Saturday 5 October 2013

Day 34 05-10-2013 Sat Naples


The alternate author here: We spent the morning at the Archeological Museum, and we were blown away by the amazing collection of classical statuary and frescoes from Pompeii. As far as the Roman era is concerned the British Museum has nothing on the Farnese collection. The Sala Secrada contains amusing erotica, salvaged from the brothels and boudoirs of Pompeii. We won’t be posting anything too graphic on the blog, but photos are available on request for learned study!

Busts
Hadrian

Julius Caesar

Vespasian

Marcus Aurelius

Caracalla






Frescoes and Paintings










Frieze

Glassware







Mosaics










Sarcophagi


How I want to be conveyed to the next world

Sculptures







Minerva

Minerva



For Lesley




The Bull








Secret Room


Statues















Today was our first day of heavy rain since HK so, after a late lunch, we retired to the sanctuary of our comfortable B & B for a long riposo. In the late afternoon, we viewed the Veiled Christ at the Capella San Severo. This was an amazing Baroque chapel, commissioned by a wealthy man of letters and the Masons. We were unable to photograph.  The statuary featured exquisite workmanship, including the effect of fine veils, nets and chains in astonishing detail.

Photos of postcards (sigh)




We have both found Napoli to be our most challenging destination, but I (Joan) knew what to expect from prior reading. It is certainly unlike any other part of Italy.

In some ways it has been good to have our accommodation in the middle of the Centro Storico,  but  the streets surrounding our B & B are grimy and covered in graffiti, the only lick of paint to be seen! The actual grid pattern of the streets is unchanged since the Ancient Greeks.  

There are young people in abundance, and they seem to thrive here. Hanging around the streets in appropriate “grunge” clothing, laughing and full of life.

There are amazing churches and plenty of good pizzas, cakes and wine---so what more could one want!
Leaks like a sieve





Bell tower next to our B&B

Security on entrance to building


Security on entrance to B&B


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