Context Naples Premieres “Naples Welcome Kit” – with guest post by Naples docent Fiorella Squillante

Last week, Context Naples was proud to announce the premiere of its “Welcome Kit” –  a set of services designed to introduce visitors to the Naples of the insiders, with an arrival pick up by one of our docents on the ground, an introductory walk in the area surrounding the clients’ hotel and an informative handbook, filled with our suggestions and recommendations.

We recently sat down with one of the contributors to the handbook, Naples docent Fiorella Squillante, to ask her about “her” Naples and why visitors to Italy should make it more of a priority.

- Why should more people be visiting Naples – instead of just using at as a stop over on the way to Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast?

Naples in an important art destination and one of the few that has been able to maintain its authenticity. There are so many museums and masterpieces to visit, all without having to wait on huge lines or make reservations.  Among the (inexplicably uncrowded) treasures are the Capodimonte Museum, San Martino, the church of Pio Monte, the archaeological area of San Lorenzo, etc. Naples is a continuous and pleasant surprise for those who are curious about the artistic and architectural achievements of a European capital, whose bad reputation sometimes overshadows this beauty. With a local, it is easy to fall in love with Neapolitan art and life – you just need to know where to go and how to get around.

Finally, it’s very hard to eat badly in Naples. Neapolitan cuisine is a true art form…After a visit to the Archaeological Museum or the Sansevero chapel, it is “obligatory” to indulge in a local pastry and the unique espresso or to stop in a local trattoria to taste the authentic flavors.

- We chose Chiaia for all of our hotel recommendations. What makes this area so special?

Because it is a well-located, elegant area that is close to the waterfront that offers a wide variety of shops, meeting spots, restaurants, and bars. It is a lively and safe district, where you can always feel at your ease. In Chiaia, it’s possible to choose between a luxury hotel and  charming boutique B&Bs. One can reach the historical center by foot or with the Metro. The funicular also connects it with the Vomero neighborhood, which is home to two wonderful sites – the Certosa of San Martino and the Castel Sant’Elmo.

- Describe an ideal day in Naples – or, if people only have one day in the city, what should they not miss?

Wandering around the historical center – making sure to visit the Cappella Sansevero, the cloister of Santa Chiara, Spaccanapoli (the ancient Roman street that bisects the district), the underground sites. Lunch at a pizzeria on via Tribunali, followed by a digestive walk along the waterfront or up at the San Martino museum. Try to fit in visits to the Capodimonte art museum and the Archaeological Museum.

2 Comments »

1. [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by contexttravel, Context Italy. Context Italy said: New blog post – docent Fiorella talks about the "Insider's Naples" that inspired our Naples Welcome Kit: http://ow.ly/2xQLs [...]

   Pingback by Tweets that mention Context Travel Blog – Context Naples Premieres “Naples Welcome Kit” – with guest post by Naples docent Fiorella Squillante -- Topsy.com — September 1, 2010 @ 1:15 pm

2. Great post.It is a lively and safe district.

   Comment by autobus — December 30, 2010 @ 2:56 pm

Leave a comment