Destinations Europe Italy

Ancient History in Naples: Blast from the Past

Ancient History in Naples

Continuing on my blast from the past series is a trip exploring the ancient history in Naples back in 2011. Naples itself didn’t really impress me too much but there can be no denying that it is a great base to explore the surrounding area. Herculaneum, Pompeii, Sorrento, the islands of Ischia and Capri are all within a short trip from Naples. Plus of course there is the slightly further trip to Rome. If you like your ancient history and UNESCO sites, it could be argued that there is no better place in the world to go than this part of Italy!

One of the first places that I visited was Sorrento to see the landscapes of the nearby area. I wasn’t able to make it farther to the south to see the Amalfi Coast but this area still looks fantastic. I took a tour bus to visit the area and was able to see lemons the size of your head growing in a orchard.

On another day, I took a ferry to the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples. From here, on a clear day, you can look back towards Naples and see Vesuvius looming ominously over the city.

 

Fantastic scenery surrounding Naples

Fantastic scenery surrounding Naples

 

Going for a walk

Going for a walk

 

Recognise the glasses? ;)

Recognise the glasses? 😉

 

Walking to the top of Ischia

Walking to the top of Ischia

 

Looking out at the coast

Looking out at the coast

 

 

Herculaneum & Pompeii

These two towns where both destroyed by ash and lava flows in 79AD when Mount Vesuvius decided to erupt in spectacular fashion. Both can be reached by short train journeys from the centre of Naples. Herculaneum is the smaller of the two, but there are fewer people around and can be seen relatively quickly in a couple of hours. Pompeii on the other hand has lots more people, but is much bigger. You could easily spend all day there and still have more to see!

 

Looking down from the main entrance

Looking down from the main entrance

 

Docking area for boats

Docking area for boats

 

Ancient Roman road

Ancient Roman road

 

Remains of a courtyard

Remains of a courtyard

 

Roman restaurant/kitchen

Roman restaurant/kitchen

 

House

House

 

Some wall decorations are well preserved...

Some wall decorations are well preserved…

 

...and again

…and again

 

The Romans did love their columns

The Romans did love their columns

 

It's amazing what has survived

It’s amazing what has survived

 

Walking on old Roman road in the heat

Walking on old Roman road in the heat

 

Columns and statues

Columns and statues

 

The town had its own amphitheatre

The town had its own amphitheatre

 

 

 

Artwork

The artwork in these sites is crazy. Considering the cities were practically buried almost 2000 years ago they are in fantastic condition.

 

 

Artwork 1

Artwork 1

 

Artwork 2

Artwork 2

 

Artwork 3

Artwork 3

 

Artwork 4

Artwork 4

 

Artwork 5

Artwork 5

 

Artwork 6

Artwork 6

 

Artwork 7

Artwork 7

 

Artwork 8

Artwork 8

 

Artwork 9

Artwork 9

 

Exploring Ancient History in Naples

Have you ever been to Naples to discover more about Pompeii? Are there any other places in the world which can rival exploring ancient history in Naples? I would love to hear your suggestions!

 

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7 Comments

  • Reply
    Connie Evans
    March 6, 2018 at 07:02

    Your photos review are great. The places are beautiful, spacious and full of history. Behind the big black gate of Il Cortile was a oasis in the bustle of Naples and its surroundings.The dwelling has fascinated us for history, a blast from the past, both the particularity of the house where you can see the care and attention in creating fascinating corners around the world.

  • Reply
    Enzo Fuschino
    August 28, 2017 at 18:36

    I am from Naples too and i think you should go back and spend mote time in Napoli. I promise you will not regret it! Go to Spaccanapoli, Quartieri Spagnoli, Castel Dell’Ovo, Lungomare, Piazza Plebiscito, Mergellina e Posillipo and much more!!

    • Reply
      Damien
      August 31, 2017 at 19:45

      I think you might be right!

  • Reply
    Danik
    August 13, 2017 at 10:57

    I havent been to this part of Naples yet and the history here is wanting me to visit it very very soon. I love Italy but I cant believe I havent checked out this area yet. :O

    • Reply
      Damien
      August 15, 2017 at 13:16

      It’s hard to beat Italy if you like history (maybe Greece?). You should go, you won’t regret it!

  • Reply
    Travelling Dany
    August 12, 2017 at 14:11

    Being from Naples I’m very curious, why do you say that Naples didn’t impress you? What areas did you see? Because my city has an old city center that is a UNESCO site, as well as a good portion of the monuments, castles and museums of our region, so… I’m slightly confused.

    • Reply
      Damien
      August 15, 2017 at 13:08

      I was perhaps too harsh as I didn’t really spend that much time in Naples. I remember going on a tour of the underground which I found very interesting but sadly none of the photos I took were any good! My camera at the time was VERY basic!

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