Italy in Spring Part 4 Naples

On the second day, I simply set off again. And it was well worth it. First, I suddenly found myself in front of the Porta Capuana, then I saw a narrow alley behind it, of course, I went in there and soon stood in a small square with a wrapped column and scaffolding, where a church tower rose and led up a steep staircase. Curiously, I climbed the stairs and suddenly found myself in the Naples Cathedral during the mass. The cathedral was full, with the mass attendees in the middle and tourists around the edge. The children of the mass attendees were playing and laughing around without scolding or reprimands from the adults. How lovely! I wandered further, found a second old church, the oldest parts date back to 1340. I find it remarkable that the church once deemed nothing inappropriate for breastfeeding mothers. Maybe it can be like that again?

I also visited the Toledo metro station, allegedly the most beautiful in the world - or one of the most beautiful in the world. I was only moderately impressed. Later in the afternoon, I found an Osteria. While I was sitting there, I suddenly heard fireworks first and then music. Then bearers of flags with religious symbols appeared and 10 men carried a large statue of Saint Mary. Behind them, girls danced, and finally, a small orchestra with wind instruments and drums arrived. Curious, I followed the procession to a small square where the flag bearers and the girls saluted a cardboard figure in a door opening. I Googled the name, Emanuele Durante. He only lived to be 20 years old, murdered by a group of minors who, if I understood the Italian media correctly, suspected he was involved in the murder of his best friend (18 years). The tourists dancing happily to the music could not know this, of course. I walked away thoughtfully.