DAY 8--At Sea
DAY 9--NAPLES, ITALY (Isle of Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii)
Isle of Capri--Capri is a tiny island with an area of 5-1/2 square miles and its natural beauty has been celebrated for at least 2,000 years. The first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar built several palaces here, and Capri has been a resort since then.
Marina Grande--where we arrived after our 50-minute jetfoil ride from Naples.
We then proceeded by funicular (inclined railway) to Capri Town Center.
The railroad has been in use since 1907.
Beautiful Capri with Sun Mountain--responsible for keeping the climate fairly mild, as it blocks the cold winds from sweeping over the island.
The clock tower, one of the symbols of Capri,---
---is located on Piazza Umberto I (small square).
Expensive stores with such a beautiful backdrop!
The plaza was busy even in the colder weather.
The dome of the Church of St. Stephen (largest church on the island).
Capri is definitely for the rich and famous.
A jewelry store display
An island Beverly Hills
This tree looked like a huge cactus plant!
Grand Hotel Quisisana--a 5-star hotel
Carthusian Monastery--on our path to the Gardens of Augustus
Our nice but "so-so" guide!
Making our way up to the lookout.
The Augustus Gardens--beautiful public gardens with a promitory overlooking the sea and---
the gorgeous cliffs and water!
The Rocks of Faraglioni (sea stacks) that stand out of the sea!
The three famous gigantic rocks owe their characteristic form to the corrosion of the water, rain and wind. The middle one (which looks like it is part of the third rock from this angle) has an arch that looks just like Cabo San Lucas.
Back to the Grand Marina---
---where we got back on our jetfoil boat---
for our 20-minute ride to Sorrento!
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Sorrento--was the legendary home of the sirens who attempted to lure Ulysses on the rocks with their enchanting hypnotizing songs.
Getting off the boat to visit Sorrento, Italy.
Sorrento is perched on an almost fortress-like cliff.
Beautiful cliffside villas!
Ancient walls built by Greeks and then built on top by Romans
The medieval walls helped protect Sorrento from other countries during the middle ages, in addition to Turkish pirates.
Sorrento's bustling town square, Piazza Tasso, created in 1800.
Dominova Seat--dating back to the 15th Century--with magnificent majolica-tiled dome.
The end of the walls and interior of the cupola (1600) displays XVIIIth century frescoes.
Old men animately discussing politics in the now "social" center.
Walking through the narrow alleyways---
---that lead to the Tower of Sorrento Cathedral with an ancient ceramic clock--built around the 11th Century.---
---small fruit markets---
---and small ornate churches.
This is the main town square, which was very busy with families and visitors, since it was Sunday.
Another church---
---painted a bright yellow!
This was a small elegant town.
Statue of Saint Antonino, the city's patron
Another shot of the square
The next four pictures are of our drive along the Bay of Naples Coast from Sorrento to Pompeii.
3 comments:
Wow! You really visited some ritzy places this day, didn't you. It is amazing how they build those cities right on the edge of the cliffs, right on top of the rock walls. Very unique!
Mom, Like I've said before, WOW. So neat to see all these beautiful pictures. I love that you and dad just went exploring on your own. Your outfit went perfectly with Santorini, you must've planned that:) Cute striped bag too! I always love seeing pics of dad with kids. Thanks for sharing!!!
Loved your so-so guide. He looked like he was right out of the movies. Great recap.
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