First impressions of Naples, Itay

 Travelling with my city break friend, Joan, we left London  early morning and were at our hotel in Naples by mid morning. As this was quite a cheap city break I thought we were staying in a small back street hotel but it turned out to be a rather plush converted palace called Palazzo  Caracciolo on Via Carbonara.

This was part of the dining area.

Lounge area

We then went off to explore our surroundings. Off the main roads the streets and lanes were very narrow. It didn't stop the numerous scooters riding at great speed and seemingly coming from all directions. So glad I wasn't  driving around this city!

Everywhere you looked there were lines of washing drying between the buildings.

Not far from the hotel was the Duomo. The Cathedral was built in the late 1200s, although there was a Christian building on the site from around 450AD.

Saint Januarius or San Gennaro the patron saint of Naples. This magnificent mural is the work of an Italian-Dutch street artist,  Jorit. It is on a wall close to the church of San Giorgio Maggiore.

We then walked the short distance to Garibaldi square. There was a lot of work going on in the square so not possible to get a photo but this is looking down to one of the exits/entrances to the Metro which is also a shopping and exhibition area.

Today there was dancing there. It looked as though anyone could take part. And before you ask, no I didn't!

This elegant iron and glass roof covers the Galleria Umberto.

It was built as part of an urban renewal plan after the cholera epidemic of 1885. It is a very impressive light, open space with shops and cafes but without the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.

After leaving the Galleria it was time for a sit down and where better than the Cafe Gambrinus. Once the haunt of politicians, writers and artists it is still a popular meeting place. Known for its cakes and ice cream. I couldn't resist the Gambrinus special.

Probably the most expensive ice cream I have ever had but I am in Italy, home to the best ice cream.

Due to the large port area along the sea front in Naples, we had to walk some distance before we found the view we wanted of the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the background. A little hazy but a view to admire nonetheless. The next day's visit  was the reason for coming to Naples - Pompeii.

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