Naples is the most Italian city on the entire coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea: noisy and sunny, many-sided and temperamental. It was here that pizza and mandolin were invented, and the embankment of Naples, like many years ago, is the best place for walking under the southern sun and meeting with loved ones and friends.
The city is located on the shores of the bay of the Gulf of Naples and from the embankment there is a magnificent view of the Vesuvius volcano and the island of Capri.
Ancient bastions by the sea
A beautiful legend is told by guides and locals to all tourists who find themselves on the Naples waterfront. We are talking about the castle of Castel del Ovo, located on the small islet of Santa Lucia in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Egg Castle is the most ancient city fortress, at the base of which, as the legend says, the ancient poet Virgil hid a magic egg. It was supposed to help the defenders in the fortress withstand any enemy attacks. If the egg cracked, the city would not have escaped being flooded by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Apparently, the magic talisman is still intact, and now anyone can take a closer look at the ancient cannons and majestic bastions.
In fact, the castle was built only in the 12th century by Roger II of Sicily.
Another medieval citadel rises not far from the embankment. The new castle was built in the XIII century by Charles of Anjou, and now the ancient walls keep the exposition of the national city museum.
Note to the traveler
- The entrance to the ancient fortress of Castel del Ovo is absolutely free.
- You can get to the seafront from the train station and the Garibaldi or Vittorio squares by tram line N1.
- The most delicious seafood dishes are served in the restaurants around the seaport and the Naples promenade.
- Traditional Neapolitan cookies with the addition of pepper and spumoni ice cream are also worth ordering in the cafe on the waterfront.
In honor of the Neapolitan pizza
Every year, in early September, the city authorities organize a grand celebration on the Naples waterfront. It is dedicated to the Neapolitan pizza, which was born for the first time in this city.
The pizza festival takes place for several days, and during it several hundred masters of the Italian specialty showcase their skills to the guests. During the last festival in 2015, a collection of signatures was organized for the inclusion of chefs who know how to cook real pizza in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.
