58. Naples 

Our Wizz plane was so late we had missed the last train to Salerno so had to find a hotel to stay the night in Naples which was not a bad idea as we could use the next day to see the city. 

We picked a small hotel which was quite basic but a family run very friendly hotel. We were even picked up from the airport while everyone else was queuing for a taxi. The hotel was central and just across from the Central Train station which was perfect. The next day we explored Naples. One of the things we always do when first seeing a city is to start with a hop on hop off bus and this gives you an overall picture of the city and after that you can pick what you want to see. Obviously in our case there was too much to see in one day but it gave us a flavour. 

The bus tour was interesting and gave us some fabulous views. We found the Napolese very friendly and good fun - a happy people! 

The ominous view of Vesuvius which overlooks and dominates the region

The view from the top of the hills on the North West Naples looking South East

The Castel de l'Ova - the Castle on an island 

A grand piazza 

The front of one of the many churches 

The magnificent Interior of the Cathedral. The shear size and particularly height takes your breath away. 

The High Altar in all its splendour.

Some remains of the early ancient palaeo-Christian basilica 

Madonna del Principio 
1322

Chapel of  Santa Restituta

Football is like a religion in Italy and particularly Naples. Maradona, of "the hand of God" used to play for Naples and his effigy is seen everywhere. He is forever a local hero

The colour blue of the Naples team is seen everywhere 

Even some streets are painted blue!

Graffiti is everywhere but often with a message or a cartoon.  

Then of course there is the adoration of Sophia Loren

Bustling narrow streets as seen in most other Italian towns

Some streets are a little worn

Other streets are more pleasant and colourful

We decided to have lunch and looked at this rather glamorous restaurant 

But decided on this simple street restaurant to sample the famous Napolese pizza!

It was a very hot day and even Lesley decided to have a large shandy

My Napolese Pizza!

A street busker and Hemi on the wall

Busker decides to serenade Lesley but mysteriously gets cut off with Hemi looking on

Our waiter looking shy after I admired his shoes. He did offer to take them off for me to try them on but I politely declined.

This fellow probably has had too many pizzas but at least he could have got a bigger pair of shorts - or a tummy tuck!

A beautiful small piazza near the Cathedral. 

Back to Salerno and the gentleman are still talking