Naples: An Early Guide

The city and its environs c. 1600, its topography and plan, monuments, institutions, churches, monasteries, palaces, and fortresses; with discussions of the city's history, listings of church and secular officials, noble families, local saints and cult centers from late antiquity through the sixteenth century. Illustrated with maps, paintings, engravings, and drawings of the period, including the Tavola Strozzi. Introductions, bibliography, complete index, notes, and five new maps.

What in the world more pleasing could be desired than the happy coast of Posillipo? Hills so well cared for and of such beauty that one could not find better in the whole world, for being a pleasant place, adorned with superb palaces washed by the sea, full of delights that mitigate every sorrow that afflicts the heart.

For this reason this place of quiet and repose was the habitation of those ancient Romans who were free from the burdens of every care, who retreated there from the serious business of the Senate and of other occupations, of which the ancient buildings, which became rocks in the sea and give shelter to the shellfish and sea urchins, make full testimony. Here are some of the most beautiful palaces, with charming and delightful gardens, that are seen along the whole coast, built by the Neapolitans for comfort and the pleasures of summer and for the good and beneficial climate of the air.