Naples

Go to intense, interesting Naples to see the real Italy

Naples is Italy's most controversial city: You'll either love it or hate it. Is it paradiso or the inferno? It's louder, more intense, more unnerving, but perhaps ultimately more satisfying than almost anywhere else in Italy. To foreigners unfamiliar with the complexities of all the "Italys" and their regional types, the Neapolitan is still the quintessence of the country and easy to caricature ("O Sole Mio," "Mamma Mia"). You’ll find more of look-alikes of Sophia Loren (a native who moved elsewhere) here than in any other city.

In modern times, Naples has made headlines for its cultural renaissance and its fight against crime. The city has embarked on extensive restoration programs, reopening scores of museums and palaces and sparking a resurgence in activity and cultural interest among the city's artsy crowd. The home of pizza and an array of cultural and religious festivals, Naples is a vibrant and exciting city with an ancient past and a historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.