About the La Vita Napoletana Walk in Naples
This four-hour stroll takes us along the Naples' waterfront, exploring the political and social history of the city from its Greek origins as Neapolis (the new city) to modern times. It is led by either an art or social historian, and, while exploring rich scholarly themes, attempts to paint a realistic picture of life in Naples today, in all of its chaotic beauty.
The walk begins with an exploration of Castel Nuovo, the political fulcrum of the city during antiquity, when there was an important commercial port in the area (some Roman ships have recently been discovered nearby), up through the high medieval period when Petrarch and Boccaccio were guests here. We will also observe the other Neapolitan castle, Castle dell'Ovo (literally, the egg castle), which also has a history stretching back to Roman times and has had many reincarnations, most notably as a prison under the Normans.
With a view of the bay of Naples as a backdrop, we will push on to the Palazzo Reale, designed by Domen
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This four-hour stroll takes us along the Naples' waterfront, exploring the political and social history of the city from its Greek origins as Neapolis (the new city) to modern times. It is led by either an art or social historian, and, while exploring rich scholarly themes, attempts to paint a realistic picture of life in Naples today, in all of its chaotic beauty.
The walk begins with an exploration of Castel Nuovo, the political fulcrum of the city during antiquity, when there was an important commercial port in the area (some Roman ships have recently been discovered nearby), up through the high medieval period when Petrarch and Boccaccio were guests here. We will also observe the other Neapolitan castle, Castle dell'Ovo (literally, the egg castle), which also has a history stretching back to Roman times and has had many reincarnations, most notably as a prison under the Normans.
With a view of the bay of Naples as a backdrop, we will push on to the Palazzo Reale, designed by Domenico Fontana, which served as the royal palace during the reign of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. Boasting an overwrought imperial-style of interior decoration, the royal apartments attest to the wealth and power of the city during Bourbon rule.
Our itinerary can vary at this point, continuing along the waterfront to imbibe some of the great scenery, or turning in to the dense Spanish district and its artist treasures, such as the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli or the Palazzo Serra di Cassano.
The emphasis of this walk is on understanding the political and social development of Naples, and therefore serves as an excellent primer for further explorations in the city. From lowly harbor to elaborate palace, this coastal area is a true marker of the complex Neapolitan identity.
