 Naples is the loud, maddeningly deafening, polluted
lawless ,seedy city that you would like to avoid at first sight .If
the high decibels don't put you off, the crime-it's the global HQ
of Mafia- and the open flouting of laws and morals will. However,
look closer. You will find that the city is chock a bock with
churches, medieval treasures and innumerable delights for the
gourmets. And yes, you will fell elevated by the sheer energy of
the city!
A visit to Naples would be one of a kind stop in your destination
Italy.
CHIESA DI SAN DOMENICO MAGGIORE
The Gothic church stands as imposingly as it was when it was the
Aragonese nobility's favourite sacred spot. The baroque style
overruns the place, though often melded with the neo -Gothic. You
will still be transfixed by the Renaissance sculptures within.
Incidentally, the church's sacristy is the final resting place for
many an Aragonese noble.CAPELLA SAN
MARINO
If Baroque is a statement is artistic ostentatiousness, this could
be termed as its apogee. Yet, in parts, it is hauntingly beautiful
and touches aesthetic and technical perfection. Built in 1590, this
chapel throws up a medley of frescoes and sculptures that perhaps
overstates storytelling abilities of the Neapolitan masters.
Experience the softness in stone as they create the illusion of a
shimmering veil over a dead Christ lying on the pillow. The wall
sculptures are equally arresting and you will be transfixed at
least by 3 of them- Celebrano's relief of the Deposition,
Corradini's allegory of Modesty, and Francesco Queirolo's virtuoso
allegory of Disillusion showing a man wrestling with a rope carved
in marble. It could turn out to be the beginning of your romance
with Baroque.CERTOSA DI SAN MARTINO &
MUSEO NAZIONALE DI SAN MARTINO
The former monastery is another prime example of over the top
baroque. Completely clad in marble, it is adorned with Ascension by
Lanfranco as well as 12 Prophets by Giuseppe Ribera. Witness too
Luca Giordano's ceiling fresco of the Triumph of Judith (1704) and
Ribera's masterful Descent from the Cross. The museum inherits the
baroque legacy as well as two stately carriages, historic
documents, ships' replicas, china and porcelain, silver, Campagna
paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries, military costumes and
armor, and a lavishly adorned crib by Cuciniello. The vast
collection of presepi (Neapolitan Christmas crèches) exhibits
numerous peasants and holy figures.IL
DUOMO
After Milan, this may be a bit of a comedown. But its Gothic
façade encloses myriad treasures. In fact , if faith could
move a city , Naples' heart could be said to reside here. For the
altar of Chapel of San Gennaro (Cappella di San Gennaro), contain
contains two vials of the blood of St. Gennaro, patron saint of
Naples. The blood is believed to liquefy and boil three times
annually to ward of every catastrophe that the city faces-except of
course the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Complesso
Museale di Santa Chiara (Museum Complex of St. Clare)
If you are tired by the hectic tour of the city's delights, this is
the perfect place for refreshing your body -and soul. The placid
retreat is meant to shield Chiostri dell'Ordine di Santa Chiara
from the city's bustle. The courtyard of the flowering cloisters
and four paths leading to its center are lined with arbors .
Colorfully painted majolica tiles and tiled benches provide the
perfect setting for your breather. It adds a peaceful note to
destination Italy.New Castle (Castel
Nuovo)
It was built for Charles I, king of Naples, as the royal residence
for the House of Anjou and today house the Municipal offices. But
its march through triumphs and defeats has seen great
embellishments that are reminiscent of the Renaissance. Three
imposing round battle towers guards its front, while the arch of
triumph designed by Francesco Laurana is a Renaissance
masterpiece.
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