Visiting Naples - Southern Italy

“He who doesn’t love Naples has yet to learn how to love life”

Anonymous

The history of Naples is almost 3,000 years old.  It began in the 8th century BC when Greeks started to settle there. They named the city Partenope, after the legend of a Siren, later Neapolis, which means "new city."

Partenope then Neapolis.  The Greeks first set up a colony called Partenope in the 7th century BC. Later, they built a new city, Neapolis (new city). that grew to become one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia (Greater Greece), and a cultural centre even visited by Roman intellectuals such as Cicero.

Naples surrendered to the Romans in 326 BC but kept its own culture.

During the centuries, it was ruled by the Normans, Swabians, Angevins and Aragonese, before coming under Spanish rule and becoming part of the great Bourbon Kingdom.

So, if you want to explore this unique ancient city, built on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, not certain about what to do and see, where to stay or how to experience and discover, we will be glad to design your itinerary/tour.

Let us know what your style is and I shall take you to the right place.

Suggested itineraries

Naples by Art:

The city of Naples is home to a wealth of museums, with dozens in total, and two of these museums are of particular international significance due to the depth and quality of their collections. The MANN is widely regarded as the preeminent museum of Roman archaeology, while Capodimonte is recognized as one of the most prominent art galleries in Italy and Europe.

The main museums are:

• National Archaeological Museum (MANN)

• Capodimonte Museum Art Gallery

• The Royal Palace

• Sansevero Chapel (The Veiled Christ)

• Certosa di San Martino National Museum

• Gallerie d’Italia (Banco di Napoli’s Palace)

• Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro

• Castel Nuovo Civic Museum (Maschio Angioino)

• The Conservatory Museum (San Pietro alla Majella)

Naples by landmarks:

Naples is not pizza and Vesuvius.

The city's millennial history, accompanied by its remarkable abundance of palaces, museums, churches, and attractions, is likely to leave you visitors without words. The selection of appropriate destinations and attractions is a very challenging task.  To address this need, we have compiled a list of the 10 most significant monuments in Naples, but there are many more.

The 10 most important landmarks:

1. Maschio Angioino

Built between 1279 and 1282, the Maschio Angioino is an impressive medieval fortress located in the port area. Founded in the 13th century during the reign of King Charles I of Anjou, the castle was visited by notable figures such as Giotto, Boccaccio, and Petrarch.

2. Church of San Gregorio Armeno

Also known as the Church of Santa Patrizia, this monumental church is located between the Decumanus Maximus, known as Spaccanapoli, and the Decumanus Inferior, Via Tribunali. It is located on the street of the same name, San Gregorio Armeno, which is famous in Italy and around the world for its nativity scenes. Despite its Baroque appearance, the church probably dates back to before the year 1000. Together with the monastery next door, it forms a very important religious complex for Naples.

3. Galleria Umberto I

Designed by architect Emmanuele Rocco and built between 1887 and 1890, the Galleria Umberto I is one of Naples's most important architectural monuments. It quickly became the city's commercial and social center. As early as 1896, it was chosen as the site of the city's first movie theater.

4. The Fountain of Neptune

Built around 1595 by Naccherino, Landi, Fontana, and Bernini, the fountain is located in Piazza Municipio, across from Palazzo San Giacomo. However, it hasn't always been there. In fact, it is better known as the Medina Fountain. Like many other monuments in Naples, the fountain has been moved seven times. Guess where it has stayed the longest? The longest it remained in one place was on Via Medina.

 5. Castel dell'Ovo

Castel dell'Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples. Located on the islet of Megaride, it is the most visible building in the bay. Inside, the Museum of Prehistory and Ethnology, showcases geological and prehistoric finds from all over Campania Region.

6. Fontana del Gigante (Fountain of the Giant):

Located a few steps from Castel dell'Ovo, between Via Partenope and Via Nazario Sauro, the Fontana del Gigante is a notable attraction. Designed by Bernini and Naccherino, it is also known as the Fontana dell'Immacolatella. This monument's three round arches, four pillars, and central arch adorned with large coats of arms in honor of the city make it truly spectacular.

7. Duomo

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, more commonly known as the Duomo, is the most important religious building in Naples. In addition to being a historical, artistic, and cultural landmark, it is famous for housing ampoules containing the blood of San Gennaro. Due to an inexplicable phenomenon, the blood liquefies three times a year, attracting hundreds of devotees.

8. Royal Palace of Naples

Since 1600, the Royal Palace has dominated the historic center of Naples' Piazza del Plebiscito. Visitors can explore the ancient royal apartments and admire their original decorations. Much of the palace currently houses the collections of the National Library, and the decorated rooms of the oldest wing have been converted into a museum that tells the story of the 17th and 19th centuries.

9. San Carlo Theater

The neoclassical San Carlo Theater is the most famous theater in Naples and one of the most important in the world. Red and gold decorations adorn the walls, and an impressive canvas dedicated to Apollo and Minerva covers the ceiling.

10. Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

One of the oldest basilicas in the city, San Lorenzo Maggiore is located in Piazza San Gaetano. The religious complex includes a rich collection in the Museo dell'Opera di San Lorenzo Maggiore, as well as access to the same-named archaeological excavations.

 Naples, Underground:

The landscape beneath Naples is a maze of tunnels, galleries, and aqueducts that have been excavated and used by humans throughout the city's history, from several centuries BC to a few years after World War II. Some of these sites are still open to visitors today. Unlike underground archaeological sites, these sites were built underground from the outset.

The tunnels in the historic center can be accessed from Piazza San Gaetano and the Galleria Borbonica from Via Domenico Morelli, Chaia neighbourhood.

An important note:

Don't forget that Naples is a city nestled on a beautiful gulf facing the famous islands of: Ischia, Capri, and Procida.