After what has been written about lack of safety in Naples, I felt obligated to report.

We got back from Naples last night and at no time were we concerned about safety.

We just used caution as we walked. I must admit, that I overracted by leaving my good camera in the hotel and using my wife's point and shoot.

We were there for two nights really enjoyed our visit.

Glad you enjoyed your visit, Dick

Thanks Ira..we did

One of thhe highlights of Naples..was the underground caverns...absolutely incredible.

http://www.napolisotterranea.org/Storia.asp?lang=EN

Hi Dick, I am glad you enjoyed Naples. I love Naples. I do understand how some people get overwhelmed in Naples but I find it to be such a vibrant city. Thanks for sharing your experience.

The one thing that I didnt like...was all of the grafitti...on even on monuments and churches

Dick; Where did you stay whilst in Naples? We're flying into Rome (from LAX), landing at 8:30am and immediately taking train to Naples for one night's stay so we can visit Mt V. & Herculaneum the next morning (providing we're not toooooo tired!). Glad to hear it's safe(r) there.

Thx

Yes, I have to admit all that grafitti is an eyeful! I said to my husband when we were in Naples that if we had stock in spray paint, we'd be rich in Italy. I'm glad you liked Naples--we did too. So much energy and vitality in that city. And so much food to eat! I think nearly every corner had a little mom and pop grocery shop, or a bakery, or pizza stand. We certainly didn't go hungry while we went sightseeing in the city.

>...all that grafitti is an eyeful!

IIRC back in the 80's NYC was covered with graffiti (especially the subways) and the art snob crowd was touting it as the coming thing in Art.

Maybe what you were seeing was populist art?

Safety in the Naples train station is relative. Last month I walked around with a shoulder mouted bag with an outside pocket while wating for a train to Florence. In the course of an hour or so the outside pocket was unzipped twice, while I was distraced buying a pastry and a paper. It contained maps mostly for places I'd already visited. Didn't interest the thieves. Be careful.

Katerbug,

We stayed at the hotel Majestic...a 4* small business hotel.

Usually we would have opted for a family run hotel...but I admit to being a little concerned about saftey and the location.

The location was great and we felt safe walking arond in the eve.

The hotel had a special./.. 145 euro a night including breakfast and a 3 day art card. The card got us into the Archealogicical Museum an dPalacace for free.

http://www.majestic.it/home.html

Dick, we've decided on Caravaggio Hotel de Napoli. Hopefully we can get to the caverns & museum along w/ Mt V & Herc.

Katerbug,

That hotel looks very nice.

If you have time, I highly reccomend a tour of the Opera House..the oldest working theatre in Europe.

http://www.teatrosancarlo.it/english/home.html