see Naples and die

»Vedi Napoli e poi muori!« sagen sie hier. »Siehe Neapel und stirb!«

As they say here, “Vedi Napoli e poi muori! — See Naples and die!”

• see Naples and then die

Calque of Italian vedi Napoli e poi muori, popularized by a 3 March 1787 letter by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published in his 1816–1817 Italienische Reise. Unknown further derivation, although probably originally in reference to its relative wealth and prosperity as the capital of the Kingdom of Naples in addition to its famous scenery. Compare the various Chinese idioms beginning 生在蘇州／苏州 (Sūzhōu)... praising the surpassing beauty of Suzhou's residents, Hangzhou's scenery, Guangzhou's cuisine, and Liuzhou's coffins and tombs.

see Naples and die

1. One can die at peace after having seen Naples, Italy, nothing else on Earth surpassing its beauty.
   • 1962, Wystan Hugh Auden & al. translating Johann Wolfgang von Goethe as Italian Journey, Pt. 2, letter of 3 March 1787 from Naples, p. 180:

     I won't say another word about the beauties of the city and its situation, which have been described and praised so often. As they say here, "Vedi Napoli e poi muori!" "See Naples and die!"