Naples, Italy

The pizza capital of the world and a wonderful lazy town of the South on Italy. This is my favourite place for so many reasons. I reached there really early in the morning that day and I got to witness the opening of life as it were on the busy roads. 

Naples has an overall vibe that is incredibly similar to my city in India, Pune. In fact, the south of Italy with its two-wheelers and its loud but loving people is a striking similarity to my homeland. It would then be safe to say that I did not at all feel homesick in Naples. 

Street art

Naples features some of the most intricate and mesmerising paintings. The entire city is a friggin museum of modern arts that are very accessible. 

Tiny street Flags

There are flags everywhere going from one building to another. These decorate and enliven, embellishing the city like a bride right before her wedding day. This was a part of the city's beautification initiative too.

Girolamini Church

I thought this place was very white and looked interesting. It really livens up the plaza. Unfortunately because I was there so early, it was still closed. 

San Pietro a Majella

This church is in gothic style and is attached to a musical conservatory on the side. Since the road is quite wide, it really brightens up and stands out. 

Piazza Dante

This is a really good looking boarding school right in the stark middle of the road. The plaza around it is rich in history and in culture. 

Palazzo Doria D'Angri

This is a nice looking building that I felt like I had to click. They turned it into an Airbnb!

Basilica dello Spirito Santo

There are a lot of impressive historical structures in Naples. This is just one of the many. There is a pretty dome on it that is not really visible in the photo.

Castle Nuovo

This is a wonderful castle that is located right next to the city hall. You can visit inside but not all of it. I think the work for preserving could be done better. The castle is not treated as nicely as patrimony deserves to be treated. 

Piazza del Plebiscito

I really liked this energy of this square. Since I was there so early in the morning, it was fun to just roam about and take it all in with a breath. I sat here for a long time. As a bonus, there is a ton of beautiful architecture all around.

The Gulf of Naples

I was walking to find a toilet around the city and there it was, the big coast. I was confused because I had no idea that Naples housed the sea and the beach. I was sleep deprived after having slept on the bus stop the previous night. So, impatient, I went into the shore of the gulf or beach or whatever. I slept on the sands for 3 hours, thanking my melanin to have not given me a nasty sunburn, basking in the perfect sunlight. I also got offered a drink by a fisherman. Quite flattering, if I am being honest. 

Pizza Margherita 

Did you know? Naples is considered the pizza capital of the word. The most classic out of which-you guessed it- Margherita! Margherita gets its name from Italy's Queen Margherita, who in 1889 visited a pizzeria in Naples, getting her first taste. Pizza is now considered the most popular fast food in the world. Naples is so soulful because of pizza, dirt cheap, I am talking 2-3 euros for a huge pizza slice on every tiny kiosk on the road. Italians do all sorts with their slice. They fold it, fry it and dance with it. You will find fried pizza in so many places in Naples! I highly recommend walking all through the city and taking the food scents in. I also recommend going from all pizza shops and getting a slice from whichever one tickled your fancy. I had a whole pizza, Margherita, from a really old and famous pizza joint. This was 6,50 euros! I ate it next to the pretty architecture. As for the taste, it was the best pizza I have ever had, no surprise there. If you take your pizza to-go, it is cheaper. If you sit down, service charges apply.

  

Love messages

In addition to being vibrant and wonderful architecturally, the city also has messages of love floating across buildings. They will immediately make you think of a special someone. 

Spires of Naples

This is located in the stark middle of the historic center of Naples. They were built to celebrate the end of plague. They were built in the 17th and 18th century. I thought they were really cool and symbolised a great deal!

Santa Nicola alla Carita

This dates back to the mid 17th century. It is beautiful from inside and outside and is also housing a museum inside along with a church.

Church of New Jesus

This is the most important church in Naples, built originally as a Palace for a prince in 1490!

Football Merchandise

There is a huge influence of Football in Naples. You will find all kinds of corner shops laden with trinkets and objects relating to the sport!

Santa Chiara

There's a few churches next to this one. This church is a tomb, a monastery and also an archeological site!

There is a whole lot more to see. I barely scratched the surface. This trip was one of my most satisfying experiences, like ever! It was definitely worth it. 

Aditi's recommendations:

• Take a Flixbus here from Rome, it's the cheapest option due to the awesome connectivity from Rome to everywhere by bus. 
• Food is cheap. Eat outside rather than cook in the hostel.
• Walk everywhere. It's the best way to experience the city. 
• Interact with the locals. They are warm and usually very kind people. 

Until next time!