Naples with the Kids

The Hotel Toledo is situated in an ancient building dating back to 1725, in the centre of Naples. It is an excellent base for those wishing travel to the isles of Capri and Ischia by ferry boat, as well as to archaeological centres of Pompei by train. There is also a direct bus to Capodichino airport. The rooms are very comfortable and well equipped.

The Farnese collection is the largest art collection in Italy. This includes precious paintings by Titian and other great masters, antique sculptures and great renaissance pieces from Barbo and Fulvio Orsini and the Medici collection. The collection is enriched by the largest archaeological collection in history, consisting of the precious remains of towns buried by Vesuvius during the eruption of 79 A.D. It also has pieces from Etruscan and Roman civilization from cities such as Capua, Nola, Pozzuoli, Baia, Miseno, Capri and many more. The Egyptian collection is now in the Farnese complex of Terme di Caracalla with materials from the Iside temple in Pompei and the Protohistoric and Prehistoric sections.

This restaurant is situated under the arcade at the crossing of Via Pessina and Piazza Museo Nazionale and is just a short walk from the Museo Nationale. Decorated in an elegant yet rustic style, it is divided into several areas, one of which is an intimate attic with only a few tables. The cuisine is typically Neapolitan, with pizzas available for lunch and dinner, as well as delicious fresh desserts similar to traditional Sicilian sweets.

Galleria Umberto I is the second gallery in Naples and the busiest. It was built during urban renewal following a cholera epidemic and the legge speciale of 1885. The project was done by engineer Emanuele Rocco, and then modified by Ernest Di Mauro and Antonio Curri. In 1890, the Salone Margherita (destined to become the famous singing café) and the Galleria were inaugurated. The architecture joins the new Renaissance facade with beautiful glass and iron roofing.

The Church of San Francesco di Paola was built as an offering from Ferdinando di Borbone after his return from exile in Palermo during the French occupation. The project was drawn up by the architect Pietro Bianchi in 1816. The church, inaugurated in 1816, was given the title of Papal Basilica by Pope Gregory XVI. The Basilica itself is preceded by a pronaos comprising of ten columns, which hold up a tympanum at the top of which a statue of Religion rests. The church is circular in shape and it is covered by an impressive dome which is styled on the Pantheon with lacunars and rosettes carved from limestone. The internal perimeter is ringed by 32 fluted columns with Corinthian capitols through which six side chapels can be seen. On the walls of the apse one can enjoy a painting by Vincenzo Camuccini depicting San Francesco di Paola tending to young Alessandro. It was painted in 1830 at the request of Francesco I.

Commissioned by King Charles of Bourbon, Europe's oldest working theatre was built in 1737. It wasn't long before its magnificent architecture and exquisite blue, gold and silver décor, complimented by a program with wider public appeal, was attracting praise from both home and abroad. Completely destroyed by a fire in 1816, Ferdinand I of Bourbon ordered the theatre to be rebuilt just six days later. As a result the acoustics, still regarded as perfect, were improved and the stage extended. The opera season begins in January in Naples.

The anniversary of the execution of Naples' patron saint and protector San Gennaro is marked at the Duomo and continues with an emotional procession to Santa Chiara. Gennaro (250-305) was the bishop of Pozzuoli, martyred during the reign of Diocletian. During the ceremony, two glass phials of the saint's blood are meant to liquefy before the expectant congregation. A notable liquefaction is considered a good omen to the city, while even a partial failure prefigures doom. The phials are thereupon carried in a joyous procession to a nearby convent. Free admission.

From a small entrance within the church of San Paolo Maggiore a fascinating tour through the cavities of Naples unravels. You can visit underground tunnels, cisterns and foundations whose chronological origins and intended uses are unknown. The tour lasts around two hours, and is preceded by a slide show and a short historical introduction. The tour ends with a visit to an experimental greenhouse that exploits the ideal humidity of the underground conditions.

Situated next door to the Bellini Theatre, and opposite the Academy of Fine Arts, this tavern enjoys a convenient location in one of the most historically and architecturally important parts of the city. Founded in 1967, on the site of a Second World War air-raid shelter, it has come under family management, which gives it a very pleasant atmosphere.

This "palazzo" was built for Bartolomeo di Capua, Count of Altavilla, by Giovanni Donadio (the Mormando) in 1512-13. The building has undergone significant alterations through time, especially in the basements. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant renaissance homes in Naples. The façade is divided into three floors, and is interrupted by three sets of windows separated by pilaster strips. More recently the, "Il Giornale" directed by Benedetto Croce newspaper was printed in the building. The Campania Archive Service is now located in this, "palazzo".

This is an artisan's chocolate shop, located in the city's historical centre, near Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. It offers excellent chocolates, Easter eggs, and small works of art in chocolate which can be ordered by clients. Its traditional specialities include the "Ciliege" (cherries), liquor truffles, coffee, rum and limoncello (a strong lemon liquor from the nearby Amalfi coast) chocolates, egg pralines, puffed rice chocolates, and white chocolate. One of their new products consists of making copies of Neapolitan monuments in chocolate. It is best to order in advance if you want one of these, as they go very quickly.

Once a quiet fishing village, today this pleasant walk along the seashore is one of the city's liveliest districts, filled with luxury hotels and exclusive restaurants. A stroll along Via Nazario Sauro, Via Partenope and Via Caracciolo takes you to the moorings where local fishing boats are transformed each morning into small floating markets selling freshly landed fish. Crystal clear water flows from the Leone fountain and in beautiful Piazza Sannazzaro, the Sirena fountain is a reminder of mythical siren Partenope, whose tomb, according to local legend, marks the site on which Naples was founded.

The restaurant is set in a tiny street at the crossroads of the Riviera di Chiaia, very near the Largo Torretta. This means it is not always immediately visible. It is therefore advisable to get there on foot as parking outside is virtually impossible.The interior is small, but friendly and evocative. Aside from the stylish decor, there is a large well-lit and well-presented aquarium which is visible from all parts of the restaurant. The menu here offers a representative selection of all the main Chinese dishes. Prices for a single course are very reasonable, and it will be even more inexpensive if you choose from the set menu which the restaurant recommends. This is generally only available for lunch.

Tiberio Viaggi Capri is a travel service provider that offers online booking, a live chat room to answer any questions you may have, as well as an image Bank with more than 500 print quality images. They also offer several quality tours at competitive rates.

Capri is one of the most famous and celebrated Italian islands in the world, noted for its extraordinary natural beauty, splendid panorama, azure grotto and mild climate. Capri is without doubt one of the most sought after destinations among the international jet-setters. Rich in history, the island welcomes to its lush beauty, those who love luxury and a worldly lifestyle, and has a first rate range of hotels, all of them luxurious and immersed in enchanting scenery. There are also many restaurants offering typical Mediterranean cuisine. The island is easily reachable by daily, regular boat launches that depart from Beverollo dock in Napoli.