DAY TWO—LETS TAKE THE FUNICOLARE!

Il Vomero is the hilly area of Naples best known for the great concentration of shops and clubs.

The Funicolare (Gondola?), in Chiaia and Montesanto serve quite well the Vomero district, unless you want to walk uphill the about 2 and some miles to get to Vomero.

Piazza Vanvitelli is the center point of the Vomero neighborhood, an area renowned for shopping, with streets lined with shops and boutiques, as well as an ideal area to end the evening with restaurants, bistros, lounge bars and cafes among the most popular in the city.

WHAT TO SEE

The most interesting cultural sites of Vomero to visit are two: the Villa Floridiana and the Certosa di San Martino, dominated by Castel Sant’Elmo

The Monumental Complex of the Certosa di San Martino (“Charterhouse of St. Martin”) is a former monastery complex, a splendid example of Baroque architecture, which houses also a Museum, from the hill it dominates the entire Gulf of Naples.

Particularly interesting is the Cuciniello Nativity. it is a classic 18th century Neapolitan Crib, very accurate in the representation of the many characters, including the famous “shepherds“, and of the life of the people, concentrated around the food shops and craft productions. A vast and important collection of Neapolitan nativity scenes including the largest nativity scene, the Presepe Cuciniello, has 162 people, 80 animals, angels, and about 450 miniature objects, among the finest nativity scenes in the world. It was a delight for me to see.

It is up here that one can admire the two most beautiful views of the city from the Posillipo promontory, take plenty of pictures and make everybody jealous on the socials and back home.

Villa Floridiana has a fascinating history, as it was bought by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon to offer a home outside official offices to his beloved morganatic wife, Lucia Migliaccio.

STROLLING AT VOMERO

While strolling in Vomero a stop for a gelato at Casa Infante in Piazza Vanvitelli, and/or Pasticceria Leopoldo Cafebar Giordano (one next to the other), is a must! Casa Infante offers the best ice cream (try pistacchio cream topped with ice cream on a cone, poetry!), while Pasticceria Leopoldo the finest pastries ever. True masterpieces.

If you worry about the calories intake walk down to Chiaia via some small stairs instead of taking the funicolare. Going by Villa Floridiana and its magnificent park. Here too there are some special views of the Gulf to enjoy.

The oldest staircase in the city is the Pedamentina. Just over four hundred steps connect Spaccanapoli with the Vomero. Construction began in the 14th century by the architects Tino di Camaino and Francesco de Vito to facilitate the transport of materials necessary for the construction of the Certosa di San Martino. Walking along this staircase it is possible to admire some of the most beautiful views of all of Naples.

DINING

Back in Via Toledo it is strongly suggested to go for a real Neapolitan dinner. The city talks about food and merriment from morning to night. Besides it is undeniable that Neapolitan Cuisine excels.