Italy's third-largest city and also one of the world's oldest, Naples is a bustling center famous for not only its long and fascinating history but also for its food. Pizza originated here, but the local variety is quite different from that found in much of North America. The city has much to lure the traveler: world-class museums such as the National Archaeological Museum and its impressive collection of antiquities; the imposing "New Castle" (Castel Nuovo) of Charles I of Anjou; and the intriguing expanse of tunnels, passageways and catacombs that make up Underground Naples.
The best way to explore and get to know Calabria is to take the time to visit both the larger and smaller cities and towns of the region. In Catanzaro you can visit the remains of an Argonese castle overlooking the sea known as the Castella. Castrovillari offers views of snowy Mount Pollino and has an interesting old town. Frascineto has an Albanian heritage, and due to this almost anything printed in town is in two languages. The town also is home to a museum filled with more than 250 religious icons. Picturesque Scala Coeli's tightly clustered houses and narrow streets is worth a look as is Gerace, a medieval town that was founded in the ninth century by Greek refugees. Bombili is another interesting stop that is notable for its Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Grotto, which was carved directly into one of the hillsides.
Sicily is an archaeologist's paradise filled with sites from the ancient Greek, Roman and Punic civilizations, just to name a few. The ruins at Agrigento, Selinunte, and Segesta are especially impressive with their free-standing temples. History lovers will also enjoy the numerous museums, palaces and churches of the island. Those touring Sicily for the natural wonders will not be disappointed either. From the Alcantara Gorge and the volcanic grandeur of Mount Etna to the sunny beaches of Scoglitti and the Aeolian Islands, Sicily's varied landscape offers much to see and experience. For those with more urban interests, Palermo, reputed to be the most conquered city in the world, is worth taking the time to explore. Don't miss such sights as the Palatine Chapel, the Zisa or the macabre Capuchin Catacombs.
