This weeks popular search was again pronounciation related. Here is my take on how to pronounce Spaccanapoli: Spack-Kah-Nah-Pole-E. If you've got another way to say it, please share it here!
- See last week's Word Search Wednesday pronounciation questions.
- See related Spaccanapoli Posts: Spaccanapoli Article on Italylogue.com and Saturday's Spaccanapoli Escape.
Interesting Cities South of Rome
Another popular search this past week was, “Interesting Cities South of Rome”. When you are completely unfamiliar with Southern Italy this does seem like a good search phrase because really, you just want to know, should I bother?
And the answer is YES.
Here are five towns you should not miss on your southern Italy break. They may seem obvious, but hey, you’re the one that asked! (And if you stick with the blog, you’ll find smaller, off-the-beaten-path spots exposed too.) Plus, these towns make a good foundation for a southern Italy itinerary. As opposed to giving you my long-winded diatribe on each, I’m going to provide, what I think, are useful sites for learning more about each spot.
5 Interesting Cities South of Rome (View them on Google Maps)
1) Naples- Yes, everything you know about Naples is true. It’s dirty, chaotic, and overwhelming. It’s also cleaner than you might think (Trash in Piazza Plebescito? I don’t think so!), friendlier than you might think (Not everyone is eyeing your pocketbook), and more civilized than you might think (Just check out the Teatro San Carlo.). Not to mention, it’s the birthplace of pizza!
- Inaples, City of Naples Tourist Board
- Qui Napoli, Guide to Monthly Events in Naples
- Cultural Campania, a Portal of Cultural Heritage and related Activities
- Campania> ArteCard, integrated museum and transportation pass for the region
And no trip to Naples would be complete without a visit to Pompeii! Use this link to access the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei, the official website for Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabiae, and Boscoreale.
2) Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast - Ok, it’s not exactly one town, but the area is generally taken as a whole. Even the World Heritage people think so, naming La Costiera Amalfitana a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
- Tourist Bureau- ..."is dedicated to the tourism on the Amalfi Coast, in Cilento, Diano Valley, Salerno... and its province."
- Amalfi Coast
- Amalfi
- Sorrento Info
- Positano
- Capri - I'm also including the famous island off the coast.
- Amalfi Town
3) Matera – It is for the sassi, cave dwellings of Matera that tourists come and for which the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They originate from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement and are thought to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. Recent work on the behalf of the government and European Union have revitalize the town which once carried the stigma of poverty. Today it is possible to eat, sleep, and pray in a sassi. This town was also brought to International attention when Mel Gibson chose it as the setting for his film, The Passion of the Christ (2004).
4) Alberobello- The weird and wonderful trulli are what visitors come to Alberobello for. These odd, conical, limestone and mortarless structures have been renovated into agriturismos, restaurants, and shops to the delight of the modern traveler. The trulli of Alberobello were made an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
- Italy Heaven page for Alberobello
- Trulli Holiday booking service
5) Lecce – The “Florence of the South.” I am overwhelmingly in love with Lecce. The warm, creamy local stone has been whipped and carved into a beautiful frothy sea of baroque wonder. Imagine a fairytale land in the hands of a master baker who creates nothing but the most romantic creations for brides on their wedding day. Butter cream frosting unites the historical center into an endless visual delight. It is so delicious you’ll want to take a slice home with you and slip it under your pillow.
- Provincia di Lecce Website
- Related Post: 4 Days in Lecce, Trip Report
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