Naples, with Vesuvius in the distance (Photo: Angelafoto)
One of the world’s most exciting and appealing cities, Naples, in the Campania region of Italy, embraces contrasts—modernity and antiquity, extravagance and poverty, beauty and decay. It has been the crucible of a life-loving people as far back as ancient Roman times, when the rich and powerful got away from it all on the Isle of Capri in the glorious Bay of Naples.
Explore evidence of sumptuous imperial villas and gardens of the Roman emperors, as well as the back streets of ancient Roman life, and the wealth of art and domesticity in the National Archaeological Museum—miraculously preserved for posterity by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 A.D. These relics constitute one of the world’s most complete snapshots of an ancient culture.
An impressive variety of art of more recent vintage can be found in the Capodimonte Museum, where works from Masaccio to Titian and Goya speak of the city’s importance as an international capital under Bourbon rule in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today we encounter churches with Caravaggio masterpieces along with examples of sublime art and thought-provoking antiquities elsewhere in the city.
Naples’ celebrities are eccentric; its pizza is without equal and its gastronomy is among Italy's best; its traffic is chaotic but the subway system is Europe’s most state of the art, with stations designed by international artists.
It would take more than the shadow of looming Mount Vesuvius to dim its brilliance.
Take a virtual tour of this singular city guided by art historian Nigel McGilchrist who wrote or contributed to Blue Guides to Italy and Greece—the oldest series of cultural guides in the English language.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
