PROCIDA

Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022

Capitale della Cultura 2022

 

Procida has recently been nominated as the Italian Capital of Culture 2022, an important recognition beating 9 other candidates.  The concept for 2022 is represented by the slogan “La cultura non isola” literally meaning “Culture doesn’t isolate” a project following local, national and international dimensions. The “Capitale della Cultura 2022” programme will involve over 50 projects, offering more than 300 days of scheduled events, contemporary exhibitions, festivals and live performances. Numerous events will be hosted by Palazzo D’Avalos – currently open to the public from Thursdays to Sundays (from June 1st to September 30th 2021)

The Charming Island of Procida

Procida is the oldest and smallest of three islands situated just off the coast of Naples, displaying a jagged 16-kilometre coastline of volcanic origin placed between Cape Miseno and the island of Ischia.  Even though the nearby islands of Ischia and Capri may be considered more “popular” as touristic destinations, Procida has a special captivating visual impact with breath-taking landscapes, a calm but also somehow chaotic feeling to the air and basically a “real” atmosphere far away from mass tourism.  Procida is every-day life with locals, colourful narrow streets, churches, lemon groves, orchards, vineyards, traditional scenes of busy fishermen and characteristic shops full of local handicrafts.

 

Procida – the beaches

If you are looking for beaches, Procida has a choice of seven:

Spiaggia della Chiaia (via Pizzaco), Pozzo Vecchio-Spiaggia del Postino (via C. Battisti), Punta Lingua/Asino (via Roma), Marina di Corricella, Spiaggia della Silurenza (Via Roma), Spiaggia di Ciraccio and Spiaggia della Chiaiolella (Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo).

The Marina di Chiaiolella is charmingly characteristic and considered as one of the most popular areas, well equipped for small boats, super sunsets and families.  Chiaiolella is dominated by the medieval fortification “Terra Murata” situated at the highest point of the island and considered as the heart of Procida – obviously worth a visit.

The small fishing harbour (Borgo Marinaio) of Marina di Corricella is absolutely striking for its pastel-coloured architecture – and most probably the most-photographed.

Spiaggia di Chiaia offers calmly low bathing waters situated within a protected bay with 182 worthy steps heading from via Piazzaco.

Pozzo Vecchio – also called “Il Postino beach” is known to be comfortably shady in the mornings and great during late afternoons for stunning sunsets – but not always perfect for easy swimming.

Silurenza is accessible with a brief walk through central via Roma and is recommended for families with younger children.

The Marina di Sancio Cattolico is commonly known as the “Marina Grande” and is the commercial harbour.  Scheduled Hydrofoils and direct Ferry services are available with frequent connections to and from central Naples, Pozzuoli, Monte di Procida (seasonal), and the nearby isles of Capri and Ischia.

Procida – My Recommended Highlights:

  • for History and Art – Terra Murata, Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo (Abbey), Palazzo Reale D’Avalos, Palazzo Guarracino
  • for Tasty Traditions – Fresh fish and pasta dishes, lemons, Lingua di Procida (sweet pastries), Wines and Limoncello liquors
  • for Gifts and Souvenirs – Handcrafts, Pottery, Ceramics, Hand-made lace and fine embroidery
  • for Nature – Isola di Vivara Natural Oasis
  • for Children – Marina di Chiaiollela, Silurenza, Terra Murata
source: My Country magazine – Naples, Italy

 

Bacoli, Piscina Mirabilis

FREE WEEKEND TOURS & WORKSHOPS

StraMirabilis in famiglia

@ PISCINA MIRABILIS

Miseno, Bacoli

12/13th, 19th/20th, 26th/27th SEPTEMBER 2020

 

My Country magazine highlighted the Parco in Maschera programme in last month’s August edition with a great choice of events, dance, music and theatre taking place throughout the Phlegraean Fields (Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei)

Two archaeological icons of the territory – Macellum (Tempio di Serapide) and Piscina Mirabilis will host various upcoming events.  The Macellum site, considered as one of the major symbols of Pozzuoli will host an innovative musical light show “Ouverture, verso il mediterraneo e oltre” organized by ATI Macellum and scheduled from dusk to Midnight on 25th and 26th September.

The Mirabilis cistern is located in the higher part of Miseno and was the final point of the aqueduct connected to Acquaro di Serino situated in Irpinia.  This unique and imposing structure measures 15 metres in height and 70 meters in length, originally supplying water to the major military port of Misenum and the imperial fleet Classis Praetoria Misenensis.

The archaeological treasure Piscina Mirabilis/Cisterna Mirabile will be hosting StraMirabilis in famiglia  – FREE GUIDED TOURS and family educational workshops throughout September 2020 – organized by ATS StraMirabilis (Associazione culturale Misenum, Cooperativa Sociale Tre Foglie, Coop4art)

 

 

Where: Start your tour with a free welcome drink

at the Piscina Mirabilis ticket office

– Palazzo del Pio Monte della Misericordia (Istituto Luigi Illiano)

1 Via Campi Elisi, Bacoli, Napoli.

Meeting point: Villetta Campi Elisi (stairway to Piscina Mirabilis)

When: Saturdays (September 12th, 19th, 26th) at 4 pm and 6.30 pm;

Sundays 10.30 am and 12.30 pm (13th, 20th, 27th)

How: Events are free-of-charge prior to reservation only

+39 081 0140916   prenotazioni@piscinamirabilisbacoli.it

source © My Country magazine – September 2020 (page 14)

CONTEMPORARY ART
SyArt Sorrento Festival
@ VILLA FIORENTINO – C.so Italia, SORRENTO
JULY 11th to SEPTEMBER 6th 2020

This year’s fourth edition of the SyArt Sorrento Festival is dedicated to contemporary art presenting forty artists from fourteen different countries. The suggestive historic location of Villa Fiorentino (frequently highlighted by My Country magazine) will host the exhibition and international meetings of contemporary art including over 100 contemporary works including painting, photography, sculpture, video art, body art, site-specific and installations. Apart from a well-represented Italy, the events also include artists from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, England, Korea, Peru, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and Uruguay.  Villa Fiorentino is the headquarters of the Sorrento Foundation – Fondazione Sorrento.
The itinerary covers an area distributed on three floors and eight halls. Numerous works were created specifically for the Festival during the recent Lockdown period and will be on show to the public for the first time. Entrance to the exhibition is without charge.
Artists: Fabio Imperiale – Maria Rosaria Stigliano – Erhan Us – Catherine Chasanaglou – Hayoung Jung – Franco Paternostro – Heather Simone – Maria Teresa Majello – Sonia Gil – Marco Stefanucci – Giulia Spernazza – Maria Lorek – Giuliano Giuliani – Mark Cattaneo – Emanuel Zoncato – Matteo Ponzi – Andrea De Souza Rocha – Stefano Parisio Perrotti – Alessandro Rillo – Simone Riccardi – Federica La Magra – Milan Markovic – Nico Vigenti – Enrico Giulia – Victoria Dael – Robert Hromec – Tiziana Rinaldi Giacometti – Valentina Sorrentino – Maria Pia Daidone – Valentina Porcelli – Alessandra Carloni – Tina Sgrò – Michael Vandorpe – Elvira Carrasco – Sebastian Ceballos – Tamer Ragab – Massimo Barlettani – Nicolas Lopez – Fabio Sironi – Kristina Pirkovic

OPENING TIMES: Daily from 10 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm
ENTRANCE: 53, Corso Italia – Sorrento, Napoli
INFO: +39 081 8782284 (Fondazione Sorrento) – www.syart.it – info@syart.it

FUNDS FOR ANTI-COVID19 RESEARCH
Visitors to this exhibition will have the opportunity to support the research for the vaccine, an activity that places the National Cancer Institute – Irccs Fondazione Pascale in Naples at the forefront. Those who are willing can leave their offer inside a large urn positioned at the entrance of Villa Fiorentino. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be delivered together with the pictorial work “World Art for Covid” created for the occasion by various artists present at the Festival and displayed throughout the departments of the hospital – Istituto Pascale di Napoli.

Un aiuto concreto nella lotta al Covid-19 – I visitatori dell’esposizione avranno modo di sostenere la ricerca del vaccino, attività che vede in prima linea l’Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori – Irccs Fondazione Pascale di Napoli. Chi vuole può lasciare la propria offerta all’interno di una grande urna posizionata all’ingresso di Villa Fiorentino. Il ricavato della raccolta fondi sarà consegnato insieme all’opera pittorica “World Art for Covid” realizzata per l’occasione da alcuni degli artisti presenti al Festival che sarà affissa nei reparti dell’Istituto Pascale di Napoli.

Source © My Country magazine – August 2020 (page 7)

LATEST MUSEUM TICKET SYSTEM

#MiBACT  Ministero per i beni e le attività culturali e per il turismo

CAMPANIA REGION The Regional Museum Directorate of Campania has successfully completed the reopening of Sites and Museums throughout the region powered by an online booking system and turns of entrance with a limited number of guests – to avoid queues and crowds and to welcome regular visitors and tourists respecting safety regulations.

Additionally, two on-site ticket points are easily accessible at the Royal Palace of Naples Palazzo Reale di Napoli and at Castel Sant’Elmo – where tickets will be available to enter Castel Sant’Elmo, Certosa/Museo San Martino and Parco della Floridiana.

If you are searching for relaxing open-space,  then remember that entrance is free-of-charge to the gardens of Villa Pignatelli and to the Park Parco della Floridiana throughout the summer season.

www.polomusealecampania.beniculturali.it

The Director of the Real Bosco e Museo di Capodimonte Sylvain Bellenger recently quoted that entrance to the Park Real Bosco di Capodimonte will continue to be open to the public free-of-charge.  Both the Park and Museum fully respect anti-Covid19 safety measures to ensure the well-being of all visitors – including one-way circuits, regulated entrances of limited numbers and reservation on-line for tickets – Info & Details:

www.museodicapodimonte.beniculturali.it

www.coopculture.it /  848 800 288  / +39 06 399 67050

The My Country team attended the recent press conference to celebrate the opening of the museum Museo di Capodimonte, for detailed information and current exhibitions as highlighted in last month’s July 2020 edition – What’s On Napoli – see pages 10-11.

(Source ©My Country magazine – August 2020 edition – page 11)

POZZUOLI ESTATE 2020   POZZUOLI SUMMER 2020

FREE GUIDED TOURS – CINEMA – THEATRE

LIVE CONCERTS

#Pozzuoliècasamia

FREE WEEKEND GUIDED WALKING TOURS

AROUND POZZUOLI

Weekends from JULY to SEPTEMBER 15th

Twenty-two urban walking tours have been scheduled with a slow attitude together with local qualified guides (check the badge) to discover the fascinating territory of Puteoli – Pozzuoli.  Free Guided Tours depart from “Piazza del Ricordo” (ref.: Monument & Bar Malibu) at 5.30 pm and last approx. 3 hours.  The basic itinerary includes the view of the splendid Amphitheatre Anfiteatro Flavio, the Macellum market (commonly known as Tempio di Serapide and a rare demonstration of the Bradyseism phenomenon of the Earth’s movement), the Port and concludes at the Rione Terra fortress.

Info/reservations: +39 379 1409008

This year’s POZZUOLI ESTATE 2020 Summer in Pozzuoli programme also offers a great billboard of outdoor CINEMA dating up to September 15th and a calendar of theatrical events and fantastic live concerts.

Consult: www.comune.pozzuoli.na.it

POZZUOLI – LIVE EVENTS

@ RIONE TERRA Outside Palazzo Migliaresi – 9 pm

* AUGUST 1st – CONCERT Monica Sarnelli

* AUGUST 9th – FOLK MUSIC “La Maschera” in Concert

* AUGUST 14th – CONCERT Eugenio Bennato “Le Voci del Sud”

* AUGUST 23rd – THEATRE Massimiliano Gallo “Resilienza 2.0”

* AUGUST 28th – CONCERT Gianni Lanni “Trio Scugnizzi LIVE”

* AUGUST 31st – CONCERT Ensemble Acustico Napoletano “Anima Napoletana”

* SEPTEMBER 5th – CONCERT Neapolitan music starring Mario Castiglia

* SEPTEMBER 12th – CONCERT Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare

RESERVATION IS NECESSARY

Tickets online: https://arenaputeolana.18tickets.it/  Booking Fee: Euro 2.50

Theatre – www.scabec.it/verbariden

 

(Source: © My Country magazine – August 2020 edition page 12)

 

Fondazione William Walton
The enchanted gardens Giardini La Mortella were created by Sir William Walton and Lady Susanna Walton. The original plan was designed around the suggestive volcanic promontory by the renowned British landscape architect Russell Page who worked together with Lady Walton during the 1950’s.
The botanic gardens are situated on the isle of Ischia, Naples boasting 2 hectares of rare plant and flower collections from the Mediterranean and over the world together with trees, ponds, streams, fountains, tropical greenhouses, Nymphaeum and William’s rock.
Sir William Walton was a British composer who arrived to Ischia shortly after marrying Susanna in 1949 when the land was purchased situated in an area known as “Le Mortelle” due to myrtle bushes present throughout volcanic rocks and so giving the name to the property “La Mortella”. Lady Walton worked over 50 years with dedication to create a refuge for William to compose in isolated peace. When William passed away in 1983 she decided to open the grounds to the public by 1991. She formed two foundations in his name – the Fondazione William Walton in Italy and the William Walton Trust in Britain, aiming not only to promote her husband’s love and knowledge of music but also to maintain the beautiful grounds and gardens. To Lady Susanna Walton, La Mortella has proven to be a mission of a lifetime, a monument to the life and works of William and a poignant reminder of the great love they experience together.

2020 OPENING TIMES
The Garden is open to the public from June 16th to October 31st, 2020. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm. Last admission by 6 pm.
At least two hours are recommended for the visit. The garden is also accessible to disabled visitors. Guided Tours for groups are available in Italian and English by appointment only +39 081 990118. All visitors receive a map of the gardens including a suggested itinerary and the main attractions.

Giardini La Mortella – 45, Via Francesco Calise 80075 Forio, Ischia
(NA) phone: +39 081 986220 mail: info@lamortella.org

Source ©My Country magazine – July 2020 / May 2019 (page 14)

 

The latest Shuttle Bus service with two routes connecting the Vomero area of central Naples to Miseno and the Lucrino Cumana train station to Capo Miseno will be available until August 31st 2020.
EAV already offers different itineraries throughout the Phlegraean area called “Archeobus”.

SHUTTLE BUS ROUTE
VOMERO (NAPOLI) – MISENO – VOMERO
Departure from Piazza Muzii:
8:00 – 9:00 – 10.00 – 11.00 am

Departure from Miseno:
3:00 – 4:00 – 5:00 – 6:00 pm

ANM Stops: P.zza Muzii – P.zza Arenella – Via Piscicelli – Via Altamura – Via Rossini – Vico Acitillo – Via Gemito – Via Cilea – Via Piave – Viale Traiano – Loggetta – Via Terracina – Tangenziale – Miseno

SHUTTLE BUS ROUTE
LUCRINO (CUMANA TRAIN STATION) – CAPO MISENO – LUCRINO
Daily service hourly from 10:15 am to 7:15 pm
ITINERARY: Miseno – Piscina Mirabilis – Castello di Baia – Baia – Lucrino – Return
One ticket (biglietto unico) will be available from June 27th for return trips valid by bus and train.

PLACES TO VISIT:
MISENO AND MILISCOLA BEACHES, BAIA PORT AND UNDERWATER PARK (PARCO SOMMERSO), THE CASTLE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM CASTELLO DI BAIA, PARCO ARCHEOLOGICAL TERMALE DI BAIA, VILLA FERRETTI, PISCINA MIRABILIS (BACOLI), BACOLI CENTRE, TOMBA DI AGRIPPINA, CENTO CAMERELLE, DRAGONARA, SACELLO DEGLI AUGUSTALI.

Source ©My Country magazine – July 2020 (page 14)

 

Palazzo Reale Giardini Pensili

Garden Guided Tours
CoopCulture Guided Tours “Passeggiata con vista sul Golfo. Il giardino pensile di Palazzo Reale” include a brief introduction to the history of the Palace and of the Garden.
WHEN – Saturdays and Sundays 11.00 am – 11.45 am – 12.30 pm. Tours last approx. 40 minutes with max. 30 visitors each tour.

HOW – Purchase Tour tickets directly up-to 15 minutes before each tour (due to availabilty) or call to book: CoopCulture 848 800 288 or +39 06 39967050 from mobiles or outside Italy
WHERE – The Royal Palace of Naples Palazzo Reale di Napoli is situated in the main square Piazza Plebiscito – just a short walking distance from the central Montesanto train station.

The Royal Palace Palazzo Reale di Napoli is open daily except Wednesdays from 9 am to 8 pm.
Last admission is by 7 pm. Audioguides are available (€ 4.00)
Entrance Fees: Standard € 6.00,
Reduced € 3.00, Ages from 18 to 25 € 2.00, Free for Under 18’s.

Murat – from humble origins to the King of Naples

So, who was Joachim Murat?
Murat was born from humble origins in southwest France – La Bastide-Fortunière (known as Labastide-Murat today) on March 25th 1767. Considered as “The great military man” it was obviously thanks to his so-called “bravery” that he steadily climbed the military ladder. Murat commanded the cavalry of the French Egyptian expedition of 1798 and became Marshal and “First Horseman of Europe” in May 1804, participating in all of Napoleon’s campaigns including Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau and Borodino (1812).

Murat was considered as a brave soldier by Napoleon even though often too impulsive. He married Napoleon’s youngest sister Caroline Bonaparte after returning from Egypt in 1800 bearing four children – Achilles, Laetizia, Lucien and Louise, and became prince during March 1806 – before arriving to Naples. Napoleon nominated Murat as King of Naples after ousting the Bourbons two years later in 1808. Murat was noted as a charismatic cavalry officer but also as “The Dandy King” thanks to his flamboyant style of dressing.

But what did Murat – the new sovereign actually do to win favour of the population and take place as one of the statues at the entrance of the Royal Palace Palazzo Reale di Napoli?
Well, apart from generally giving priority to the populations most critical conditions and attempting to raise the kingdom’s economy, Murat also tried to restore the public debt, forgave the “deserters” and abolished executions. After the foundation of the Banco delle due Sicilie he not only declared that his own expenses would not influence state income but confiscated all ecclesiastical property. These confiscations clearly did not prove popular at all to the clergy – and things did not improve when he introduced the Napoleonic Code which included the legalisation of divorce for the first time in Italy. Murat also dealt with education involving engineering, bibliography, professorships and public works.

As Murat became more and more “Neapolitan” and the kingdom was less tied to France, Napoleon continued his project. Murat signed the pact of alliance with Austria after fighting for Napoleon in the last battles of Dresden and Leipzig but was convinced to keep the Neapolitan crown. During March 1815 he invaded the papal state fighting against the Austrian army who had the upper hand. Murat was defeated and the Bourbons returned to the throne. Murat dreamt not only the Kingdom of Naples but Italy – asking the entire population to turn against foreign power to then issue the proclamation of Rimini.
A number of his troops convinced him to organize another expedition to regain control of Naples – leaving Ajaccio in September 1815 – expected to land in Salerno, Napoli.
It is believed that bad weather conditions forced him and the expedition to land at the port of Pizzo – situated on the Calabrian Coast. As one of his battalions landed, they handed him over to the Bourbon Gendarmerie who sentenced him to death for treason. His former allies whom he had deserted campaigned for his arrest in Calabria. The dominant castle of Pizzo was where he was imprisoned and then shot – after his last proud words: «Soldats! Faites votre devoir! Droit au coeur mais épargne le visage. Feu!» “Soldiers! Do your duty! Straight to the heart but spare the face. Fire!”

PALAZZO REALE DI NAPOLI My Country magazine recently highlighted the Royal Palace Palazzo Reale di Napoli. It’s a pleasure to take another visit to the Palace, with the magnificent series of statues and of course its garden – Giardino Pensile (pictured right). The National Library was transferred here by 1925, but was damaged due to WWII bombings and the subsequent military occupation. The external statues dominating the western side of the palace facing Piazza del Plebiscito portray the rulers of the Kingdom of Naples dating from the 10th-century and are positioned in chronological order (see this month’s cover page). The Palace was enriched by Murat and his wife Caroline Bonaparte with rich Neoclassic decor and furnishings during the Napoleonic occupation. It is notable that no statue along the façade of Palazzo Reale refers to the Bourbon reign – not even Carlo di Borbone, engraved as Carlo III – Charles III the King of Spain. During the 17th-century the Garden, originally named “Giardino del Belvedere” was enriched and expanded including a large terrace by the wish of Carlo di Borbone, who arrived to Naples in 1734. Known as the “Giardino Pensile a Palazzo Reale” today, the Garden has recently re-opened to the public following reconstruction works, also offering a fantastic view of the unique Gulf – Golfo di Napoli.

 

Source ©My Country magazine – March 2020 (pages 8-9)