Day 8 Museum of Naples

The National Archaeological Museum is housed in a sixteenth century building monumental in scale, a former royal stables and university it is now home to a staggering collection of archaeological relics from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Virtually every object that is too valuable or delicate to remain in situ is held in collection here and the treasures are wide and varied. Our tour begins with the vast array of everyday objects; keys, cooking utensils, door handles, lamps, household religious idols, theatre tokens, surgical instruments etc etc. Many of these items are artistically shaped or decorated, providing an aesthetic as well as merely functional role. This was a highly decorative society (for the wealthy at least) where even a simple kitchen colander was an object of beauty.

The tragedy of the rampant looting of the sites by the agents of the 18th century European aristocracy (frescoes and mosaics garrulously hacked from walls and floors in the hunt for classical treasures to decorate the palaces of princes and kings), has at least resulted in the preservation of many magnificent examples of ancient Roman household art. Although no longer possessing their original lustre, the frescoes are surprisingly bright and luminescent and it possible to 'read' the (mainly mythological) tales that adorned the walls of wealthy homes. The mosaics are astonishingly beautiful; almost impossibly intricate up close, a myriad of tiny tiny pieces of coloured marble. Viewed from a distance their colours sparkle and their images (from the simple to the panoramic) resonate.

We are only able to scratch the surface of the vast collection in our time at the museum. Then we are driven around the streets of Naples (including a brief stop to watch the Americas Cup in action) and given a tour of the many spectacular historical buildings and structures (Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque) that adorn the city. Then more shopping in the (very cheap) shops of Naples...airline load limits must be nearing capacity for some students!!

Tomorrow we journey to the island of Capri.

ps. It rained for about 3 minutes late this afternoon.