Napoli

Naples: a city with a millenary past

Naples is a city with ancient roots. Founded by the Cumans in the 8th century BC, it was one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia, playing a commercial, cultural, and religious role towards the surrounding Italic populations. Later, in the 13th century, the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Naples. With the Restoration, instead, it became the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the Bourbons of Naples until the Unification of Italy.

Naples: center of culture and education

Naples is an important center of culture and education. Here stands the University of Naples Federico II, the oldest university in the world to be born through a state provision. In addition, there is also the "Nunziatella" Military School, one of the oldest military academies in the world elected as a historical and cultural heritage of the Mediterranean countries. Naples also has a strong musical tradition and has long been a global reference point for classical music and opera through the Neapolitan music school, giving rise to comic opera.

Naples: art, culture, and food in an ancient city.

Naples: a city with an impressive artistic tradition

The city is also characterized by an impressive artistic tradition. Naples was at the center of the Neapolitan Renaissance and the Neapolitan Baroque, Caravaggism, the Posillipo school, and the Neapolitan Liberty. The city is also famous for Capodimonte porcelain and the Neapolitan Nativity scene.

Naples and its cuisine

An important part of the collective imagination of Naples is linked to its cuisine. In the field of gastronomy, the city is the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza and the art of its pizzaioli. Neapolitan cuisine also includes foods that have taken on the role of icons, such as Neapolitan pizza, recognized as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Naples: a world heritage site

The historic center of Naples was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1995 for its monuments that testify to the succession of cultures of the Mediterranean and Europe. Furthermore, the volcanic apparatus of Mount Somma-Vesuvius was elected a biosphere reserve in 1997.

Naples: a unique place in the world

In summary, Naples is a city with a millenary history, a unique place in the world where art, culture, education, and food blend harmoniously. This makes it a city that cannot be missed at least once in a lifetime.

Paola Santoro
Wrote by Paola Santoro
Updated Sunday, Jan 16, 2022