We rode the train and subway to Piazza Dante, where our tour of Naples’ old town began.
One of the medieval gates to the city.
Much of our tour focused on pizza and places to eat it. Our guide explains about the soft pizza dough at this oldest pizza shop in Naples.
Piazza Bellini where the western walls of the ancient Greek city of Neapolis have been excavated.
Our guide shows us a statue of Pulcinella, and William rubs Pulcinella’s nose for good luck. Pulcinella is a classical character in Neapolitan puppetry, and a precursor of Punch.
Our guide shows us a graffito by Banksy, called “Madonna con la Pistola”. It is under a lucite shield to protect it from the many graffiti “artists” in Naples.
The Naples duomo, known as the Cattedrale di San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, and also the patron saint of blood banks. There is a legend about his blood, which we can’t remember.
A narrow street in Naples, with shops.
Statua del Dio Nilo – Nile god statue.
Our guide told us that Pizzeria Sorbillo had the best pizza in Naples. She didn’t tell us that the sign over the restaurant translates to “open after the bomb.” A bomb went off outside the restaurant on January 15, just days before our visit. It was a suspected Mafia message. Here is a link to an article on the subject
Sorbillo’s pizza was soft and delicious. And it cost €4 each!
A little alcove on the wall at our table at Sorbillo’s.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which houses the best artifacts from Pompeii among other things.
A mosaic portrait from Pompeii.
The detail in this Pompeii mosaic was amazing. It is entirely composed of tiny tiles, and is unbelievably detailed.
Battle of Troy. Also a mosaic recovered from Pompeii. It’s a major theme in Pompeiian decoration.
Here comes the Metropolitain!
Sunset from our Circumvesuviana train window on the way back to Sorrento. (Come back to Sorrento?)
On the train from Naples, we suspect that William’s wallet was pick-pocketed. This despite the fact that he was carrying it in his front pocket (or mayhe he just dropped it somewhere – but pick-pocketing is more exciting). Making the police report at the Sorrento police station was just like in the movies – lots of stamping of documents in English and Italian. (William only lost €5, and was able to cancel credit cards very quickly).
Hotel Gardenia, where we stayed, and Sorrento Christmas lights.
