The Gulf of Naples: from the reign of the Roman Empire to modern resorts

Bright, passionate, unique are words that accurately characterize the bay that lies at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. The coast of the Bay of Naples is home to ancient traditions, archaeological and artistic values, as well as the most beautiful islands in the world.

Where is the Bay of Naples?

The Gulf of Naples is located on the south-west 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 in place of the bay was dry land, but eventually it disappeared under the waves of the sea.

The Gulf opens the sea route to the west of the Mediterranean Sea and borders on the north with the cities of Naples and Pozzuoli, on the east coast there is the famous volcano Vesuvius, and in the south - the peninsula with the same main city of Sorrento. The Sorrento Peninsula separates the Bay of Naples from the Bay of Salerno.

The waters of the Bay of Naples are washed by the banks 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.

Beautiful 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 Bay of Naples. Rich in archaeological, artistic and monumental works, it is renowned for the warmth of its inhabitants 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. Rivaling the beauties of the mainland, three small islands of the Bay of Naples - Procida, Ischia and Capri - are reflected in the sea water.

Neapolitan Bay: photos and pictures

The beauty of the Gulf Coast has always attracted the attention of brush masters from different countries. Among those who immortalized on their canvases near Naples, was a Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky. The famous artist lived some time in Italy. A delicate connoisseur of all beauty could not leave indifferent scenic local landscapes. The most famous paintings depicting the beauty of the bay were the "Neapolitan Bay in the morning", "Neapolitan Bay on a moonlit night" and "Neapolitan Bay at night" (1895).

Nowadays, pictures are written in smaller numbers, mostly photographs predominate. But in order to make a good photo, which will accurately convey the beauty of nature, you need a talent.

Settlements along the Gulf Coast

For a long time people have tried to build cities near reservoirs to provide vital activity with water. Well, the coast of the Gulf of Naples has always enjoyed increased attention due to the rich marine life. Therefore, for many centuries it was heavily built up by towns and villages.

The largest city of the bay is Naples, in honor of which it was named. In Latin it means "New city". It is the center of the Campania region and is located on the western 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 along the Bay of the Bay of Naples, the cities of Pozzuoli, Torre Annunziata, Castellamare di Stabia, Torre del Greco and Sorrento are located.

Torre Annunziata - south-eastern suburb of Naples, is located at the southern foot of Vesuvius. The name of the city comes from the name of the chapel and hospital 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. Nowadays Torre Annunziata is known as a spa and thermal spa with a small port.

Historical places of interest

A popular tourist destination is visiting the ruins of ancient cities that once flourished on the coast of the Bay of Naples. The most famous ruined city in this area is Pompeii, which was filled with volcanic ash after the most powerful eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Currently, Pompeii is an open-air museum and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During that memorable eruption of Vesuvius, other settlements were located, which were located off the coast of the Bay of Naples. For 2 days since August 24, 79, cities such as Herculaneum, Stabia, as well as small villages and villas have gone under the multimeter of ash. After the archaeological excavations, the world again saw the ancient cities, which were completely preserved in the same form as they were before the beginning of the natural disaster.

Impressions of tourists from the Bay of Naples

Thanks to the fact that 280 days a year the bright sun shines in this part of Italy, the region enjoys great popularity among tourists. Local resorts are excellent for active recreation, for example, for diving. The clear waters of the Gulf of Naples remain so even in a storm, the reason is the absence of sandy turbidity.

Most tourists come here to see the ruins of Pompeii, to go closer to Vesuvius's vest, to see the sights of Naples, to swim in the local thermal springs. Enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Naples will help sea trips by boat and a trip to the beautiful Ischia and Capri islands.

To get to the Gulf of Naples, it is enough to go to the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg. From here, regular flights depart for Naples, from which by car you can reach any locality on the coast.