The Anonymous Widower

The Meridian Line in Naples

Naples has two of the best museums in the world, let alone Italy.  In fact the collection of paintings in the Museo di Capodimonte is considered to be the second best in Italy after the Uffizzi in Florence. But the National Archaeological Museum is to me the more interesting, as I prefer my sculpture to my painting.

Sometimes, in Italy I think that if I’ve seen one Madonna and Child, I’ve seen a hundred.  Or perhaps even a thousand.

But the sculptures are stunning.  Most are from the Farnese Collection and have been on display in Naples for around 200 years.

The Farnese Bull

The Farnese Bull

The museum is also unusual in that it has a Meridian Line, which shows midday, the seasons and the signs of the Zodiac.

Meridian Line, Naples

Meridian Line, Naples

It’s accurate too, as this picture with my mobile phone shows.  You can just see the time.  I would have used a watch, but I wasn’t wearing it after the previous incident.

Meridian Line at Midday

Meridian Line at Midday

The phone is a legendary Nokia 6310i and is about seven or eight years old. It was in my pocket when I was attacked and doesn’t seemed to have suffered.  It’s still on the original battery.

July 1, 2009 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , | 1 Comment