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An Introduction to Naples, Italy with Fiorella Squillante

An Introduction to Naples, Italy with Fiorella Squillante


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join Neapolitan art historian Fiorella Squillante for this virtual journey across one of the most fascinating cities in Italy: Naples. From a Greek settlement to a modern metropolis, we'll discover the highlights of the city, as well as its hidden treasures. From history to food, to architecture, to art, participants will emerge with a well-rounded Neopolitan understanding.
Naples has lived through thousands of years of history and is composed of stratifications from these different ages. From the Greek-Roman period when it played a key role in the spread of Greek culture within Roman society, to right up to today. Naples boasts world-class monuments and a picturesque bay, yet to counteract all that beauty, Naples represents a city of extreme contrasts. On one hand, we will learn about magnificence and one-time Royal splendor, yet on the other, we’ll note the decay and misery of the city’s underclass that is so well described in  Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels.
Within Naples, travelers experience both elegance and decline, noisy crowds and silent spots, splendor, and darkness. Dilapidated historical buildings house a population famous for their compassion, friendly nature, and profound critical sense. Neapolitans are always self-critical, they depict their hometown as a beautiful Nativity scene with ugly figurines or a paradise inhabited by devils. Our conversation will analyze this anarchic charm that makes Naples unique and often incomprehensible, but at the same time so seductive, exotic, and thrilling.
Having long suffered a reputation as a dangerous place, it is only in recent years that Naples has finally been recognized as a world-class city of art. As one of the most ancient cities in Europe, it is celebrated as the cradle of Italian popular culture. We’ll talk about the historical center’s classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and how thousands of years of history have been preserved.
Many of the city’s treasures are below street level. And so during this virtual ‘passeggiata’ (stroll) we will traverse the timeline of the underground city of 2,500 years ago to the exciting contemporary art scene of today. In this virtual visit, we’ll be able to turn some graffiti-covered corners and discover stunning works of art, picturesque alleyways, and breathtaking architecture. We’ll also get the chance to see the vibrant street life in action and learn about the importance of food culture in Napoli.

Led by an expert on art history, Fiorella Squillante, this interactive seminar will enlighten participants about this fascinating cultural Italian city. For curious travelers eager to explore the city in person, we invite you to browse our Private Walking Tours of Naples. 

Fiorella Squillante holds a degree in modern languages and art history, a post-graduate course in education and didactics and a master-course in exhibition design. She is a specialist in art history and Neapolitan culture and art. She works with the main museums of Naples as a member of the education department. She also works closely with Friends of Museums from abroad. Fiorella is the president of the cultural association “Fine Arts”, which organizes private viewings and themed routes in Naples and Campania, and visits to stately homes and private collections. She writes about Naples and Campania for a popular guide book and is the author of “Naples in 3 Days”, a guide to Neapolitan art and architecture and a book for children and teenagers called “Pompeii is Cool!“.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 44 reviews
98%
(43)
0%
(0)
2%
(1)
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F
F.G. (Santa Clarita, US)
An Introduction to Naples, Italy with Fiorella Squillante

Very informative and interesting. The presenter is extremely knowledgeable. I learned a lot and highly recommend this class.

E
E. (Park City, US)
Fascinating Overview of Naples

A great overview of Naples' history, art, neighborhoods, food and culture. Fiorella's enthusiasm and insight made me want to dive deeper. Her tips are helpful for any first time traveler to the city. Can't wait to visit!

B
B. (Monrovia, US)
Naples online Intro with Fiorella Squillante

Fiorella was great! She took us all over her Naples--such a historic treasure of a city. I'll be on a ship with just a day to sightsee--makes me want to change my post-cruise from Rome to a stay there instead. Thank you, Fiorella!

J
J.E. (Mainz, DE)
Presentation from a local

The presentation included information about a variety of sights in Naples. It was interesting to hear from the perspective of someone who lives there.

B
B.H. (Baltimore, US)
Take a walk through Naples, Italy with Fiorella Squillante

I have travelled extensively to Northern Italy, but have always been intrigued by the south, especially gritty Naples. I have a profound interest in art, especially sculpture, having once travelled with an artist friend to select marble out of Carrara. Fiorella's "hands on" perspective of Naples provided a fascinating, yet straight-forward perspective of what a visitor to Naples might expect. She pointed out special places perhaps overlooked by tourists just looking to have pizza and a cannoli. What was especially rewarding was her knowledge of the art works she shared with us and how she tied it in to its importance to the community of Naples.

Customer Reviews

Based on 44 reviews
98%
(43)
0%
(0)
2%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
F
F.G. (Santa Clarita, US)
An Introduction to Naples, Italy with Fiorella Squillante

Very informative and interesting. The presenter is extremely knowledgeable. I learned a lot and highly recommend this class.

E
E. (Park City, US)
Fascinating Overview of Naples

A great overview of Naples' history, art, neighborhoods, food and culture. Fiorella's enthusiasm and insight made me want to dive deeper. Her tips are helpful for any first time traveler to the city. Can't wait to visit!

B
B. (Monrovia, US)
Naples online Intro with Fiorella Squillante

Fiorella was great! She took us all over her Naples--such a historic treasure of a city. I'll be on a ship with just a day to sightsee--makes me want to change my post-cruise from Rome to a stay there instead. Thank you, Fiorella!

J
J.E. (Mainz, DE)
Presentation from a local

The presentation included information about a variety of sights in Naples. It was interesting to hear from the perspective of someone who lives there.

B
B.H. (Baltimore, US)
Take a walk through Naples, Italy with Fiorella Squillante

I have travelled extensively to Northern Italy, but have always been intrigued by the south, especially gritty Naples. I have a profound interest in art, especially sculpture, having once travelled with an artist friend to select marble out of Carrara. Fiorella's "hands on" perspective of Naples provided a fascinating, yet straight-forward perspective of what a visitor to Naples might expect. She pointed out special places perhaps overlooked by tourists just looking to have pizza and a cannoli. What was especially rewarding was her knowledge of the art works she shared with us and how she tied it in to its importance to the community of Naples.