Naples and Our Top Sites

My expectations for Naples were low, based on a very brief trip there previously as well as reports in guidebooks, etc. However, we had a marvelous time, mainly owing to the hospitality of an Italian economics professor who lent us his apartment on the Bay of Naples and who hired a driver to take us to Pompeii. The ruins at Pompeii are much larger than those at Ostia and much more crowded. Oddly, most of the gems discovered in Pompeii such as mosaics and glassware were removed and are now in the Archaeological Museum of Naples, which many people bypass. This museum was a highlight for all of us, another underappreciated site. As we approach the end of our trip, we've decided to list our top five sites/events/experiences individually. I'll go first; you'll hear from the other three Skeels in the coming days.

Sharon's Top Five (not really in order)
1. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony conducted by Lorin Maazel on Easter Day near the Vatican
2. Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, an extraordinary Baroque church designed by Borromini
3. Bay of Naples
4. Three Caravaggios: Crucifixion of St. Peter, Conversion of St. Paul and St. Matthew and the Angel
5. Ruins at Ostia Antica -- these were good the first time we saw them and they are still good.
Honorable mention: San Clemente Church, Sistine Chapel, Rite of Spring ballet, the flowers, fabrics and food.

It goes without saying that we enjoyed immensely dinners with our American visitors. Thanks so much for coming!