Naples, a vibrant city in Southern Italy, boasts a rich tapestry of historical landmarks, art treasures, and delectable cuisine. Here, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the top 10 must-visit tourist attractions in Naples that define the charm and cultural allure of this captivating Italian city.
1. Historic Center of Naples
The Historic Center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most densely populated urban areas in Europe. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings. The center is also home to many important churches and monuments, including the Duomo di Napoli, the Castel Nuovo, and the Galleria Umberto I.
One of the most popular areas of the Historic Center is Spaccanapoli, a long, narrow street that divides the city in two. Spaccanapoli is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and it is a great place to experience the lively atmosphere of Naples.
Another popular area is the Quartieri Spagnoli, a densely populated neighborhood that was built in the 16th century to house Spanish soldiers. The Quartieri Spagnoli is known for its narrow streets and alleys, its lively atmosphere, and its traditional Neapolitan cuisine.
The Historic Center of Naples is also home to many important historical and cultural sites, including the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, which houses one of the most important collections of Greek and Roman artifacts in the world.
Here are some of the things you can do in the Historic Center of Naples:
- Visit the Duomo di Napoli, the cathedral of Naples.
- See the Castel Nuovo, a medieval castle that is now a museum.
- Visit the Galleria Umberto I, a 19th-century shopping arcade.
- Wander through the Spaccanapoli and Quartieri Spagnoli neighborhoods.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
- Try some of the traditional Neapolitan cuisine, such as pizza, pasta, and seafood.
2. Naples Underground
Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea in Italian) is a vast network of tunnels, chambers, and aqueducts that lies beneath the city of Naples, Italy. It has been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, including as a quarry, a water storage system, a bomb shelter, and even a necropolis.
The earliest parts of Naples Underground date back to the 5th century BC, when the Greeks began quarrying the soft volcanic tuff rock that underlies the city. The Romans later expanded the network to include aqueducts and cisterns. During the Middle Ages, Naples Underground was used as a burial ground for plague victims.
In World War II, Naples Underground was used as a bomb shelter by the city’s inhabitants. It is estimated that over 2 million people took refuge in the underground network during the war.
Today, Naples Underground is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the tunnels and chambers, and learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
Here are some of the things you can see on a tour of Naples Underground:
- The ancient Greek and Roman aqueducts and cisterns
- The remains of a Roman theater
- A medieval necropolis
- World War II bomb shelters
- The remains of a sunken city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century
Naples Underground is a fascinating and unique place to visit. It is a place where you can learn about the city’s history and culture, and see some of its most hidden treasures.
Here are some tips for visiting Naples Underground:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Be prepared for some narrow and uneven surfaces.
- If you are claustrophobic, you may want to avoid this tour.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique sights.
3. Veiled Christ (Sansevero Chapel)
The Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato) is a life-size marble sculpture of Jesus Christ covered by a veil, located in the Sansevero Chapel in Naples, Italy. It was created by the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753 and is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Baroque sculpture.
The sculpture is made of a single block of Carrara marble, and is known for its realism and emotional power. The veil is so thin and transparent that it reveals the features of Christ’s face beneath it, including his closed eyes, serene expression, and the wounds on his forehead and hands. The sculpture is also notable for its dynamic composition, with Christ’s body slightly twisted and his head tilted to one side.
The Veiled Christ is a powerful and moving work of art that has been admired by visitors for centuries. It is a testament to the skill of Giuseppe Sanmartino and to the beauty of Baroque sculpture.
- Here is a more detailed description of the sculpture:
The sculpture is life-size, representing Jesus Christ lying on his back on a stone slab. His body is covered by a thin, transparent veil that reveals the features of his face and body beneath. The veil is so delicate that it appears to be floating above Christ’s body, and it is so translucent that one can see the veins in his skin and the muscles in his body.
Christ’s face is serene and peaceful, with his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted. His head is tilted to the side, and his hands are crossed over his chest. His body is slightly twisted, as if he is in the process of turning from one side to the other.
The sculpture is a masterpiece of realism and emotional power. The veil adds a sense of mystery and otherworldliness to the work, and it also highlights Christ’s serenity and peacefulness. The sculpture is a powerful and moving reminder of Christ’s death and resurrection.
4. Santa Chiara Monastery
The Santa Chiara Monastery is a Gothic-style complex of religious buildings in Naples, Italy. It was founded in 1310 by King Robert of Anjou and his wife Sancia of Majorca, and was originally built to house a community of Franciscan friars and Clarisse nuns.
The monastery was largely destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II, but was rebuilt in the 1950s. The most famous part of the complex is the Majolica Cloister, a beautiful garden with 64 octagonal pillars covered in colorful tiles. The tiles depict scenes from the Old Testament, as well as rural, maritime, and mythological scenes.
Other notable features of the monastery include the Gothic church, which contains a number of important works of art, and the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Roman and Greek periods.
The Santa Chiara Monastery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Naples, and is a must-see for visitors to the city.
Here are some tips for visiting the Santa Chiara Monastery:
- The monastery is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
- Admission is €6 for adults and €3 for children under 12.
- There is a guided tour of the monastery available for an additional €2.
- The monastery is wheelchair accessible.
5. Royal Palace of Naples and Piazza Plebiscito
The Royal Palace was built in the 17th century and was the home of the Spanish viceroys, the Bourbon dynasty, and the royal princes of the House of Savoy. Today, it is a museum that houses a collection of art and furniture from the Bourbon period. The palace is also used for official government events.
The Royal Palace is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The façade is decorated with columns, statues, and balconies. The interior of the palace is just as impressive, with its many rooms and halls decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and furniture.
- Piazza Plebiscito
Piazza Plebiscito is the largest square in Naples. It is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by many important buildings, including the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, and the Galleria Umberto I.
The square was built in the early 19th century and was named after the plebiscite that brought Naples into the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Piazza Plebiscito is a popular tourist destination and is often used for concerts and other public events.
- The Royal Palace and Piazza Plebiscito together
The Royal Palace and Piazza Plebiscito are two of the most important and popular tourist destinations in Naples. They are both beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
- How to visit
The Royal Palace is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is €10 for adults and €5 for children under 18.
6. Castel dell’Ovo
The castle is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Normans, but it has been modified and rebuilt over the centuries by various rulers, including the Swabians, Angevins, and Aragonese. It is one of the oldest fortifications in Italy.
The castle is named after a legend about the Roman poet Virgil, who is said to have buried a magical egg in its foundations to support the fortifications. If the egg is ever broken, the castle and Naples will fall.
The castle is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can climb to the top of the ramparts for stunning views of the city, the Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius. The castle also houses a museum with exhibits on its history and architecture.
Here is a more detailed description of Castel dell’Ovo:
- The castle is built on a rocky outcrop that juts out into the Gulf of Naples.
- It has a rectangular plan with four round towers at each corner.
- The walls are made of limestone and are topped with crenellations.
- The castle has a central courtyard, which is surrounded by buildings that were once used as barracks, storehouses, and living quarters.
- The castle also has a chapel, which is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.
7. Capodimonte Museum
The Capodimonte Museum in Naples, Italy is one of the largest and most important art museums in the country. It houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and other artifacts from a variety of periods, including the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical eras.
The museum is located on a hilltop overlooking the city of Naples, and its grounds include a beautiful botanical garden. The museum building itself is a former royal palace, and it is decorated with lavish frescoes and stucco work.
The Capodimonte Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Naples. It is a treasure trove of art and culture, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and artistic traditions of Italy.
Here are some tips for visiting the Capodimonte Museum:
- Allow plenty of time to explore the museum. There is a lot to see, and it is easy to get lost in the vast collection.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
- Take advantage of the audio guides. They are a great way to learn more about the artworks on display.
- Be sure to visit the botanical garden. It is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.
8. Catacombs of Naples
The Catacombs of Naples are a network of underground burial chambers located beneath the city of Naples, Italy. They are one of the largest and most important early Christian catacombs in the world, and date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. The catacombs are estimated to contain the remains of up to 6 million people, including many early Christians and martyrs.
The catacombs were originally used as a place to bury the dead, but they also became a place of worship and refuge for early Christians. The catacombs are decorated with frescoes and sculptures, and they contain many inscriptions that provide insights into the beliefs and practices of early Christianity.
The Catacombs of Naples are divided into two main sections: the San Gennaro Catacombs and the San Gaudioso Catacombs. The San Gennaro Catacombs are the larger of the two, and they contain the tombs of many early Christian martyrs, including Saint Januarius, the patron saint of Naples. The San Gaudioso Catacombs are smaller, but they contain some of the most well-preserved frescoes in the catacombs.
The Catacombs of Naples were discovered in the 16th century, and they have been open to the public since the 18th century. Today, the catacombs are a popular tourist destination, and they offer visitors a unique chance to learn about the history of early Christianity in Naples.
Here are some tips for visiting the Catacombs of Naples:
- Wear comfortable shoes. The catacombs are quite extensive, and you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Some of the passages in the catacombs are quite dark.
- Be prepared for crowds. The Catacombs of Naples are a popular tourist destination, so it can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months.
- Be respectful of the dead. The catacombs are a sacred place for many people, so please be respectful of the remains of the dead.
9. National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, with a collection that spans over 3,000 years of history. The museum is housed in a former royal palace, and its galleries are filled with exquisitely preserved artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, and the surrounding regions.
One of the museum’s most famous collections is its collection of Roman frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. These frescoes, which were buried by ash and lava from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, provide a unique glimpse into the everyday life of Roman citizens.
The museum also has a significant collection of Greek sculptures, including the Farnese Hercules, one of the largest and most impressive statues from antiquity. Other notable works in the museum’s collection include the bronze bust of a Roman emperor, the Capua gladiator mosaic, and the Boscoreale silver casket.
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history. Its collection is vast and varied, and it offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultures of the ancient world.
- The Farnese Hercules: This colossal statue of the Greek hero Hercules is one of the most iconic works of art in the museum.
- The Capua gladiator mosaic: This mosaic depicts a scene from a gladiatorial match, and it is one of the most well-preserved mosaics from Roman times.
- The Boscoreale silver casket: This silver casket is decorated with scenes from Greek mythology, and it is a masterpiece of Roman craftsmanship.
10. Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is an active stratovolcano in the Campania region of Italy, about 9 kilometers east of Naples and a short distance from the Gulf of Naples. It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because it is densely populated and has a history of violent eruptions.
Vesuvius is most famous for its eruption in 79 AD, which buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in ash and pumice. The eruption killed thousands of people and destroyed entire communities.
Mount Vesuvius has erupted many times since then, most recently in 1944. The volcano is still active today, and scientists believe that it is likely to erupt again in the future.
Vesuvius is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can hike to the summit of the volcano for stunning views of the surrounding area. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of visiting an active volcano, and visitors should always follow the safety instructions of the park rangers.
Here are some tips for visiting Mount Vesuvius:
- Wear sturdy shoes and clothing, as the hike to the summit can be challenging.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
- Follow the safety instructions of the park rangers.
In conclusion, Naples, with its myriad of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, provides an enriching experience for travelers seeking an immersive journey through Italy’s history and artistic heritage. These top 10 attractions encapsulate the diverse essence of Naples, promising a remarkable and memorable exploration for visitors from around the world.
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There is one airport in Naples, Italy:
- Naples International Airport (NAP), also known as Capodichino Airport
NAP is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of the city of Naples and is the main gateway to the Campania region. It is the fourth-busiest airport in Italy, serving over 9 million passengers annually.
NAP is operated by the Gestione Aeroporto Napoli company and offers a variety of services and amenities, including shops, restaurants, a business lounge, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is well-connected to major cities in Italy and Europe, and offers a variety of direct flights to popular tourist destinations in the Campania region.
Here are some additional facts about Naples International Airport:
- IATA code: NAP
- ICAO code: LIRN
- Elevation: 7 meters (23 feet)
- Owner: Public
- Operator: Gestione Aeroporto Napoli
- Runways: 2
- Terminals: 1
- Passenger traffic: 9 million (2022)
NAP is a modern and efficient airport that offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
