Historic Centre of Naples
Neapel, Italy
02.05.2012
The Historic Center of Naples: A Journey Through Time
The city of Neapel, located in the Southern Italian region of Campania, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Its historic center, known as the Historical Center of Naples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city's rich past and its importance in shaping European civilization.
The history of the city dates back to the 8th century BC when it was founded as a Greek colony. It later became an important Roman city, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily during the Middle Ages. The city then came under Spanish rule in the 16th century and was a major cultural and artistic center during the Renaissance period.
Today, the Historical Center of Naples is a living testament to its diverse history. It is a maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and palaces that have stood the test of time. One of the most iconic landmarks in the center is the Castel dell'Ovo, a medieval castle that sits on a small island just off the coast.
Another must-see attraction in the center is the Duomo di Napoli, the city's main cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. Its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and mosaics, while its crypt houses the remains of the city's patron saint, Saint Januarius.
As you wander through the streets of the center, you'll also come across the Chiesa di San Lorenzo Maggiore, a church built on top of an ancient Roman marketplace, and the Palazzo Reale di Napoli, a grand palace that was once the residence of the Spanish viceroys.
But the center is not just about ancient architecture. It is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to local shops, markets, and restaurants. Here, you can savor traditional Neapolitan cuisine such as pizza, pasta, and seafood, or shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Visiting the Historical Center of Naples is like taking a journey through time. It is a perfect blend of ancient history and modern living, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in culture and heritage.
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From the Neapolis founded by Greek settlers in 470 B.C. to the city of today, Naples has retained the imprint of the successive cultures that emerged in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. This makes it a unique site, with a wealth of outstanding monuments such as the Church of Santa Chiara and the Castel Nuovo.
Considering that the site is of exceptional value. It is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, whose contemporary urban fabric preserves the elements of its long and eventful history. Its setting on the Bay of Naples gives it an outstanding universal value which has had a profound influence in many parts of Europe and beyond. — Motivation of UNESCO
The historic center, or Centro Storico, of Naples, Italy represents the historic nucleus of the city, spanning 27 centuries.
Almost the entirety of the historic center, approximately 1021 hectares, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and included in the list of historic assets to be protected; its particular uniqueness lying in the almost total conservation and use of its ancient Greek road layout.
