Naples is a city in Italy; it is the capital of the region of Campaniaand of the province of Naples. Known for its rich history, art, culture, architecture, music, and gastronomy, Naples has played an important role in the Italian peninsula and beyond for much of its existence, which began more than 2,800 years ago. Situated on the west coast of Italyby the Gulf of Naples, the city is located halfway between two volcanic areas, Mount Vesuviusand the Phlegraean Fields.
Naples has the fourth-largest urban economy in Italy, after Milan, Rome andTurin. It is the world's 103rd-richest city bypurchasing power, with an estimated 2011 GDP of US$83.6 billion.Theport of Naplesis one of the most important in Europe, and has the world's second-highest level of passenger flow, after the port of Hong Kong. The cityhas long been a major cultural centre with a global sphere of influence, particularly during theRenaissanceandEnlightenmenteras.In the immediate vicinity of Naples are numerous culturally and historically significant sites, including thePalace of Casertaand the Roman ruins ofPompeiiandHerculaneum.Culinarily, itis synonymous withpizza, which originated in the city.