Bright, passionate, unique - these are the words that accurately characterize the bay, which lies at the foot of Vesuvius. The coast of the Gulf of Naples is home to ancient traditions, archaeological and artistic values, as well as the most beautiful islands in the world.
Where is the Gulf of Naples?
The Gulf of Naples is located off the southwest coast of Italy (Naples province, Campania region) and is part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The length of the bay from west to east, from Cape Campanella to Cape Misena, is 30 km. During the reign of the Roman Empire, there was land on the bay site, but over time it hid under the waves of the sea.
The bay opens a sea route to the west of the Mediterranean Sea and borders in the north with the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli, on the east coast is the famous volcano Vesuvius, and in the south - the peninsula with the main city of the same name Sorrento. The Sorrento Peninsula separates the Gulf of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno.
The waters of the Gulf of Naples are washed by the shores of the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. This area is an important tourist destination for Italy with the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The wonderful climate, breathtaking sea, magnificent cities built many centuries ago, ancient civilizations that passed through the waters of the bay, leaving behind objects of art and architecture - all this is the Gulf of Naples. Rich in archaeological, artistic and monumental works, it is known for the warmth of its people and their passion for music, dance and dramatic art.
The bay offers tourists a number of unique and unforgettable cities: from the vibrant and densely populated city of Naples to the elegant Sorrento and the ruins of Pompeii. Competing with the beauties of the mainland, 3 small islands of the Gulf of Naples - Procida, Ischia and Capri - are reflected in sea water.
Gulf of Naples: photos and paintings
The beauty of the coast of the bay has always attracted the attention of brush masters from different countries. Among those who immortalized waves near Naples on their canvases was Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky. The famous artist lived for some time in Italy. Fine connoisseur of all the beautiful could not leave indifferent the picturesque local landscapes. The most famous paintings depicting the beauty of the bay were “Gulf of Naples in the morning”, “Gulf of Naples on a moonlit night” and “Gulf of Naples at night” (1895).
Nowadays, paintings are written in smaller numbers, mostly photographs prevail. But in order to take a good photo that will accurately convey all the beauty of nature, you need talent.
Settlements off the coast of the bay
Since ancient times, people have sought to build cities near reservoirs in order to provide water for life. Well, the coast of the Gulf of Naples has always enjoyed increased attention due to the rich marine flora. Therefore, for many centuries it was densely built up with cities and villages.
The largest city in the bay is Naples, in whose honor it was named. Translated from Latin, its name means "New City". It is the center of the Campagna region and is located on the west coast of the Apennine Peninsula, 190 km southeast of Rome. This city is the main port, the center of trade and national culture in southern Italy.
In addition to Naples, the cities of Pozzuoli, Torre Annunziata, Castellammare di Stabia, Torre del Greco and Sorrento are located along the Bay of Naples.
Torre Annunziata is a southeastern suburb of Naples, located at the southern foot of Vesuvius. The name of the city comes from the name of the chapel and hospitals built in 1319 dedicated to the Virgin of the Annunciation. It was destroyed twice by volcanic eruptions in 79 and 1631. In 1997, the city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Torre Annunziata is known as a spa and thermal spa with a small port.
Historical sights
A popular tourist destination is visiting the ruins of ancient cities that once flourished on the coast of the Gulf of Naples. The most famous ruined city of this area is Pompeii, which was bombarded with volcanic ash after the most powerful eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Currently, Pompeii is an open-air museum and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During that memorable eruption of Vesuvius, other settlements located along the shores of the Gulf of Naples were buried. For 2 days, starting from August 24, 79, cities such as Herculaneum, Stabia, as well as small villages and villas, went under the ash of many meters. After archaeological excavations, the world again saw ancient cities that were completely preserved in the same form as they were before the onset of the natural disaster.
Impressions of tourists from the Gulf of Naples
Due to the fact that the sun shines 280 days a year in this part of Italy, the region is very popular among tourists. Local resorts are great for outdoor activities such as diving. The clear waters of the Gulf of Naples remain so even in a storm, the reason is the lack of sandy turbidity.
Most tourists come here to see the ruins of Pompeii, to approach closer to the vent of Vesuvius, to see the sights of Naples, to swim in the local thermal springs. Boat trips and a trip to the beautiful islands of Ischia and Capri will help to feel the beauty of the Gulf of Naples.
To get to the Gulf of Naples, just go to the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Flights to Naples regularly fly from here, from which you can drive to any settlement on the coast by car.