"Vedi Napoli e (poi) muore" or "See Naples and Die"

This ancient phrase has a controversal background, and still lends itself to controversy. The Italians say "Vedi Napoli e (poi) muore." What it means that when you've seen Naples you've seen everything, and it's safe to die.  Truly, all of the rich culture and beauty of Europe is captured in this city, from the entire Amalfi Coast, to Capri and Ischia, Pompeii, Vesuvio, the castles, the history, imperial wealth that was once here.... the oldest Opera House in all of Europe (Teatro San Carlo), to all of the towns outside the city limits, including the Palace at Caserta (a replica and gardens like Versailles), and it goes on and on and on....

Some state that it was Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe of Faust fame who coined the phrase.  Although Virgil wrote these words when referring to the natural beauty of Naples some 2,000 years ago, "See Naples and die." And what he meant was, once you’ve seen the magnificence of Naples, there’s nothing left in the world to see. Of course, since Goethe’s day, much of that magnificence has sunk into a parlous state. But it seems unfair that his phrase has become a twisted allusion to Naples’ later history of crime and Mafia corruption, thus the controversy in these words.

I like to think of this phrase as just meaning "we are so fortunate to have experienced this place during our lifetime, for surely we will reflect on this place when we are old and gray and will want to bring our grandchildren back to share it with them!"  That's my softened (and lengthy) interpretation, anyway!  I am not a woman of few words, as my husband can attest!

Come see Naples ~ Your life will never be the same!