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Naples

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Naples is a large and lively city in southern Italy.

Napoli 2
Napoli 2

It is the capital of the Campania region. Within its city limits, about 908,082 people live.

Napoli-densitàurbana
Napoli-densitàurbana

This makes it the largest city in southern Italy. It is also the third-largest city in the whole country, behind Rome and Milan. The wider metropolitan area is very big too. It is the seventh most populous area in the European Union.

Napoli 2
Napoli 2

The city is a key place for international groups like NATO.

The story of Naples began a very long time ago. Greeks founded the area in the first millennium BCE.

Putz94
Putz94

They first established a colony called Parthenope on the island of Megaride.

Odysseus-siren Parthenope, the mythological founder of Naples
Odysseus-siren Parthenope, the mythological founder of Naples

Later, in the sixth century BCE, the city was refounded as Neápolis.

Monte Echia, Napoli, Italia - 2024
Monte Echia, Napoli, Italia - 2024

It became a major part of a group of cities called Magna Graecia. Eventually, the Romans took control of the city. They built elegant villas, public baths, and aqueducts. Many Roman emperors even chose to holiday there.

ColonneDioscuriNapoli
ColonneDioscuriNapoli

Naples has served as a capital for many different rulers. It was the capital of the Duchy of Naples from 661 to 1139.

Palazzo Reale di Napoli - Federico II
Palazzo Reale di Napoli - Federico II

Later, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Naples from 1282 to 1816. It also served as the capital for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This lasted until Italy became one single country in 1861. The city saw many changes through wars and new leaders. During World War II, the city suffered damage from Allied bombing.

Napoli 4.8.1943, bombardamento aereo statunitense
Napoli 4.8.1943, bombardamento aereo statunitense

People in the city even held an uprising in 1943. This event was called the Four Days of Naples.

The city is famous for its amazing art and music. It is known as a capital of the Baroque style.

Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo
Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo

This style was inspired by the artist Caravaggio in the 17th century. Naples is also a global center for classical music and opera. The Neapolitan School helped develop the modern conservatory system.

People also love the Neapolitan song, which is famous worldwide. Even food is part of its history. The art of making pizza is a special part of the culture.

Napoli-densitàurbana
Napoli-densitàurbana

UNESCO even recognizes the skill of Neapolitan pizza makers.

Today, Naples is a busy center for business and learning. It has the third-largest urban economy in Italy.

Napoli 2
Napoli 2

The Port of Naples is one of the most important in Europe. The city has a great transportation network. This includes high-speed trains that go to Rome and Salerno.

Napoli-densitàurbana
Napoli-densitàurbana

Students can study at very old schools like the University of Naples Federico II. This university was founded in 1224. It is the oldest state-funded and secular university in the world.

Many historic sites, like the Royal Palace of Caserta, are nearby.

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🖼️ Images & Media (49)
File:Monte Echia, Napoli, Italia - 2024.jpg
Monte Echia, Napoli, Italia - 2024.jpg
File:ColonneDioscuriNapoli.jpg
ColonneDioscuriNapoli.jpg
File:Odysseus-siren Parthenope, the mythological founder of Naples.jpg
Odysseus-siren Parthenope, the...
File:Putz94.jpg
Putz94.jpg
File:Gothic Battle of Mons Lactarius on Vesuvius.jpg
Gothic Battle of Mons Lactarius on Vesuvius.jpg
File:Palazzo Reale di Napoli - Federico II.jpg
Palazzo Reale di Napoli - Federico II.jpg
File:Galleria San Martino. 02 (cropped).JPG
Galleria San Martino. 02 (cropped).JPG
File:Jan van Essen - Fleet review before Naples.jpg
Jan van Essen - Fleet review before Naples.jpg
File:Admiral Byng's Fleet at Naples.jpg
Admiral Byng's Fleet at Naples.jpg
File:Departure of Charles III from Naples.jpg
Departure of Charles III from Naples.jpg
File:Veduta di Santa Lucia (Largo di Palazzo) e San Martino, Napoli,1799.jpg
Veduta di Santa Lucia (Largo di Palazzo)...
File:Napoli Castel Nuovo museo civico - ingresso di Garibaldi a Napoli - Wenzel bis.jpg
Napoli Castel Nuovo museo civico -...

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