Marechiaro is the name of a former fishing village in the Posillipo district of Naples. The name of the village (“Clear Sea”) indicates exactly why it is such a popular spot. From its pristine beaches, the view includes the Vesuvius, the peninsula of Sorrento and the island of Capri.
Marechiaro Naples
History and description
The first settlement in the spot dates back to the rimes of the Magna Grecia. During the Imperial period many wealthy Romans moved here, to be close to Emperor Tiberius, who had taken up abode on the Island of Capri.
In the 1960s, Marechiaro was a favorite haunt of movie stars, artists and other famous people.
What to see
The Palazzo degli Spiriti, in reality the nymphaeum of the Villa of Vedio Pollione, and what is left of the Piscinarium date back to the 1st century BC. They are part of the Underwater Park of Gaiola.
The reef sticking out of the sea in front of the coastline enhances the view even more.
The column in the small town square used to be part of the Tempio della Fortuna.
The baroque Santa Maria del Faro Church stands in the Piazza a Mare. This square was the Forum of the Roman village.
The most famous attraction, however, is the Fenestella (Neapolitan dialect for Finestrella, or “small window”). It is the subject of a song by the local poet Salvatore di Giacomo. The song tells of a window with a carnation in it, and a view of the sea. It is the most famous of the more than 200 songs about the village in the Neapolitan archive of traditional songs. The window exists and someone (probably the tourist board) even places a fresh carnation in it everyday.
Useful information
Public transport: Take metro L2 to the Magellina stop, followed by bus L40.