Friday, April 29, 2016

Forio, Ischia

Thursday... a walk around Forio which has several lovely piazzas, and visits to  churches. The churches have a nautical theme... being on an island. Apparently there are 72 churches on this small island. We visited 2.

this church is on a headland


this church (below) is in the main square


with some great painted tiles on the floor
and a sundial

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Ischia Port

A trip into the main town. ..the Port of Ischia. It is pretty, but from our point of view rather busy.


below, the Aragonese castle

Forio on the island of Ischia

The reason for coming to Forio on the island of Ischia was to get away from the bustle of the city and look at the sea. Every day we walk along the seafront. Every day it is different. Even between the sea and the little harbour the contrast is striking.

below, our residence. .. 
below, the sea front nearby

Monday, April 25, 2016

Forio, Ischia

Ischia is an island and hour or so by hydrofoil from Naples. A lovely waterfront at the town of Forio on the north west coast..... an important place in the Elena Ferrante novels.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Cafe Gambrinus Naples

The most famous place in Naples to have a coffee and a sfolliatelle! To celebrate the end of our 3 week language school we treated ourselves to the great Neopolitan treat.

Santa Caterina Formiello

A very beautiful Renaissance Church from the early 16th century.... a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Some unusual and lovely tiles.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Visit to Madre, Naples

Madre is the modern art gallery in Naples. It has a great line up of international and local artists, and was well worth a visit.
Sol Lewitt drawings pictured below..... And an impressive entry foyer.

The Duomo Naples

The Duomo is a treasure trove of art. The baptistry is the oldest in the world, dating from AD550.
The cathedral was built in the late 1200s, but now has lots of additions. The mosaics date from the 1300s.
The first Sunday in May and September the blood of San Gennaro, kept in 2 phials, turns to liquid.
If the blood does not liquefy,  catastrophes are imminent.  We will keep an ear out for the result.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Herculaneum

A wonderful visit to Herculaneum.  Most of the treasures we saw last weekend at the Archeological Museum.  But nothing beats walking down the street where people were living their lives, popping into their bedroom, calling in to the local wine shop and baths. It felt as if the inhabitants were still around. 

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Art on Naples Metro stations

On 15 of the underground stations in Naples there are some extraordinary works of art by a range of artists. We spent the day on Line 1 and did not see it all!
Some works by Kentridge,  Sol Lewitt and others.