In Italy there's a popular custom of setting up Christmas nativity dioramas for the holidays and…read morebeyond, and this area over centuries became the place to go. This street is famous for its nativity scene decorations and figurines, many in the form of miniatures. I could feel my jaw dropping walking by, admiring the deft handiwork of skilled artisans, many who've honed their traditional craft for generations. On a weekend in April I visited with curiosity, since in the States, it's not common to see enclaves of such specialized holiday producers showcasing and selling their goods year round. The closest I can think of are certain Christmas "villages" or really cluster of Christmas retailers in places like Bronner's in Frakenmuth, Michigan. Via San Gregorio Armeno is a far cry from the glitzy decked out lights and fake snow, more like its low key vintage-styled European uncle. The street is only about a block and a half or so, with probably two dozen stores. Among these, mixed in are many peripherally related souvenir shops, selling imported souvenirs aimed at tourists looking for cheap trinkets. However you can generally discern the ones with locally produced items, often with makers working on pieces inside the store. Even as I walked along and admired the nativity figurines, some no taller than a couple inches, the minutiae of smallest details captured in the fold of a garment, or a twinkle of an eye, I wondered how long these shops could sustain with competition from foreign made copycats, tightening purse strings, and lessening interest from younger generations to go into this type of cottage industry. While this question isn't an easy one to answer, I hope there will be those that continue to appreciate these stories and support their work.

I LOVE it here. Its called Christmas Alley by the Americans. Its blocks and blocks of stores and…read morevendors selling all sorts of wonderful things. We first went in the fall and it was lively, but nothing like visiting in the middle of December! Italians come out in droves to pick out new additions to nativity scenes and trees. There are some touristy shops too but thats part of the fun. Lots of pride and workmanship go into these items and it is a beautiful thing to see. The tiniest details are so interesting to see. You can also grab snacks from many vendors along the tight winding streets. This is a must do thing if you come to Napoli!

Definitely the best Gelato in Italy! (We've tried a lot of Gelatos in Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi,…read moreRome) Nut & Chocolate flavor was the highlight! Husband, dad, brother and I all had the same one! It was so good, husband and I went back for a second cone after standing outside the place and finishing the first one. Also tried the Peanut Cream and Almond, Stracciatella and Cookies & Cream. All delicious and creamy flavors. One downside is that it looks like they give less volume of gelato if you take a single flavor instead of two different flavors (even if it's for the same small size).

I thought the gelato being in tins would be good so I was going to let the poor service slide…read moreBut damn that ice cream was bad I threw it away Come to think of it , when I arrive "first" I was serve second since her friends showed up Absolutely rude