We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Gaeta and ended up staying a few more days – mostly due to bad weather – rain and no wind – but also Republic Day so there were lots of celebrations happening and fireworks -mostly in broad daylight – why?
We still had our car so we chose to drive towards Napoli and visit the Palace of Caserta. Built by Carlo the Bourbon – who never saw it completed – but then finished by Maria Carolina and Ferdinand. Maria Carolina was Marie Antoinette’s sister and this Italian palace is even bigger and grander than Versaille. With a prominent position high above Napoli a boulevard leads 30km down into the city. Amazing gardens to visit as well and the village of Caserta also very nice.
Next stop is Procida, one of the Pontine Islands. A very colourful island and almost attached to mainland Italy – an easy place to visit by ferry from Napoli.
We are constantly in awe of the engineering feats where buildings grow organically from the cliff. And in general, observing what has been possible 2000 years ago, 500 years ago – so much is till in use.
We are heading to a small marina, well a jetty really, at Torre Annuziata which is close to Ercolano – a site that was filled with mud at the eruption of Vesuvius. Quite a different outcome for the people who lived there as they would have vaporised instantly where Pompei suffered several day with gases and ash.
Ercolano is a small site – perhaps it was a beach resort town – and so much of it is still intact. Frescoes, detailed floor mosaics all still in place and the bones of the people who sheltered in the boat vaults. Hundreds of skeletons intact, bags of jewels, boats – all found quite recently.
Villa Oplontis which is just behind our berthing at Torre Annunziata is a recent site to be opened. the Villa sits in a pit, the apartments of today gathered around with a very nice view of trees and roses.
Part of the Pompei site but with a completely different outcome. Again so much intact. It was the home of Nero’s wife and consequently the detail is rich – statues and artefacts all found in this pain staking excavation. The frescoes are beautifully preserved and the mosaic floors so carefully laid and we still walk on them. The archaeologists are still working here discovering more and more.
Napoli is an edgy, colourful, noisy city. It’s exciting to be in, it’s very rough around the edges and it is charming. Lots to see here, the food is incredible and we have had fun. We leave to day and head for the Amalfi. The weather is perfect for this coastal trek – but there is no wind to speak of. Very still and warming up each day.
Ciao ciao
janeandrogersadventure 