Naples
After a two hour drive we arrived in Naples. The honking, the traffic, the crazy drivers, Naples has it all. Our rooms weren’t ready so we immediately went on a walking tour of the area. So many people and Vespas everywhere. Finally we got to try some Napoli pizza! Later we checked into our very modern hotel which was great and as a bonus we even had a nice view from our windows.
Unfortunately we didn’t take Lisa’s advice on places to eat and ended up at a rather mediocre restaurant outside in an alley. Oh well, at least they had Fanta!
The next morning we headed to the Cappella Sansevero, a small chapel famous for its Baroque art. We saw the Veiled Christ, a marble sculpture so finely carved that the veil appears transparent.
From there, we went on to the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important archaeology museums in the world.
There is an extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is filled with intricate mosaics, sculptures, and an array of everyday household items that were used at that time. .
With its stunning architecture and exhibits, the museum offers a captivating journey through art and culture in the Roman Empire.
This statue depicts Hercules, shown resting from his twelve labours, resting on a club which was draped with a lion skin.
National Archaeological Museum
Flora Farnese
The Farnese Bull which was carved from a single large block of marble.
One of five Dancers of Herculaneum which were life-sized bronze statues with realistic inlaid ivory eyes.
The stuff of nightmares!
After visiting the National Archaeological Museum we were on our own, but with a concert to look forward to in the evening.
Galleria Umberto I in Naples was stunning with lots of shopping. We did some more walking and checked out the underground tunnels which were WW2 bomb shelters. They were made from old water cisterns. The tunnels were really interesting and I would highly recommend a visit.
A mosaic mural in Napoli Centrale one the underground stations
Today was our last dinner together as a group but first was a concert. Lisa led us to the subway station, and we all took the train to the concert at Theatro San Carlo. The singers were excellent, and I think it’s safe to say everyone really enjoyed it.
Afterwards, we took cabs to the restaurant, where we sat with Jill, Al, Leslie, and fellow Canadians Trish and Nigel. It was a really fun evening, and we left very full. To work off our dinner we walked back to our hotel in the dark.
We said our goodbye's at the hotel. It’s been a great trip, and we’re sad to say goodbye to everyone.
Until next time ....