The Ancient Shore Dispatches From Naples

Discover the enchanting shores of Naples through these captivating dispatches that bring to life the rich historical and cultural heritage of this ancient city.

Nestled in a picturesque corner of southern Italy, Naples is a city steeped in history. From its mythical origins to its importance as a bustling port in the ancient world, this extraordinary destination has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, leaving behind a trail of captivating stories waiting to be explored.

The Ancient Shore: Dispatches from Naples

by Shirley Hazzard (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	142 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	78 pages
Item Weight	:	4.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.18 x 9 inches

FREE

Destination: Naples

As you walk along the cobblestone streets of Naples, you can't help but feel the weight of history beneath your feet. The city's architectural marvels, such as the Royal Palace of Naples and the Castle of Ovo, stand as testament to its glorious past.

The highly skilled artisans of Naples have also contributed greatly to the city's cultural heritage. The art of crafting traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes, known as "presepi," has been passed down from generation to generation, preserving this centuries-old tradition.

History Comes Alive

Exploring the historical landmarks and archaeological sites of Naples is like peeling back layers of time. From the Roman ruins at Pompeii to the imposing Mount Vesuvius, which overlooks the city, every step unveils a new chapter in the city's gripping history.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD not only tragically destroyed the prosperous Roman town of Pompeii but also preserved it under layers of ash. Today, visitors can walk through the remarkably preserved streets of this ancient city, gaining insights into the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Cultural Extravaganza

Naples is not only a treasure trove of historical wonders but also a vibrant hub of culture. The city's opera houses, such as the renowned Teatro di San Carlo, have showcased breathtaking performances for centuries, mesmerizing audiences with their incredible talent and passion.

The culinary scene in Naples is equally captivating. Indulge in mouthwatering Neapolitan pizza, made with the finest ingredients and cooked in wood-fired ovens to perfection. The city's bustling food markets also offer a sensory feast, with the aroma of fresh basil and tomatoes wafting through the air.

Must-See Sights

When visiting Naples, be sure not to miss out on some of its most iconic attractions. The National Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, providing a deeper understanding of life in ancient times.

A stroll along the Lungomare, a scenic promenade overlooking the Bay of Naples, offers breathtaking views and a chance to soak in the city's atmosphere. And of course, a visit to the Subterranean Naples, which delves into the city's underground tunnels, is an adventure unlike any other.

The Beauty of Naples

As the sun sets over the bay, Naples transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle. The vibrant colors of the city's facades, combined with the sound of bustling piazzas, create an enchanting atmosphere that's impossible to resist.

Be it exploring the city's ancient ruins, savoring its delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in its rich culture, Naples promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Embark on a journey through time and discover the ancient shore that has witnessed the passage of civilizations.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure like no other, to the ancient shores of Naples.

The Ancient Shore: Dispatches from Naples

by Shirley Hazzard (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	142 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	78 pages
Item Weight	:	4.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.18 x 9 inches

FREE

Born in Australia, Shirley Hazzard first moved to Naples as a young woman in the 1950s to take up a job with the United Nations. It was the beginning of a long love affair with the city. The Ancient Shore collects the best of Hazzard’s writings on Naples, along with a classic New Yorker essay by her late husband, Francis Steegmuller. For the pair, both insatiable readers, the Naples of Pliny, Gibbon, and Auden is constantly alive to them in the present.

With Hazzard as our guide, we encounter Henry James, Oscar Wilde, and of course Goethe, but Hazzard’s concern is primarily with the Naples of our own time—often violently unforgiving to innocent tourists, but able to transport the visitor who attends patiently to its rhythms and history. A town shadowed by both the symbol and the reality of Vesuvius can never fail to acknowledge the essential precariousness of life—nor, as the lover of Naples discovers, the human compassion, generosity, and friendship that are necessary to sustain it.

Beautifully illustrated by photographs from such masters as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Herbert List, The Ancient Shore is a lyrical letter to a lifelong love: honest and clear-eyed, yet still fervently, endlessly enchanted.

“Much larger than all its parts, this book does full justice to a place, and a time, where ‘nothing was pristine, except the light.’”—Bookforum

“Deep in the spell of Italy, Hazzard parses the difference between visiting and living and working in a foreign country. She writes with enormous eloquence and passion of the beauty of getting lost in a place.”—Susan Slater Reynolds, Los Angeles Times

“The two voices join in exquisite harmony. . . . A lovely book.”—Booklist, starred review