DECEMBER 2012

ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM

12012012 Day 1: It took us 3 hours by train to get to Naples Napoli... visited the Archeological Museum at Naples. Lots of statues... Don't mean to be rude to post up these (naked) statues but seriously, every museum had tons of these statues... had to take pictures with at least one. Europe - Italy! | sakura redmacaron
12022012 Naples is a city of diverse contrasts and one that evokes fierce pride amongst the locals. Its rich history, staunch Catholicism and exasperating charm make it one of the most engaging cities in the country. We start this morning with a visit to its National Museum, one of the most important archaeological museums in mainland Europe and indeed one of the most prestigious museums of ancient art in the world. A quite extraordinary collection includes antique marbles, bronze sculptures, beautiful mosaics and a myriad of treasures from the renowned sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, including household items that illustrate in poignant detail the everyday life of the Roman people. Most notable amongst the museums fabulous collections are the mosaic of Alexander the Great defeating the Persians at the Battle of Issus and the colossal Farnese Bull, believed to be the largest piece of sculpture ever discovered. Visit National Museum of Naples and PM city tour on foot. | AdventureLink
12032012 One of the things that made me super excited was the small amphitheatre that held local productions during Pompeiian times. These guys were the master of acoustics playing with angles so that their voice carried all over with little or no effort. With a quick clap you could hear the echoing across the bleachers. Uncovering the Unwritten Past of Pompeii with Walks of Italy | Over Yonderlust
12042012 The corpse is apparently well preserved: a young woman, lying face down, shielding her face with her hands at the moment of death. Her dress has risen up and is tangled around her waist, her bare legs exposed beneath. She is currently on display at the J Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, as the first exhibit in a show that explores the ways that modern artists - from Francesco Piranesi to Anthony Gormley - have responded to history's most famous volcanic eruption. "Welcome to Pompeii," she is meant to say. "The city of the dead". A Point of View: Pompeii's not-so-ancient Roman remains | BBC News Magazine
12052012 After discovering a scene from one of my favorite movies "Under the Tuscan Sun" had been filmed on a balcony at Hotel California Positano (the particular room is now named after the film), and being that I’m from California, I felt I was meant to stay there during my travels to the "Jewel of the Amalfi Coast".  "Plenty of Room at the Hotel California, Such a Lovely Place" | AFAR
12062012 The Hotel Punta Tragara, ingeniously built on the craggy cliffs is perfectly placed on one of the islands most spectacular locations where you have full view of the hypnotic trio, the white marble Faraglioni; three rocky spires which soar an imposing 92 metres above the water where they seem to proudly anchor the south east coast. My love affair with the boot | Showcook
12072012 Positano is simply breathtaking, and seeing Ashley and Dave driving down the coast on the Vespa after their ceremony was awesome! The day was a fairytale for Ashley and Dave. From the getting ready at Le Sirenuse to the boat ride along the coast, everything was perfect. When they had visited Positano the year before, they could not have imagined that they would be married in the same magical place the following year. Italy Wedding Video by Joe Simon Wedding Films | Style Me Pretty
12082012 The Destinations Collection of Archipelago candles lets you experience some of the best fragrances collected from around the world. Each candle is packaged in its own gift box – complete with a removable and fully functional luggage tag. Archipelago Positano Destinations candle combines white nectarine with sweet persimmon and pomegranate. Archipelago Destinations | All the Best Blog
12092012 This is just a small section of miniature houses built into the cliff face at the side of the road in Praiano. We spotted similar model villages elsewhere along the Amalfi Coast, just another part of the charm of the area. Amalfi Coast | James Denyer
12102012 By 1830 the “Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba” of Naples had become the first true pizzeria and is still in business today. In the 1800’s, the tools of the typical pizzerias included shelves lined with ingredients, a marble counter where the pizza crust was prepared and a large brick oven to cook the pizza in. Pizzaioli (makers of pizza) often assemble the entire pizza on a marble counter right before the customer’s eyes. The History of the Pizza | Menuism.com
12112012 Few, around the globe, know one thing about Pizza: it wasn’t invented in Italy, but in Naples. Which is the difference? Naples isn’t Italy in the same way New York isn’t U.S.. In a way or in an other, having a tour in Naples, is an unmissable experience, because is a concentration of anything you wish. Naples | Italia4Fun
12122012 Thanks to our good friend Dim in Sydney we were able to get ourselves a table at Dora on our Saturday night in Napoli. Knowing that we would be feasting on fresh seafood we arrived with empty stomachs and ready for a feast. Da Dora is a family run seafood restaurant situated up a small alley from the water and slightly off the walking path of most tourists. The place is known to serve the best fish in the city and if you do have any troubles finding it, just grab a local and ask them for directions. Ristorante da Dora - Via Ferdinando Palasciano | My Kiki Cake
12132012 La traviata, the season-opener for Naples’ ravishing 275-year-old opera house, is a major undertaking for the beleaguered company. With its financial instabilities more or less resolved, the house has invested considerable resources in a high-carat staging, with a top-drawer cast and a big-name stage director. Turkish-Italian Ferzan Özpetek is better known for his films. His Traviata staging is a visually opulent yet strictly conservative affair, with a few Turkish touches in Alessandro Lai’s costumes. Conductor Michele Mariotti makes clear from the opening bars that this is his Traviata, with a raft of unconventional tempi which he argues convincingly. The orchestra plays well for him. Both Carmen Giannattasio as Violetta and Saimir Pirgu as Alfredo look and sound insecure and sing sharp in the first act, but they warm up as the opera progresses, with a committed second act and a conclusion of shattering emotional power. La Traviata, Teatro di San Carlo, Naples | The Financial Times
12142012 After visiting the Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa,  sights of Naples, Giancarlo Vesce and I set out on the road toward Gesualdo. The imposing Gesualdo castle, with several town notables in the foreground (the visit of an American journalist caused a bit of a stir). One of the larger rooms of the castle, which is undergoing renovation in preparation for the four hundredth anniversary of Gesualdo’s death, in 1613.  A Gesualdo Photojournal | The New Yorker
12152012 This artefact is a manor farm called Casino Rivellini, located in Calvarole, a district of Vitulano, (BN). This structure was built in the 18th century by local workers, with Rivellinis’ will, an aristocratic family that owned this and other very huge amount of land. It it set on a circular layout, but the volume of the entry is rectangular. The building, built directly on the rock, consists of two levels. The ground floor has one single big room, while the second level has a small room that gives access to the pigeon-house. The two floors are connected by an internal winding staircase. The structure is in limestone masonry. As far as the horizontal structures, the building has a nice dome at the ground floor, while the pitched roof is made of a wood structure with roman roof tiles. As far as the finishings, the circular room at the ground floor is made of limestone flagstones, arranged in a pattern to converge to the centre where the impluvium is. The ground floor was used as an animal shelter and the first floor as a private home in former times. Manor farm – Vitulano | CampaniaCRBC
12162012 Don't be fooled by their young age, if it is true that they are only 16 and 17 years old, is also true that their mothers and grandmothers have already pass on their secrets of Pisciotta gastronomic traditions, of which are protective guardians. We refer to the girls of Pisciotta, they are already using to the best the olive oil (of the pisciottana species, scientifically recognized and disseminated on all the cilentano territory) for the best sughetti, the fabulous salads, the pizza napoletana and to keep moreover the olives for a great appetizer. Home Made Food | pisciotta.net
12172012 Paolo quickly convinces us to leave the car behind, and we climb down to Naples’ rattling metro - our first subterranean impression of the city - headed for La Sanità. As we emerge from the subway, we find ourselves right in the middle of charming, chaotic Sanità with its street musicians and colorful outdoor markets, selling everything from fresh fish and vegetables to shoe polish and safety pins. The narrow streets are clogged with traffic. The houses, though once beautiful, could use a good scrubbing. Laundry flutters high above. The clothes lines span the distance between the houses. Vespa scooters with up to three passengers piled on the flimsy seats race in breathtaking speed around the waiting cars. Horns honk, dogs bark, people laugh. Expeditions in Naples | Go World Travel
12182012 High up on the Vomero Hill lays a great treasure of Naples, the Certosa di San Martino. This former monastery turned museum has impressive sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and lovely fruiting gardens to stroll within.  Our photo of the day shows the skulls mounted on the balustrade of monk’s burial site located in the Chiostro Grande (Grand Cloister), a fine example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture. Naples Photo  of the Day: Certosa di San Martino | Context Travel
12192012 Villa Lysis, also known as Villa Fersen, is without doubt one of the most prestigious homes in Capri. It has all the right qualities: a unique location, interesting architecture and an exciting history. Built in 1905 in a Neo-classical style by count Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen, this magnificent villa is uniquely situated in a dramatic setting. D’Adelswärd-Fersen was one of the most flamboyant visitors to the island. He wanted to build a residence in a secluded area – a romantic place on a cliff overlooking the sea – and create arcs and dome roofs that would give it a classical flair. Where history and architecture come together | The Address
12202012 How breathtaking is the maiolica tile above?! This gorgeous tile technique of tin-glazed pottery dates back to the  Renaissance…and you’ll find it everywhere in Capri. Another great find in Capri? Local markets selling some of the most amazing produce and goods…I mean, look at this lemon?! Are you not just instantly inspired to cook? Escape to… Capri, Italy | Santa Barbara Chic
12212012 A mountainous territory, between the rivers Sele, Tanagro and Calore, nearby the monti Alburni (which surpass the 1400 m.m.s.l.). Abundant woods and valleys plenty of peasantry villages rich of history. Art, flavours and traditions of the Lands of Campania | Ruralità Mediterranea
12222012 We returned to Capua today for the amphitheater and the Mithraeum. The current amphitheater was built around the time of Hadrian and Trajan. I liked being able to see the drains under the structure, probably for washing away animal manure, etc. Italy Trip | Mary Lou Burke
12232012 But with a little common sense and precaution, Napoli — as the Italians call it — can also steal your heart. Especially during the Christmas season. “Look around you,” our tour leader said as we entered Old Napoli. “Do you feel frightened?” The narrow cobblestone streets were shared by pedestrians, motorbikes and cars. There were no rules, no sidewalks and no traffic signs; yet it all seemed to be working in perfect harmony. Neapolitan women were returning from the markets and the aroma of simmering tomato sauce was everywhere. After lunch, we headed for a tiny, winding street known as “Nativity Row,” where handcrafted, elaborate scenes of the birth of Christ are sold year-round. Seize the moment: Christmas in Naples | Napa Valley Register
12242012 If you like cribs (presepe in italian) and want to see really all about the Neapolitan Crib, you should definitely visit the famous street of the nativity scene makers, in Naples’s historic city, the Via San Gregorio Armeno. Here you can admire numerous shops with creative nativity figurines in all variations. Besides the Jesus- and Madonna figurines you will also find detailed copies of all household objects, gastronomic delights, exotic animals, and sometimes even caricatured politicians. Moreover you can get thousand of accessories and building material for your presepe, like cork to create the mountains, ready-to-place houses, wells, waterfalls powered by electric engine, small lakes with water, trees, grasslands, bridges, towers. The street of the nativity scene makers | The International School of Naples
12252012 Hotels and spas in Ischia don’t cost nearly as much as you may expect them to and in the off-season, some incredible bargains can be found at many hotels around the island. Spa treatments aside, the island’s climate unto itself can have an enormously beneficial impact on overall health. The island is like one massive floating green-house, with tropical plants like palm trees, Hybiscus flowers, lemon and orange trees lining the roads and turquoise waters kissing the shores. Incredible Island of Ischia | Mediterranean Visits Blog
12262012 The Regina Isabella Hotel was founded in the 50s, thanks to Angelo Rizzoli’s farsightedness and commitment. Enchanted by the Thermal baths and the tradition that lies behind them, the famous film editor and producer created the thermal baths and the hotel, bearing the same name, on ancient Greek-Roman ruins. A few years after its foundation, the Regina Isabella Hotel found itself at the centre of the jet set life, customs and culture, all enticed by the important appointments taking place on the island. L’Albergo della Regina Isabella | The World of Envy
12272012 One of my favorite relatively unknown red wines from that region (Campania) is Lacryma Christi or “Tears of Christ”, which is made from Piedirosso grapes grown on the volcanic soil of Mt. Vesuvius. There are several interesting stories about the religious reference… One version as Burton Anderson tells it in his book, Vino, The Wines & Winemakers of Italy, “the Archangel Lucifer, cast from heaven, desperately grabbed a piece of it with his fingernails as he fell and placed it on earth as the Gulf of Naples and environs. Noticing the loss, the Lord wept, and where each of his tears fell the first vines grew on earth.” Another version of the tale proposes that when Jesus was ascending into heaven he glanced at the Earth and saw the Bay of Naples beneath him. He was so moved by the beauty of it he cried tears of joy, his tears falling on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. Wines of Pompeii- Death, Destruction and the Tears of Christ… | Tolerant Taster
12282012 I’m just back from a trip to southern Italy for Bianchirpinia, an event highlighting the two principal white varieties of this Campanian zone, Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino, and featuring their new releases – mostly 2011, with a few 2010s. I was very, very impressed by almost every aspect of the event: the quality of the wines, the number of producers participating, the degree of cooperation and openness exhibited by everyone involved. Irpinia is the traditional name for an area roughly 50 kilometers east of Naples, high in the hills around the two principal towns of Avellino and Atripalda. Irpinia in the Crystal Ball | Tom's Wine Line
12292012 De Conciliis Selim spumante is one of the first Aglianico-based sparkling wines to ever come from Campania. Aglianico is one of of the deepest, richest and most tannic red grapes known to Italy, so it amazes me that Bruno De Conciliis in Prignano Cilento can make such an elegant sparkler. He uses young vine Aglianico and blends some Fiano and Barbera in as well to give the wine a superior amount of freshness, a fine bead and a mouth-feel that leaves you yearning for another glass. The Selim, when read backwards, reads out “Miles” for Miles Davis because Bruno is infatuated with jazz music, so much so that he actually plays jazz to his wines as they rest in barrel! Go-To-Wine Tuesday | Inside IWM
12302012 Serving since 1919, La Bersagliera is one of the few places you can still hear mandolin played. In this historic Naples restaurant, overlooking the port and the Castel dell’Ovo, try the clam and mussel soup. Another signature dish is the taglierini with baby octopus, black olives and tomato. Naples | Up Magazine - TAP Portugal
12312012 Naples has given the world of music songs like O Sole Mio and Funiculì, Funiculà. In terms of theatre, it has given Pulcinella, a character from 17th-century commedia dell’arte. When it comes to ancient philosophy, Campania lent Parmenides and Zeno, the father of the dialectic, inspiring the poet Virgil to write the Aeneid. The region also inspired the painters Caravaggio and Giotto who spent time here during the Renaissance. Naples became one of the stops on the Grand Tour – the journey made by young European aristocrats in search of art, culture and the roots of Western civilisation, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries because of the music schools and the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. La vita è bella | Up Magazine - TAP Portugal