Tour Naples Archaeological Sites in Campania
Naples, Italy, the capital of Campania is just minutes from iconic historical sites and the Bay of Naples provides the perfect place to start exploring the area's most legendary archaeological wonders. Naples itself is an exciting city, brimming with stunning artistic and historical treasures, charming narrow streets that wind by traditional Italian restaurants, lovely shops and cafes, making it well worth checking out before you tour Naples archaeological sites. Major sightseeing opportunities in Naples include the Spaccanapoli district, the harbor, the National Archaeological Museum, the Duomo, castles, and more.
Following are just a few of the museums and historical sites you won't want to miss as you tour Naples archaeological sites
The National Archaeological Museum
This Naples museum houses one of the world's finest collections of Roman and Greek antiquities which includes gems, glass, mosaics, sculptures, silver, and an exceptional selection of Roman erotica found in the ruins of Pompeii.
Herculaneum
Located just minutes from Naples, 50 feet below the present day village of Ercolano, the Herculaneum ruins are located amid the acres of greenhouses that have made the area one of Europe's key flower growing locations. In AD 79 the eruption of Mount Vesuvius (the same that shattered Pompeii) buried the town under volcanic mud and ash, covering everything from household objects, to wood and textiles, sealing all in an airtight tomb until excavation started in 1738, using underground tunnels. Today less than half of Herculaneum has been excavated.
From the ramp that takes you down to Herculaneum's well preserved interior, you'll have a wonderful view of the World Heritage site, and get an idea of the high volume of volcanic waste that had to be excavated in order to uncover even part of the ancient city.
Pompeii
Pompeii, a memorial to Mount Vesuvius August 24th, AD 79 eruption, is the most significant, largest sized iconic archaeological site in the world. At the time of its destruction it was a bustling commercial center with a population of 12,000 to 15,000, covering around 160 acres of the beautiful Sarno Plain on its seaward side. As you linger along Pompeii's noiseless ancient streets you can imagine yourself back in the early days of the Roman Empire.
Greek Temples
One of Italy's most magnificent archaeological sites are the astonishingly preserved Greek temples of Paestumm the medieval city of Poseidonia, established by Greek colonists around the 6th century BC. In 273 BC the Romans took the city over, changing the city's name to Paestum, and adding a forum, amphitheater and more.
On the site you'll find the Temple of Ceres (Tempio di Cerere) thought to be dedicated to goddess Athena (Built around 500 BC), the Foro Romano (a Roman Forum), and the Tempio di Nettuno (Temple of Poseidon). Beyond you'll find the Basilica (actually was a temple to Hera, Zeus's wife), thought to be the oldest of Paestum's still erect structures, dating back to early 6th century BC. The best time to experience the temples in during the late afternoon hours when the light enhances the awe inspiring, the rich gold hue of the limestone, and without the crowds of tourists.
From castles to ancient Duomos (cathedral churches), to the charming South Italian towns, and just a short distance from Naples, you can experience them all as you tour Naples archaeological sites in Campania, and everything else that breathtaking South Italy has to offer.
