The beautiful morning sky over Naples from the ship. Another great day weather-wise for us!
The huge fortress at the base of the city.
I have yet to look up on the internet precisely what this building is, but it sits atop the mountain overlooking the city.
In port with us were Ruby Princess and Celebrity Equinox. While Mom and I were at our early morning breakfast before the sun came up, we watched these two ships all lit up following us into port.
All over the hillside, you can see domes peeking up between the buildings.
Celebrity Equinox... not quite as big as Liberty of the Seas
After breakfast... ready for our walk around the city before our afternoon tour.
Lovely narrow streets. I bought some candies at a street market.
The fortress from the city-side.
We stopped for a cappuccino... delicious!
The cruise terminal, which was full of very interesting shops. Other than in Nice, I had not bought anything while walking around the cities. I scored at this cruise terminal, buying a gorgeous pair of leather boots, a hat and two scarves, all made in Italy.
It was too early to have pizza in the city, but I did have pizza on the ship!
After lunch we set out on our excursion to Herculaneum. This city was buried in mud during the same eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii, on the other side of the peninsula. Because the mud and stone prevented air from getting to the ruins, they are much better preserved that those at Pompeii.
My first view of Mt. Vesuvius (on the right) from the bus.
Only one third of the ruins have been uncovered, as the modern city of Herculaneum has been built on top. They had no idea what was underneath until excavations started in the 1700's after someone digging a well came across them.
One of the old houses.
This building was originally right on the water. It was part of the port. The water has receded many miles over the centuries.
When Vesuvius erupted, many people tried to flee by way of water. No one knows how many made it, but the perfectly preserved skeletons in the doorways show how many did not.
Mt. Vesuvius overlooking Herculaneum.
An orchard looking much as it would have 2,500 years ago.
One of the extremely well preserved frescos in the buildings. The dark smudges at the top of the wall are the original wood beams, carbonized by the heat of the mud.
The colours are so vivid!
Part of the gymnasium, which includes a huge swimming pool which has not been excavated. We were able to visit it through excavation tunnels. Although the pool is now under 60 feet of mud and rock, it was originally an outdoor pool.
Some beautiful oleander blossoms.
Another view of Mt. Vesuvius.
I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion, walking on the same stones that were walked upon by the inhabitants over 2,500 years ago. Next time... Pompeii!
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