you need more time to truly explore the coastline, a full day is enough to get an overview of the top villages and experience the “la dolce vita” vibe of Italy’s most famous stretch of coastline (especially if you visit outside of high season, when the area is crowded with summer tourists).

If you aren’t getting around with your own car, you can reach the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento by public Sita bus, with routes that stop in the main towns along the coastline. Keep in mind that the buses are crowded and there are long lines to board in the high season and on weekends.

A convenient alternative, especially in summer, is reaching the Amalfi Coast by sea to avoid the snarled traffic and crowds on the coastal road.

If you are having a hard time choosing, make the most of your time on the coast and visit two towns in a single day 

🛎️ ONE DAY ITINERARY ON THE AMALFI COAST  (POSITANO-AMALFI) ☀️🍋🏖️ - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/one-day-itinerary-on-amalfi-coast.html

The most stress-free and time-saving way to visit the Amalfi Coast during your week in Sorrento is with a private driver who can customize your pace and itinerary and save you hours by dropping you directly at each town without the hassle of parking or waiting for the ( in this case contact me ) 

DAY 7 : NAPLES 

You’ll have enough time during your week on the Sorrentine Peninsula to dedicate a day to explore the vibrant city of Naples. If you are reaching Sorrento by train or plane, you will probably pass through the city upon arrival and departure, so it makes sense to spend your final day here so you can minimize your travel times

There are a number of options to reach Naples from Sorrento if you aren’t traveling by car:

- The cheapest option is the local Circumvesuviana train which runs between Sorrento and Naples regularly all day and takes about an hour to make the trip. This commuter train can be very crowded during rush hour and high season and there is no space to store luggage, so this is not the best choice if you are traveling with multiple large bags.

- If you’re traveling from late spring to early fall, the ferry between Naples and Sorrento is ideal since you can take in views of the Sorrentine Peninsula and Bay of Naples during the trip.

TIP : 

The high-speed ferry between Sorrento and Naples takes about 40 minutes.

There are no routes on Saturdays and Sundays from early November through March.

Tickets cost around €12 with a supplement for bags.

- The most stress-free way to get to Naples from Sorrento is a door-to-door private transfer with a driver who will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off directly at your final destination! ( In this case you can contact me )

Once you arrive in Naples, follow my suggestions for how to take in the top sights in one day: Top 10 Things to See in Naples.

🛎️ TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES🌶️ ☀️⭐🌴💀

The best 10 things to see and do in Naples, especially for first-time visitors ( Pizzerias and Restaurants included no-tourist trap + where to stay city center "best in town" ) - follow the link below 👇  

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/top-ten-thinks-to-do-in-naples.html

🛎️  LOCAL RESTAURANT IN NAPLES - NOT TOURIST TRAPS 2024-2025  🥘🍲☕( Personally tasted )  - follow the link below 👇 

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/local-restaurant-in-naples-not-tourist_22.html 

🛎️  BEST PIZZA ITINERARY IN NAPLES  🍕🍅🌶️  - follow the link below 👇 

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/best-pizza-itinerary-in-naples.html

🛎️  ONE DAY IN NAPOLI " STREET-FOOD TOUR ITINERARY " ( no museum - no visting)   🌶️🥘🥐🍸☕🍋 - follow the link below 👇 

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/10/one-day-in-napoli-street-food-tour.html

🛎️ BEST PLACE TO STAY IN SORRENTO❤️🍋 - tips to help you choose the best area to stay : Historic center , the surrounding hills , or along the coast - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/best-place-to-stay-in-sorrento-tips-to.html

🛎️ WHERE TO GO DANCING IN SORRENTO ⭐ - best clubs in town - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/where-to-go-to-dancing-in-sorrento.html

🛎️ BEACHES IN SORRENTO 🌴 The best places to bask and bathe in and near Sorrento ( marina piccola - marina grande - regina giovanna - puolo -marina la lobra - marciano - baia di ieranto - nerano)⭐ - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/beaches-in-sorrento-best-places-to-bask.html 

🛎️ SELF-GUIDED SORRENTO WALKING TOUR ⛱️ ⭐🌬️🐙  - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/sorrento-self-guided-walking-tour.html

🛎️ WHERE TO EAT ON A BUDGET IN SORRENTO (Inexpensive eateries in Sorrento and the best pizza ) - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/where-to-eat-on-budget-in-sorrento.html

🛎️ THE 7 MOST ROMANTIC SPOTS IN SORRENTO  - ⛱️ ⭐🌬️🐙 - The most intimate corners and scenic overlooks for holding hands and stealing kisses  -  follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-7-most-romantic-spots-in-sorrento.html

🛎️ BEST CAFE'S AND BARS IN SORRENTO 2024 - 2025  - follow the link below 👇

https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com/2024/11/best-cafes-and-bars-in-sorrento-2024.html

My last TIPS

I suggest you being at Capodichino airport at least 3 hours before your plane's departure.

.

-🛎️ Are you Looking to book superhost apts in Naples (OLD TOWN - METRO - CITY CENTER - BALCONY CITY VIEW ) ? well this is the right moment , follow the link below 👇

https://www.spaccanapoliexperience.com/

.

- 🛎️ In case you need we we can provide private transfer (to/from everywhere,airport included ) Tour Guide service (pompei herculaneum, etc ) Amalfi Coast tour with a driver ( Positano , Ravello , Amalfi etc) , contact me in advance and ask for availability

A DAY TRIP TO PESTUM ⚱️🏛️ Visit the famous temples of Paestum from Sorrento

 A DAY TRIP TO PESTUM 

Visit the famous temples of Paestum from Sorrento

Paestum, located about 70 kilometers south of the Sorrentine Peninsula, was founded by ancient Greeks in the 7th century BC and is famous still today for the perfectly preserved Greek temples, which have recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GETTING TO PESTUM 

The trip from Sorrento to Paestum is rather long, so the best option is to book a private driver for a car tour or rent a car and drive yourself. To reach Paestum by public transportation, you will need to travel to Naples and take the train from there; the archaeological ruins are about a 15 minute walk from the train station.

🛎️ TO BE UPDATED  JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW 👇

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1069443424901362...

A GOURMET SIDE TRIP 

If you are travelling by car, don't miss the opportunity to stop at one of the many artisan cheesemakers along the road, specialized in making the area's famous mozzarella di bufala, or buffalo mozzarella. I suggest visiting Vannulo, which offers tours of the buffalo farm, a farm shop with a variety of artisan cheeses, a farm restaurant featuring dishes based on farm products, and a gelateria specialized in buffalo milk gelato.

TENUTA VANNULO 

Address : Via Galileo Galilei, 101, 84047 Capaccio

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/S4okSQA

Website : https://www.tenutavannulo.com/

THE HISTORY OF PESTUM 

The temples at Paestum were built by ancient Greeks who initially settled at Sibari in Calabria before beginning to expand their territory along the coastline of southern Italy, creating what is now known as Magna Grecia. Paestum was once called “Poseidonia” in honor of the god of the sea, protector of sailors. It reached its glory around 500 BC, but by the 4th century BC the area had begun to experience flooding caused by sediment at the mouth of the river Salso, which ran along the walls of the city. Over the centuries, residents began to leave the city until it was finally abandoned completely between 800 and 900 AD.

Ironically, the abandonment of the city was a lucky stroke for the temples of Paestum, which were left intact over the millenia. They were gradually rediscovered beginning in the 1700's by travellers on the Grand Tour, and in 1907 the first archaeological digs began, which lasted into the 1970's.

Visiting the Temples of Paestum

Tickets: EUR 7

Hours: 8:45 am to an hour before sunset

Website : https://museopaestum.cultura.gov.it/i-templi/

After entering through the main gate, you will first come upon the “Temple of Ceres”, once dedicated to the Goddess of Athens. Continue south, passing the forum, a group of houses, and the amphitheater, all of which offer a view into daily life during Roman times. The Temple of Neptune (or Poseidon in Greek times) is located to the south, and is almost perfectly preserved. The adjacent Temple of Hera has been transformed into a Catholic basilica.

Take time to visit the site's archaeological museum, where the objects unearthed during excavations are displayed, including the famous fresco found in the Tomb of the Diver.

My last TIPS

I suggest you being at Capodichino airport at least 3 hours before your plane's departure.

.

-🛎️ Are you Looking to book superhost apts in Naples (OLD TOWN - METRO - CITY CENTER - BALCONY CITY VIEW ) ? well this is the right moment , follow the link below 👇

https://www.spaccanapoliexperience.com/

.

- 🛎️ In case you need we we can provide private transfer (to/from everywhere,airport included ) Tour Guide service (pompei herculaneum, etc ) Amalfi Coast tour with a driver ( Positano , Ravello , Amalfi etc) , contact me in advance and ask for availability