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
Going for a walk
Recognise the glasses? 😉
Walking to the top of Ischia
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
Docking area for boats
Ancient Roman road
Remains of a courtyard
Roman restaurant/kitchen
House
Some wall decorations are well preserved…
…and again
The Romans did love their columns
It’s amazing what has survived
Walking on old Roman road in the heat
Columns and statues
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 2
Artwork 3
Artwork 4
Artwork 5
Artwork 6
Artwork 7
Artwork 8
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!
7 Comments
Connie Evans
March 6, 2018 at 07:02Your 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.
Enzo Fuschino
August 28, 2017 at 18:36I 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!!
Damien
August 31, 2017 at 19:45I think you might be right!
Danik
August 13, 2017 at 10:57I 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
Damien
August 15, 2017 at 13:16It’s hard to beat Italy if you like history (maybe Greece?). You should go, you won’t regret it!
Travelling Dany
August 12, 2017 at 14:11Being 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.
Damien
August 15, 2017 at 13:08I 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!