Naples: The Soul of Southern Italy

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Scusami
  [skoo-sah/skoo-sah-mee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh/ay too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwan-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezzo
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsoh]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwan-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Naples, originally named Neapolis, meaning 'New City' in Greek, was founded around the 6th century BCE by settlers from the Greek colony of Cumae. The city's strategic location and natural harbor made it a key center for trade and culture in the ancient world. Greek influence is still evident today in Naples' ancient ruins, street layouts, and even the local dialect.

After the Greeks, Naples came under Roman control in 326 BCE. The city flourished as a part of the Roman Empire, becoming a vital cultural and commercial hub. Many Roman structures, such as aqueducts, theaters, and temples, were built during this period, some of which can still be explored today, including the remnants of the Roman theater beneath the modern city.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples became an independent duchy in the early Middle Ages, around the 8th century. The city managed to maintain a degree of independence and prosperity despite the tumultuous period marked by invasions and power struggles. The medieval period saw the construction of significant structures such as Castel dell'Ovo and Castel Nuovo.

In the 13th century, Charles I of Anjou conquered Naples, establishing the Angevin dynasty. This period was marked by significant architectural and cultural development, including the construction of the Gothic Cathedral of Naples. Later, in the 15th century, the city came under the rule of the Aragonese dynasty, which further enriched Naples' cultural and artistic heritage.

From the early 16th century until the early 18th century, Naples was part of the Spanish Empire and served as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Naples. This era brought both prosperity and hardship. The city experienced significant urban development, with the construction of palaces, churches, and public buildings, but also suffered from social unrest and plagues.

In the 18th century, Naples became a center of Enlightenment thought under the Bourbon kings. Charles III and his successors implemented numerous reforms, modernizing the city's infrastructure, economy, and cultural institutions. The Royal Palace of Naples, the Teatro di San Carlo, and the Capodimonte Palace are lasting monuments from this era.

In 1861, Naples became part of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. The city underwent significant changes as it integrated into the modern Italian state, experiencing both industrialization and social challenges. Despite these upheavals, Naples retained its unique cultural identity and continued to be a vibrant center of art, music, and cuisine.

Naples faced considerable hardship during World War II, suffering extensive bombing by Allied forces. After the war, the city underwent a period of reconstruction and economic revival. The post-war years were marked by significant urban expansion and a renewed focus on cultural and historical preservation, leading to the Naples we know today.

Today, Naples is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern life. It is renowned for its vibrant street life, stunning architecture, and culinary traditions, particularly the world-famous Neapolitan pizza. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its enduring significance and beauty.

Naples is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino) is the main airport, serving numerous European and international destinations. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, bus, or the Alibus shuttle service. Alternatively, Naples is accessible by train, with Napoli Centrale being the main railway station, offering connections to major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. If you prefer driving, the city is connected by major highways such as the A1 and A3.

Naples has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, metro, and funiculars. The metro system consists of two main lines: Line 1 (the yellow line) and Line 2 (the blue line). Tickets can be purchased at stations, newsstands, and tobacco shops. Taxis are also available but ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. For an authentic experience, consider using the funiculars to navigate the hilly terrain. Additionally, renting a scooter can be an adventurous way to explore the city.

The official currency in Naples is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees and notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Naples is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it has areas with higher crime rates, particularly for petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Be cautious in crowded places like Piazza Garibaldi, the area around Napoli Centrale station, and tourist hotspots like Spaccanapoli and the Spanish Quarter. Avoid displaying valuables and be vigilant with your belongings. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and consider using taxis for late-night travel.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for police, fire, or medical assistance. Naples has several hospitals and emergency clinics, including Ospedale Cardarelli and Ospedale dei Pellegrini. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Italians appreciate good fashion, so avoid overly casual attire in public places. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and covering shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be aware of pickpockets. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'buongiorno' (good morning) or 'buonasera' (good evening). A handshake is common, but close friends may kiss on both cheeks. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including pizza and espresso. Don't ask for modifications to traditional dishes as it may be considered disrespectful.

To experience Naples like a local, explore the less touristy neighborhoods such as Vomero and Chiaia, where you can find charming cafes and boutiques. Visit local markets like Mercato di Porta Nolana for fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and passionate about their city. Don't miss the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the Lungomare, Naples' scenic waterfront promenade, especially at sunset.