Big square used for events to hold a lot of people. The architecture is simply lovely and detailed…read more I only walked outside of it. It sits on a large square for events if needed

Naple's most iconic square is framed by Prefettura di Napoli a government office on the north, on…read morethe south by Palazzo Salerno (Sede del Comando Territoriale Sud - currently military offices), by the royal palace on the east, and Basilica of San Francesco di Paola to the west. The last two are open for visitors and pretty quiet on an April evening. The port area and waterfront public park Giardini del Molosiglio are nearby within walking distance to the southeast. As magnificent and grand as these surrounding buildings and others nearby are, this piazza also very much a piece of the local cloth. Where school groups and tourists frequent during the day, is open space in the evening for kids riding bikes and playing soccer, for families taking walks with strollers and dogs. While I was there it was fun to see a group of students singing along to a couple musicians on a guitar and mic, a few kids flying kites, the sun setting to the west casting a warm glow onto the structures in the square. Fun facts: - named after a plebiscite (aka referendum or survey) which united Naples with the rest of Italy. - Joachim Murat, bro-in-law of Napoleon had planned to dedicate the square to the emperor though when the Bourbon rulers were restored to the throne plans changed. Hence today the two statues in from of the church are Bourbon kings Charles III and his son Ferdinand I. They also instructed the completion of the neoclassical basilica along this square. - there's a local game/tradition of attempting to cross the square blindfolded starting from the center of the main entrance of the royal palace with the goal of walking directly in the middle of the two statues. Legend is that it's an impossible feat, due to the irregular shape of the square, uneven cobblestones and slight slope. - the square became a parking lot in 1963 to deal with the overflow of cars in the city, then reconfigured back to pedestrian only in 1994.

Lovely abbey located on the top of a peak in the Frosinone province. If you're looking to see…read morelesser known attractions on your trip to Italy perhaps put this on your list. The abbey has a long and storied history, amd in recent memory served as a major battleground in World War 2. The area serves as a memorial for the battle of monte cassino and there is a sombering polish cemetery nearby. The drive up to the abbey might make you a tad carsick with its hair pin turns but the view at the top is stunning. Also, prior to going check the hours online. We got there mid-morning on a thursday and didnt have time to explore more of the abbey because it closed at 12:30. The abbey does have a nice souvenir shop and it also has a museum which i didnt see because it had already closed.

Absolutely heavenly place. Give yourself some time to explore the monastery. There is great…read morebeauty and holiness throughout. I was blessed to ask to celebrate Vespers with the monks. I guess I was acting monkish today. I was deeply grateful.

I'm reminiscing like crazy!…read more If I could choose an island in Italy to return to, it'd be this one! It's just right. There weren't tons of tourists. Even during my visit in the autumn as the season changed, there were just enough people to make it lively. The vicinity is a walking area, although there are tuktuks, taxis, and buses. It's a beautiful scenic ride to Forio. Beware of the price gauge from taxi drivers though. Where I stayed in Cartaromana, near Ischia Ponte, was just perfectly close to the beaches and the Aragonese Castle. For you love birds, this is a destination wedding spot for sure. Tons of seaside restaurants are available, and you can take a romantic stroll along the ports afterwards. This is just as healing for the single freebirds who want to get away from it all. Enjoy your daydreaming...

I spent a day in Ischia and I wish I could stay longer. When I went, I took a speed boat for about…read morehour and regular furry took me at least 2 hours to come back to Naples. The Island is so unique and gorgeous, tons of wonderful places to go but I only had one day. I paid a cap to take me around the island. It was good to have a local as a guide and know what place to go. Beaches is extremely beautiful. The view from the top of the mountain is even better. Houses, buildings, street and all nature are stunning, looks like I'm in heaven. Suggesting: enjoy the island more then a day if you have time.

Very imposing and impressive structure, not well known in the expat community. At the base on the…read moreeast side, there is some parking next to what I think is a monument commemorating the struggles associated with unification (but not sure). From this location you will be able to assess the scale of the design as you can climb into some of the arches closest to the ground. On the west side there is a local switch-back road that will lead you to the entrance to the top of the aqueduct. If you have a small car (A or B class) you can drive off the main road right up to the gate. There is a small olive grove where people have parked their cars and turned around. May be private property so be careful. The gate is normally opened and you can freely walk across the span. We did not as we had some items in the car that we did not want to leave. Great views of the valley in both direction from the to of the span. This is now on our list of sites to take visitors.

Piazza Tasso is a lovely square in Sorrento…read more Lucky to stumble across a local festival on our cruise ship tour to Sorrento and Pompeii. Our tour guide was not sure what they were celebrating. Take time to check out the beautiful baroque yellow church and everything Limoncello while you are in the neighborhood. The lemons in Sorrento are enormous and the geography reflects their impact. Limoncello granitas. Lemon pasta. Lemon biscotti. Lemons on everything from dish towels, baskets and bags to headbands. My sister-in-law even bought a pair of swim shorts that were covered with a large lemons in the pattern. Nice for a short stop while exploring Sorrento. Tip: There is a bathroom next to the church. It takes one euro each.

This is a great square in the center of Sorrento which have a bunch of great shops around it, great…read moreplaces to eat, and their Main Street which, for the most part, is closed to all car traffic except for security and business support. The smaller walking streets around it are pretty cool too for all kinds of things and souvenirs if they are desired. There are some great places for coffee too. The square can get pretty busy with cruise ships coming in and out of Naples and Sorrento so if you like it a little less crowded, get there early or in the off season.