Naples: the seafront
Santa Lucia: Until the 16th century, Santa Lucia was the name of a beach and small fishing village. Then, in 1599, the viceroy Enriquez de Guzman, the Count of Olivares, ordered the construction of a main road, as part of a plan to transform the area and extend the city to the west. It was only fully completed in the 20th century, when tower blocks were put up between the sea and the coast road. Santa Lucia is now one of Naples' best-known streets and the location of most of the luxury hotels.
Castel dell'Ovo: The city's oldest castle, the so-called 'Castle of the Egg', stands on the islet of Megaris. According to medieval legend, the castle had links with the poet Virgil, and one of his lucky charms lies hidden in the castle foundation. The charm is said to be an egg kept in a bottle, itself protected by a small metal cage. For as long as the egg remains intact, Naples need fear neither destruction nor invasion. The castle terrace offers a breathtaking view of the city, sea and Bay.
Villa Comunale: The Villa Comunale is one of the city's few parks. Lodged between the Via Caracciolo to the south and the Riviera di Chiaia to the north, it's an area with trees and the occasional statue, where parents often come with their children and there's space enough to kick a football around. It was Ferdinad IV who first conceived the idea of making it into a public park, and he entrusted the work to the architect Vanvitelli and landscape gardener Abbate. The entire expanse of the park is a reclaimed area that was once swampy woodland.
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