Naples

Naples (Napoli in Italian) is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after Rome and Milan, with a population of 967,069 within the city's administrative limits as of 2017. Its province-level municipality is the third-most populous metropolitan city in Italy with a population of 3,115,320 residents, and its metropolitan area (that stretches beyond the boundaries of the Metropolitan City of Naples) is the second-most populous metropolitan area in Italy and the 7th-most populous urban area in the European Union.

History

Founded by the Ancient Greeks as Neapolis (New City), it held an important role in Magna Graecia and then as part of the Roman Republic in the central province of the Empire. The city has seen a multitude of civilizations come and go, each leaving their mark and contributing to the rich tapestry of its history.

Geography

Naples is located near the midpoint of the Mediterranean Sea, with nearby Mount Vesuvius directly to the east and the Phlegraean Fields to the west, the latter of which is a large caldera. The city is close to the sea level at the centre of a metropolitan area that stretches from the Sorrento Peninsula to the volcanic area of the Phlegraean Fields, thus offering an enchanting view, with the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida visible from the city.

Culture

Naples has long been a centre of art and architecture, dotted with Medieval, Baroque and Renaissance-era churches, castles and palaces. In the 18th century, Naples went through a period of neoclassicism, following the discovery of the remarkably intact Roman ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

The city is synonymous with pizza, which originated in the city. Naples is also known for its music, particularly the romantic guitar and mandolin. It is also known for its collection of historic statues and monuments, including the Neapolitan Crib.

Economy

Naples is a major cargo terminal, and the port of Naples is one of the Mediterranean's largest and busiest. The city has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, and unemployment levels in the city and surrounding Campania have decreased since 1999.

See also

• History of Naples
• Culture of Naples
• Economy of Naples