2024 - March - Naples

It was my first visit to Naples and I had high hopes. After all, the entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! But I really had to work for the beauty. Because at first glance the city is mainly loud and dirty. Added to that are the countless mopeds (and cars) that are constantly honking. The area is also downright overpopulated and everything is cramped. The laundry is often hanging outside the buildings, which is of course also due to the cramped conditions.

But if you look more closely at the houses, you can see the old charm, although it is often fading. The many churches are definitely worth seeing - there are said to be over 400, some even say over 500. Some of them stand out in particular, such as the Cattedrale di Napoli. I have rarely seen so much splendor and for me it is in stark contrast to the often poor surroundings.

And there is one more thing that every visitor to the old town of Naples will immediately notice: the very special passion for SSC Napoli! I have never seen so many supporters of the city's football club as here. But all of this is topped by the almost god-like veneration of Diego Maradona. The exceptional footballer played for SSC Napoli from 1984 to 1991 and led the team to the championship twice as a playmaker.

Finally, I would like to give a few concrete tips on sights that I particularly liked.

Firstly, there is the wonderful view from the Vomero hill. There are two options here: firstly, it is free from the street, or secondly, for a small fee, from Castel Sant'Elmo. This fortress with its high walls is worth a visit in itself, but the view over the city, including Vesuvius in the distance, makes it very special. Especially since, looking from here, you can see the Certosa di San Martino monastery in the foreground.

If you like shopping, you will also find what you are looking for in Naples. In the middle of the busy shopping mile you will find the Galleria Umberto. Built in 1890, this magnificent building offers both a shopping experience and something for the eyes. It is worth looking up at the elaborate ceiling design!

A little less well-known but just as worth seeing is the Galleria Principe di Napoli. We discovered it by chance and, as it is, it could be a film set. The building was completed in 1883, partially collapsed in 1965, was rebuilt and is now a renovated complex, but many of it is still empty. Most of it is covered with nets, and the empty shops are taped up. Plants are also growing out of the cracks! Despite this, everything is clean and a few new shops have actually moved into the old walls.

The nearby art academy left us similarly amazed. The building was open and we were able to look into a lively student art world. Sculptures were being created in some of the rooms, and of course I didn't want to disturb them. But I can show you the garden. Ancient trees grow here and despite the mown lawn, everything looks a bit wild and enchanted.

And it is with this very thought of seeking and finding the morbid charm in Napoli (or Naples in German) that I leave you today until you come and have a look around here for yourself.

Tip: From Naples, many excursions are worthwhile, for example to Pompeii or Vesuvius.