If you are thinking of heading to Italy on vacation, you’re probably thinking purely in terms of visiting northern Italy. While there are many delightful places to visit there – not least Rome – you would be missing a trick if you didn’t head south as well.
Here are some great things to do when you get to southern Italy.
Visit Naples
Naples is a must see destination for anyone going to southern Italy. It is sandwiched in between Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields. Its depth of history has led to its centre being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among other sights worth seeing in the city include the Napolitan National Gallery and the Napoli Sotterranea.
The latter hides what is left of the Roman city, and it provided protection for many hundreds of people during the Second World War. Don’t miss the Piazza del Plebiscito either, as this is Naple’s main and most famous square.
Check out the ruins of Pompeii
Everyone has heard of Pompeii, the unfortunate city that was completely buried after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. The city was long thought to have been completely lost to time, but it was eventually located and sensitively excavated. This led to the discovery of voids that were where humans had fallen when the ash and lava overcame them.
Visitors today can also see the remains of the neighboring town of Herculaneum, which has also been uncovered. Both make for sobering viewing and reveal just what life was like back then before the volcanic eruption wiped it all away.
Visit Palermo, the capital of Sicily
Contrary to what some may believe Sicily is actually still part of Italy. It may be thought of as the football where Italy is the leg and the boot (look at the map of Italy and you’ll instantly see where Sicily is). But it is still part of Italy, if a very different and eye opening part. That’s why you have to pay a visit.
Take a look at Via Vittorio Emanuele, one of the most notable and frequented streets in the city. You’ll come across Quattro Canti in this area, a square that brings the four parts of the town together. This is a city ripe for shopping, but it is also ideal for history buffs. They will no doubt enjoy spotting the Norman architecture.
Summary
Although some people still believe the best Italy has to offer is in the northern part of the country, you can see that this simply isn’t true. In actual fact there are some significant highlights in the southern part of Italy. The examples given above merely scratch the surface, offering a selection of the history and modern delights that can be found in equal measure here.
If you are planning on visiting Italy in the near future, make sure you devote plenty of time to southern Italy so you can get a taste of what it has to offer.
This eye opening post is courtesy of Mark and the guys from Bristol Airport Parking. Thanks for reading!
