Andiamo! | Citalia Magazine Autumn 2021

Secrets
of Italy's Streets
This winter, why not step into Italy’s cities? Filled with delight both above
and even below ground, the streets reveal amazing secrets.
There are several major cities in Italy,
yet each one has a distinct character
that’s worth exploring in its own right.
“Italy’s cities are quieter in winter
and give you the time to explore them
at a much slower pace as you’ll be
able to move around more freely.
With this gentler tempo, you’ll also
have the chance to interact more
with the local people.”
Heather Green
Regional Destination Manager at Citalia
In winter, average temperatures in Italy’s cities
are around 6ºC, so you’ll find them cooler than
the summer but still very pleasant.
It’s really easy to travel between the major cities
as they’re all connected by Italy’s high speed
train network, so why not include a few on the
same Citalia holiday?
Most Italian cities are made up of a patchwork
of neighbourhoods.
NAPLES
Naples is a really vibrant and, at times, gritty
city. Among the youthful creatives who
were inspired to follow in the footsteps of
contemporary greats like Ernest Hemingway
and Andy Warhol, you’ll find a strong
community and artistic spirit.
“While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea”, says
Heather, “if you like to appreciate avantgarde
street art, religious architecture and
archaeology, and absolutely delicious street
food , then this is the place for you.”
Home to over 700 domes, Naples has more
churches based on the population size than
any other Italian metropolis. The most famous
is the 13th century Duomo di Napoli, located
in the city’s centro storico (historic centre),
which is dedicated to the city’s patron saint
San Gennaro, whose alleged blood rests in a
glass vial within the cathedral.
Chiaia
“One of my favourite neighbourhoods is the
affluent Chiaia, located along the seafront,
which is bursting with designer shops and cool
boutiques,” says Heather.
“Chiaia's really atmospheric in the
evening with its many bars and seafood
restaurants. If you keep walking along
the seafront you’ll find the ancient
castle Castel dell'Ovo located across
the waters on the island of Megaride.”
Rione Sanità
For a completely different side of Naples,
head to the bustling district of Rione Sanità.
This is Naple’s foodie centre but it isn’t for the
faint-hearted. Among tightly-packed streets,
you’ll stumble upon street markets, trattoria,
and gelateria, and there are flower-adorned
shrines to native saints on every street corner.
Go underground into the spooky catacombs of
San Gaudioso and San Gennaro to trace history
through its layers, and connect with the city’s
ancestors, or venture into the volcanic caves of
Fontanelle Cemetery.
Dig further into history in Rione Sanità,
home to Italy’s arguably most impressive
archaeological museum, Museo Archeologico
Nazionale di Napoli (MANN). As Naples is in
close proximity to the ancient archaeological
cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Oplontis,
you’ll find primarily Greek and Roman
antiquities, but also on permanent display
are Egyptian artifacts, bronzes, mosaics, and
classical Farnese Marble sculptures.
Quartieri Spagnoli
Another authentic neighbourhood is the
16th century Spanish Quarters. It feels like
you’ve stepped into an old Italian movie, with
its laundry lines, shuttered windows, quaint
balconies, and hardy vendors on the streets.
Amble around its alleyways at leisure and you’ll
stumble across art by renowned street artists.
Suggested Stay
Hotel Palazzo Alabardieri
8 Citalia.com