In and Around Napoli I

We had admired the breathtaking view over Napoli from the hill of Sant’Elmo the previous evening. Now was the time to visit some of the many sights Napoli has to offer. With us on our sightseeing tour was Bianca, our Neapolitan pilgrim companion who, together with Marisa, had volunteered to lead the way on this expedition. On our agenda this day was the the Piazza Plebiscito, the Castel dell'Ovo and the Parco Virgiliano (Virgil’s Park), nothing less.

Piazza del Plebiscito with a view of San Francesco di Paola

The Piazza Plebiscito is a must for visitors to Napoli. On the west side of the piazza is the church of San Francesco di Paola, on the opposite side lies the Royal Palace where former regents of Napoli have their statues in niches. Among them are Roger the Norman or "Ruggero il normanno" who was king of Sicily in the twelfth century.

Newlyweds posing at Castel dell'Ovo

Castel dell'Ovo is one of Napoli’s distinctive landmarks. The name means “Egg Castle” in Italian and originates from a legend about the Roman poet Virgil, who had put a magical egg into the foundations to support the original fortifications. If something had broken the egg, the castle would be destroyed and a series of disastrous events would befall upon the city of Napoli. Today the castle is a popular site for exhibitions and other special events, such as having your wedding photo taken

In the afternoon we visited the Parco Virgiliano on the hill of Posillipo where we enjoyed spectacular views of the Gulf of Napoli, the coast of Sorrento, Mount Vesuvius, Nisida island, Pozzuoli and Baia, not forgetting the islands of Ischia, Capri and Procida.

Spectacular view from the Parco Virgiliano

Images from Napoli