We had a fantastic time exploring Southern Italy over the last 10 days.
Naples was our first stop. It’s a city of narrow streets, historic neighborhoods, crazy scooter drivers, and some of the best pizza on the planet.
Underground Naples was fascinating. Hidden beneath the city is a maze of tunnels and chambers that date back more than 2,000 years. During World War II, many of the passages served as bomb shelters. At one point, about 2,000 residents lived underground for more than 6 months.
We also visited the National Archaeological Museum, home to an incredible collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Our next stop was Pozzuoli, a charming seaside town just west of Naples.
We toured the Flavian Amphitheater, one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in Italy. While it isn’t as famous as the Colosseum in Rome, it once held more than 40,000 spectators and is remarkably well preserved.
Near the waterfront we visited the Temple of Serapis, a Roman marketplace. In the evening, we returned for a rare treat.
We walked to nearby Baia and explored the Archaeological Park of the Phlegraean Fields. The area was once a favorite getaway for wealthy Romans. Think of it as “the Las Vegas of the Roman Empire.”
Our next stop was Pompeii.
The modern town is pleasant enough, but what makes Pompeii special are the ruins. In A.D. 79, Mount Vesuvius blew her stack and changed the city forever.
The eruption started with a steady rain of pumice, a lightweight volcanic rock full of tiny air pockets. Imagine someone dumping truckloads of gravel on your roof for hours on end. Eventually, something has to give.
Many residents had hours to escape, and a large number did. But the danger wasn’t over. Later, waves of superheated ash and gas swept through the area, burying the city under as much as 20 feet of volcanic debris.
Today, streets, homes, shops, and public buildings remain remarkably intact. Nearly 2,000 years later, you can still see the ruts worn into the stone streets by Roman wagon wheels.
The original impetus behind this trip was our 40th anniversary and we celebrated that in Pompeii
We wrapped up our Southern Italy adventure along the Amalfi Coast.
Positano may be one of the most photogenic towns we’ve ever visited. Colorful buildings cling to the cliffsides above the sea, creating the postcard views the Amalfi Coast is famous for.
Amalfi offered a mix of history, beaches, and waterfront charm. Ravello was a different experience altogether, perched high above the coast with spectacular views around every corner.
We also spent a day on Capri. Between the dramatic coastline, scenic walks, and crystal-clear water, it’s easy to see why the island has been attracting visitors for centuries.
Every stop along the coast seemed to have its own personality, but they all shared the same breathtaking scenery. It was a fitting finale to an unforgettable 10 days in Southern Italy.
Next stop, Tuscany.
Enjoy.
Pete
Just Pete Adventures 