Those who choose to spend their holidays in Campania are spoilt for choice thanks to the many opportunities offered by this region, but the five sites recognized by Unesco as World Heritage sites certainly deserve a visit.
Naples strikes visitors for its liveliness, for the splendid colours of the sea, but also for its history that resurfaces from every corner of the old town centre, the biggest in Europe, an authentic museum under the open sky.
Wherever you look, you can admire fascinating views, tabernacles, churches and baroque obelisks. You can see ancient crafts, from Nativity scenes (St. Gregory of Armenia) to the incomparable art of violin-makers, up to the old Borgo degli Orefici Countless itineraries to follow, choosing from a visit to the castles, or the museums, or the villas and historical palaces, or a tour among the many churches that contain sculptural and pictorial masterpieces of great value.
For the exceptionality of the finds and their good state of preservation, Unesco protects the Archeological Area of Pompei and Ercolano, which were destroyed by the Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The volcanic lava caused their destruction but, as it hardened, that very lava became an exceptional “protection” and preserved some extraordinary finds, which were brought back to light many centuries later.
A unique view is offered by the Amalfi Coast: bays, coves and picturesque small towns which miraculously cling to the mountain. The light blue colour of the sea, the green of the Mediterranean scrub, the colours and the lines of the small houses, merge perfectly creating one of the most beautiful routes on the Italian coast. Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare and Positano are some of the precious pearls that make up a necklace of small towns (12 altogether) on the coast. They look like small living Nativities, with their ancient alleys, arches and little squares that enchant visitors with their atmosphere, sounds and scents.
The Royal Palace of Caserta, another Unesco site, is a real masterpiece of architecture and decoration and a precious holder of works of art. Inside the Palace, visitors are astonished by the continuous succession of works of art, stuccos, bas-releifs, frescoes, sculptures and inlaid floors. A colossal work: four courtyards, 1200 rooms, more than 30 impressive staircases including the famous Grand Staircase with 116 steps, framed by a huge splendid park.
Archaeology, nature and traditions are the three distinguishing features of the Cilento National Park and of the Vallo di Diano, a crossroads for cultures and peoples since prehistory. A precious vestige of this region is Paestum, which boasts the three best preserved Greek temples in the world: Hera’s Temple, the oldest, Neptune’s Temple, the biggest, and Ceres’s Temples, which was actually dedicated to goddess Athena. In 540 A.D, the coasts of Cilento saw the landing of the Phocaeans, the founders of Elea (today Velia), ancient town known for being the residence of great philosophers like Parmenides. Don’t miss a visit to the Certosa di Padula, one of the largest monasteries in the world.
A scenery of rare beauty moulded by the wind, the sea and man: these are Capri and Ischia, where you can spend relaxing days and entertaining nights.