Naples Unlocked: Family Palazzos, Ancient Tombs, and Pizza with Cousins

Naples Day 2: Reunions, Noble Ancestry, and a Walk Through History

Here we are on day two in Naples! Still feeling a bit jet-lagged, but nothing could dampen our excitement for today: we were finally reuniting with my cousins, Nicola and Nadia.

After a wonderful breakfast at the Hilton, we took a taxi over to Hotel Alabardieri in another lively neighborhood of Naples. We arrived around 9:30 AM, and as luck would have it, our rooms were already ready for us—a rare and welcome travel victory!

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Reconnecting & Exploring Noble History

At 10:00 AM, we met up with Nicola and Nadia and set off by car toward the Museo Pignatelli. This stunning villa near the sea was actually donated to the Italian state by one of my distant Pignatelli cousins! Walking through the estate and grounds felt surreal, knowing our family’s footprint is woven directly into the heritage of Naples.

From the museum, we took a long, fascinating walk over to Via Toledo 373—the historic Palazzo of my 3rd Great-Grandparents, Count Giacomo Piromallo and Duchess Beatrice Capece Piscicelli. This very building was also the birthplace of my 2nd Great-Grandfather, Saverio Giovanni. Standing right outside, looking up at the grand facade where generations of our ancestors lived, was an incredible moment.

Sacred Sites & Local Secrets in Spaccanapoli

Next, we made our way into the heart of Spaccanapoli. We spent time browsing the artisan shops for traditional Neapolitan presepio (nativity) figures, then made a meaningful stop at the historic Church of San Domenico Maggiore. Stepping inside to pay homage at the site where several of my ancient ancestors are entombed added a quiet, reverent pause to an action-packed morning.

By then, we had definitely worked up an appetite! Cousin Nicola led us to a cozy local spot he knows well, where we indulged in fantastic, authentic Neapolitan pizza and pasta.

Spritz by the Sea & The Evening Tour

After lunch, we took a taxi back to Nicola’s car and took a scenic drive down to the lungomare (waterfront). We sat by the sea to recharge with a refreshing Aperol Spritz and a delicious Italian pastry while taking in the views.

By 5:00 PM, it was time to prep for—wait for it—another walking tour! We gathered with our Phil~Italy tour group for an engaging two-hour guided walk through the city.

To top off an already unforgettable day, we gathered at Antonio & Antonio right along the seafront for dinner. It was a long, full day, but filled to the brim with family, friends, rich history, and incredible adventure!

Stay tuned for Day 3 as our Naples journey continues!

What Really Happened in Naples During WWII?

Discover the untold stories of Naples during WWII. Learn about the impact of the war on the city and its people in this video. In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Paula Gambarota, an associate professor at Rutgers University, about her Italian roots, family history, and the impact of immigration on identity. They discuss the historical context of American Naples during WWII, and personal stories from that era. Paula shares her research on the occupation of

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History of Naples Italy with Vintage Photos

I have seen a lot of people that whose ancestors are from Naples, or Italy in general wondering why they have a percentage of Greek, Spanish, Arabic or other non-Italian segments.  DNA segments can potentially go back 10 generations.  I’m not a DNA nerd, but I certainly welcome any comments that any one may have to give simple explanations.  I have also seen people post that I know where I came from and I’m 100%

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Photos of Italian Brides

I do hope that you enjoy these photos of Italian brides ( and grooms ).  Some of these my mom had, some are from my first cousins, some however,  are from a long lost cousin that I found through ancestry research.  Amazing that she, through her grandmother, had photos of my aunts and uncles.   Please share. Bridal crown designed and made by my grandfather. Click Here To Join Our Facebook Group My Mom and

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The Journey Home – Day 3 – Naples

Click here to join out Facebook group Our first full day in Naples began with a walking tour of the streets of Naples where my Sorrentino, Princi, Piromallo and Caracciolo lived. Our guide Vincenzo D’Onofrio, was great and explained various landmarks along the way. The current Hotel Caracciolo, on via Carbonara was the home of my Caracciolo ancestors and quite an impressive building inside and out. I could just imagine the parties held there over

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Naples Historic Center

We get some inside information from Naples resident Cristina Rizzo about the Historic Center and her rental flat. Cristina fills us in on some of the sights and what makes Naples unique from other large Italian cities. For more information on Spaccanapoli Home check out Sawdays. Visit Our Shop Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

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My Naples Experience

Click here to join out Facebook group During my two week vacation in Italy, a majority of the first week was spent in Naples where I stayed for 6 days. One of the things that surprised me was how Naples bore a similar resemblance to New York City except with less skyscrapers and older buildings. The district of Naples that I was staying in was the historical district of Naples and the churches in Naples

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