Naples

On June 28th, my class went on a trip to Naples (Napoli), Italy! Although very hot, we had an amazing tour guide that made the whole trip very enjoyable. We learned lots about the architecture, history, and food and Naples! 

 

My favorite part was getting to walk around and enjoy the busy city life with such diversity in the architecture and time periods of when buildings were made. The churches of Naples were amazing and the age of them made them even more amazing to be inside of!

 

I was most shocked about the strong Catholic religion on all media around Naples. For example: there were many references to the church (last supper, saints, etc…) that were modernized into famous actors and Napoleon people. Although this could be seen as blasphemy, it was very interesting to see the heavy Catholic influence on all facets of modern life in Naples. With over 300+ churches in the city, and over 80% of them still active, it is clear that Naples uses this form of art as expression of familiarity rather than disrespect. 

 

Although Naples is a big city and busy, I was able to really appreciate it with our class trip. Learning more about the history, culture, and architecture is what made this trip worthwhile for me! If anyone wants to go to Naples, I highly suggest a tour guide to truly get an understanding of the city and its extensive past!

 

I was most excited to try pizza from Naples as it is the place that pizza was first created (that we know of)! Not only was the pizza delicious, but it was fluffy, flavorful, and has just the right amount of everything to make it a 10/10. I even had buffalo mozzarella as a nice Italian touch. 

 

Italy Fun Facts

#7 In Italy, they love buffalo and raise them in very humane conditions to create some of the best mozzarella. In these farms, buffalos can choose when to be milked, and live in spacious, low stress conditions).

#8 Animals are treated very well in Italy. It is very common to see many owners walking their dogs around the city as it is more common than keeping them at home. Because almost everywhere in Italy is dog friendly (except for churches and a few other specific places), dog owners have the ability to take their pet with them during their daily activities!

#9 In most regions of Italy, it is common for the first-born child to take the name of their father’s father or mother (grandpa o grandma) depending on the sex of the child.  The second child will then take the name of the mother’s parents. Example: grandfather on father’s side is Dominico then first-born son will be names Dominico

 

In conclusion, you’re sure about 2 things in Naples: food and churches! Enjoy the photos below!

Galleria Umberto I

Real Teatro di St Carlo- Oldest active theatre in the world since 1731

Piazza del Plebiscito, large public square in Naples

Naples is a very easy city to navigate because of the way that the road were made. The main roads are facing from east to west, cutting the town into two parts. This way you are always able to find the main roads. Back before light, the main roads Seoul’s be the first to light up and last to become dark due to the sun’s position on the roads. Spacca Napoli (Naples in half)

Naples is very well connected; you can get to other cities and even countries in just an hour!

Maradona is considered a saint in the eyes of many Napolitans. Known as the patron saint of those without names “el patrono de los sin nombre”

Gesù Nuovo church- Built 1470

Mary is standing on a sphere made entirely out of lapis lazuli, one of the most precious gemstones on earth.

Inlaid marble art. all 100% natural marble that is hand cut and made into masterpieces throughout many churches in Naples.

Fresco of Jesus from the 1200’s

Gluten free Napoli pizza with cheese form buffalo milk!

Gambrinus- One of the oldest running caffes in the world! Since 1860

Caffe Brasilacia- I think the best coffee I have ever had

Pulcinella, a traditional Neapolitan character and mask representing the spirit of the city's people. He represents the soul of the Neapolitan people, their primitive instincts, and their ability to find humor and joy even in difficult situations. You will commonly see this character or his mask all around Naples and in some nearby surrounding cities

New side of Naples buildings were built in the 1800’s and old side ones were built in the 1500’s AND before (going back to the 1200’s) with some churches (chiesa) being even older!

Naples is famous for a street dedicated entirely to mini figures made for Christmas nativity scenes. Many families will go to Naples once a year to pick out new figures for their family nativity as part of their holiday tradition. These are all 100% handcrafted and painted!

Reseituta church = Oldest church in Napoli ~300AD / 4th century AD

Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral)

Saint Gennaro celebrated 3 times a year. Every year, his blood is liquified through worship. Every other day of the year, his blood is solid. The city of Naples believes that he guards the city and has caused 3 miracles to happen, protecting the church and strengthening the faith of millions. His section of the church is the newest part built in the 1600s

Piazza Bolsa (wall street of Napoles)