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| GETTING TO CAPRI |
10022014 We chose a tour that took just over an hour. The tour guide was so funny with his descriptions of the sights we saw. The tour guide made sure the boat ducked into caves along the coast, sited houses on the cliff that belonged to people like Sofia Loren, spotted a road that was called “Mamamia Road” which hung onto the side of a cliff, hence the name and went through archways and around small islands!! Isle of Capri and Amalfi Coast Italy | Travel Blog
10032014 The gardens of the Royal Palace of Caserta are another attraction that I first discovered through Monty Don’s Great Gardens of Italy series. The images of the Bath of Venus in the English Garden had especially enchanted me. So on a recent visit to Campania I made sure that Caserta was on the itinerary. The turquoise and emerald hues of Caserta’s English Garden | Italian Gems
10042014 The Royal Palace was constructed between 1752 until 1780 by Luigi Vanvitelli for the Bourbon kings of Naples. It was inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. It has 1,200 rooms, 40 of which are monumental and richly decorated with frescoes and 120 hectares of garden. Like with Versailles, it needed water taken directly to the palace, thus the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli was built. It was intended to display the grandeur of the Bourbon monarchy. Pear and Warm Caramelized Grape Salad with Gorgonzola Sauce and Caserta, Italy | Apron and Sneakers
10052014 Caserta's La Reggia palace and grounds could bring new energy and a sense of ownership to citizens of a tourist destination—if only it wasn't so hard to get in. La Reggia is a bit like the National Mall in Washington, D.C., or a kind of elongated and extended Central Park. But this park is sealed at the perimeter. What if the grounds of La Reggia were opened up, inviting the inhabitants of the city to populate the space instead of shutting them out? Why Is Italy's 'National Mall' so Unwelcoming? | CityLab
10062014 The fishponds in the gardens of the Royal Palace, the Royal Silk Factory and the planned new town all required large amounts of water, and so the Carolino Aqueduct was built (completed in 1769) to bring water from the Fizo spring over a distance of 38 km to the top of Montebriano. In 1744 Charles III acquired the rich Carditello estate. The hunting lodge there was built in 1784, as part of a complex of rural houses and roads radiating fanwise from the main building. This had the royal apartments in the centre and rooms for agricultural and stock-rearing activities on either side. Italy, 18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex | Unesco Postcards
10072014 Obviously, Italy offers an abundance of cultural options, but what if you just want to kick back, drink wine, and knock a few years off your face? For that, there’s Ischia. Good For: Couples, groups of friends, and families who are looking for long stretches of sandy beach (a rarity in Italy) and the equivalent of adult water parks in the form of thermal spas. Joan Rivers should wisen up and sub Ischia for her Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. Ischia is known to be the Fountain of Youth. Ischia – Italians Know Best | Galavante.com
10082014 First stop was the thermal spring of Sorgeto, a cove where the water is warmed to a near boiling temperature by volcanic activity. The nearest bus stop to this natural wonder is in Panza, a small town a 20 minute walk away. To get to Sorgeto you descend the steepest hill I have ever seen paved with road, and on my walk I tried to forget that what goes down must go up. The cove is a really neat natural wonder. But it’s also a small area, and, despite the lousy weather, was packed with people. This is the ocean after all, and just as I would relax in the warm soothing waters, a wave would come bringing in a stream of cold water or sending my body hurling into the nearby young couple attempting to have a romantic afternoon. Sorry to crash your party. Desperately Lost on the Island of Ischia | Something In Her Ramblings
10092014 The smallest and most authentic of the three Parthenopean islands, less crowded than Ischia and less famous and sophisticated than Capri, Procida is a little jewel. With its secret bays, small fishers hamlets and brightly colored Mediterranean architecture, the island is a little photographer’s paradise. The many testimonies by Roman poets and historians who praised the island show that it was as famous as Capri and Ischia in ancient times. It was cited by Virgilius who called it “high” and by Statius who defined it as “aspera” (steep). The 3 poets’ islands in the Gulf of Naples: Capri, Ischia and Procida | Slow Italy
10102014 It stands on the highest promontory of the island of Procida, about 91 meters above sea level. Murata became the residential area of the island of Procida by taking the known Earth House. The core construction of the original Earth House looks oval, interlaced with streets that bear witness, even today, everyday life that developed around the Abbey. The only example of aristocratic architecture in the Earth House, is the Palazzo De Iorio, considered the home of Giovanni da Procida, the first feudal lord of the island and hero of the Sicilian Vespers. Terra Murata: The heart of the island of Procida | Turismo in Italia
10112014 As owner of her agriturismo located near the beautiful ancient ruins in Paestum, Cecilia Bellelli Baratta teaches guests about the flavors of Campania in her manor kitchen. Fall in Campania with Cecilia Bellelli Baratta | Eataly
10122014 Head east from Morigerati towards the town of Casaletto Spartano, to see the Cascata Capelli di Venere, a waterfall named the “Hair of Venus”, made up of delicate cascades. This is a truly spectacular spot to swim, so plunge in and cool down under the fast-flowing rivulets of the small waterfall, which flows over a cave covered with moss. From the car park another path goes further downstream, leading to a bend with other beautiful pools to explore. There are quiet places where you can pitch a tent. If you walk up the slope of the hill above the pool, you will find a picnic area. Top 10 wild swimming locations in Italy | The Guardian
10132014 Bruno De Conciliis espoused his winemaking philosophy as he drove toward Cilento. From the back seat, I scrambled to write down what he was saying: “Wine needs to be both brains and soul,” he said. “A perfect wine is not as important. That’s not what wine is. Wine must be the mirror of a vintage. We can play with it in soft ways, but we must be faithful to the vintage. Wine isn’t just black and white. It has layers of grays, pinks, and reds. If you force wine in a particular direction, wine will become angry with you. You lose its life if you control it too much. I don’t want to make Coca-Cola.” Bruno may have more of a philosophical outlook than other winemakers, but reading over his quote today still accurately sums up what makes Italy’s best wines so special. It Started in Naples | A Modern Meal Maker
10142014 As every year the most important antiques exhibition of Cilento traditionally takes place at Castello Macchiaroli. The ancient building in the old town of Teggiano gives this fair the wright atmosphere. Here aficionados as well as professionell salesmen can admire furniture from the 18th century, precious paintings and prints, sculptures, jewellery, classy porcelain and choice carpeting. Teggiano Antiquaria - Antiques fair | Cilentano
10152014 Archaeological finds old and new are on show at Paestum’s Museo Nazionale Archeologico, during the exhibition of Immaginando Città, running till October 30th and highlighting the foundations, form and functions of Campania’s cities. The exhibition is a discovery of prehistoric communities, three antique villages and urban centers, parts preserved and parts destroyed in time, given the various eruptions of Mr. Vesuvius during the Bronze Age (1800 to 1400 B.C.E.). “Imagining the City” in Paestum | Italia.it
10162014 However Paestum is also renowned for its tombs decorated with painted scenes. This style of tomb decoration blossomed under the Lucanians, a native people from mainland Italy who took over the city around 400 B.C. The scenes depict funerary games and rituals; the deceased on his/her deathbed, chariot racing, hunting scenes and duals between men. The Painted Tombs of Paestum | Following Hadrian
10172014 The magnificent Doric temples of Paestum open early, so beat the crowds and delight in the grassy archaeological site of the ancient city. You’re now in wine country and can easily get to whichever of the nearby wineries takes your fancy: Luigi Maffini, San Giovanni or San Salvatore are recommended. Never turn up without an appointment: you may be disappointed as these are small, family farms without full-time guides – but that’s what makes them so great to visit. Make sure to sample the southern Campanian wine highlights: Fiano, Greco and Aglianico. My perfect day in Cilento | Decanter
10182014 'It has to be Southern Italy. Campania is the centre of the universe for buffalo mozzarella, Puglia for olive oil and Amalfi for lemons so sweet you can eat them like oranges. All winter I dream about spaghetti vongole at a beach bar with a cold bottle of white wine.' Top food destination | Condé Nast Traveller UK
10192014 ‘Frittatina di maccheroni’ and ‘Crocchè’. These are two typical examples of Neapolitan street food. The former consists of a mountain of pasta dressed with béchamel, peas and a meat sauce. The pasta is then topped with pancetta, coated in bread crumbs and fried. On the contrary, ‘Crocchè di Patate’ or potato croquettes are made with boiled potatoes to which eggs and parsley are added. The potatoes are rolled by hand to form a long, cigar-like shape, also known in Neapolitan as a ‘Panzarotto’. According to tradition, no milk or cheese is added and the ‘Crocchè’ are not crumbed. Street food. A roller coaster of Neapolitan taste | Where Naples
10202014 Gourmet cuisine in Naples using locally produced mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Photo Album | Cellar Tours
10212014 Ok, as you may have seen over the last few posts, we ate a lot of pizza whilst on honeymoon! And we went to the Mecca of pizza a.k.a. Naples, where pizza is meant to have been created originally. And oh my does Naples know how to make awesome pizza! Pizza pizza pizza everywhere! My idea of heaven even though Naples is maybe not everyone's idea of heaven as it is rather chaotic! I would call this "The Top 5 pizzas in Naples" but that might be cheating as we only went to 5 pizzerias in Naples, and one of them we went twice. We had a hard time picking an overall winner as they were all good and for different reasons. The best pizzas in Naples and why we liked them! | Living in Sin
10222014 The pizzas they produce reflect the country's traditionally minimalist style, shunning the unusual toppings that were once fashionable there. And recognition of the quality of Japanese pies is growing. Japan has 54 pizzerias certified as authentically Neapolitan by the Association for Genuine Neapolitan Pizza, the Italian group that sets the rigorous standards governing authentic pies. In Japan, Traditional Italian Pizza Is Tops | The Wall Street Journal
10232014 Experiencing the city’s street life is something unique: much drama and beauty go on in timeless Naples. The city also unveils a mysterious subterranean network of ancient passageways, catacombs and ancient ruins you shall not miss when visiting. Naples during autumn means also enjoying gorgeous sunny days on the city’s bay: the Mediterranean climate combines with the safety of the bay to create a mild climate enjoyed in history by a series of Roman emperors. 5 reasons to go to Naples before Christmas | venere.com
10242014 There are four rooms at Casa D'Anna, each named after the islands in the Bay of Naples: Capri, Ischia, Procida and Nisida. The former three are off a corridor where large artworks of female nudes, painted by one of the owners, line the walls. Each of the rooms has a small balcony and individual touches – a high-backed sofa here, some plum-coloured bedclothes there – plus Etro toiletries throughout. Casa D'Anna, Naples: B&B and beyond | The Independent
10252014 When I dream of Italy, i’m wandering along the shimmering Bay of Naples. The mountainous backdrop rises up to meet a baby blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. A faint smell of citrus drifts on the breeze and tugs at my hair as I watch several white boats skim the water’s surface, leaving a bubbling trail behind them. An old castle fortress stands high on a hilltop, its many levels adding dimension to the landscape. Why I Love Southern Italy | timelessitaly
10262014 The Festa della Castagna, or Chestnut Autumn colors at the Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello160pxFestival, takes place each year in Scala – a quiet village located high in the mountains above Amalfi. An autumn favourite, this food festival celebrates the harvest with traditional games, music, a lively donkey race through the village streets and, of course, roasted chestnuts, local specialties and desserts prepared with chestnut themes. Autumn has arrived on the tables of the Amalfi Coast. From Here to There: Autumn in Amalfi | Italia! magazine
10272014 But even without the Ferrari do not get there any other way apart from driving – rent the best convertible you can afford from Hertz, get ready to get lost (it’s impossible to navigate there first go) and enjoy the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. The link between these worlds is Strada Statale 163 – the ‘road of 1,000 bends’ – commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Naples and completed in 1852. Amalfi Coast | The Travel Guru
10282014 Albori (Amalfi Coast) Near Sorrento you'll discover this little corner of paradise. You'll visit and no doubt have to leave but your heart will always stay here, lost for ever in the narrow lanes and merry jumble of bougainvillea bedecked cottages. The Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy | My Italy
10292014 La Sponda is the hotel’s Michelin star restaurant that plays up the beauty of Amalfi just perfectly. The entire restaurant is lit by candlelight – more than 400 candles to be precise, giving it a romantic glow. Ivy and plants twine up the walls and large windows open up to the outside giving you beautiful views of Positano’s mountains by night. Travel Guide: Positano’s La Sponda | Bellavita Style
10302014 Guests can enjoy in 20 metres, outdoor, heated pool, Rossellinis – 1 Michelin star restaurant, Caffé dell’Arte, Terrazza Belvedere, Spa/Beauty centre and Beach Club Club House by the Sea, 15 minute drive from Ravello. Perched 1000 feet above the Gulf of Salerno, 20 minutes from the crowded Positano, this hotel is the heaven on earth. Palazzo Avino – Deluxe Hotel on Italy’s famed Amalfi coast | Extravaganzi
10312014 Rossellinis, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant offers an unforgettable and authentic Italian meal paired with handpicked regional wines in an intimate, candlelit setting. Or, for something more casual, there’s the Terrazza Belvedere, which features a terrace perched over the property, where guests can enjoy an assortment of small bites and fresh pastas, while overlooking magnificent views of the coastline. The hotel also offers a unique Lobster & Martini Bar, which offers the freshest local lobster paired with Champagne, Prosecco or 65 different Martini’s, crafted with seasonal fruit. We Imagine This Is What Heaven Looks Like : Palazzo Avino | Celebzter
Matthew Buck, A terrace at JK Place Capri
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