Guide créé par Marta & Ermin
Guide des Quartiers
Centro Storico- Historic Center
1. A bit of history
It’s the largest area in Europe to keep memory of its past: twenty-seven centuries of history on a surface of 17 km2, or 14% of the entire urban area. Although a precise line of demarcation would be difficult to draw, the historic centre roughly extends, obliquely, from Porta Capuana to Chiaia and, vertically, from the first spurs of the Vomero hill to the sea.
The city has retained extraordinary records of all its historical periods: from the founding of the Greek Colony of Parthenope in the 8th century BC to the subsequent arrival of the Romans, from the Swabian period to the fine.
Angevin kingdom, from the Aragonese domination to the Naples of the Viceroys and, later, of the Bourbons; from the strenuous process of modernisation that followed the Unification of Italy to the late 19th and early 20th century buildings in the distinctive architectural style known as Umbertino.
But more than any description of Naples will do this quote from the UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration of 1995: « It is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, whose contemporary urban fabric preserves a selection of outstanding elements of its long and eventful history. Its street pattern, its wealth of historic buildings dating back to its many diverse periods, lend this site an unmatched historical value which has had a profound influence in many parts of Europe and beyond ».
2.What to visit?
Pignasecca Market: For a taste of Neapolitan street theatre in the raw, head to the sprawling, chaotic Pignasecca Market, the ancient market of Naples which takes place daily around this 15th century gateway. Although you can buy anything here, locals come to grocery shopping and to haggle over some of the best and freshest fish and seafood in Italy. Go for lunch or dinner to Pescheria Azzurra (See below)
The market open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale: if you only visit one museum in Naples, make it this. The Farnese family’s peerless haul of ancient Greco-Roman art and artefacts forms the core of the collections, which are housed in a vast, 17th century former university building. You can see the colossal Farnese Bull, the pumping-iron Hercules and the pair of powerful tyrant killers- all Roman copies of early Greek sculptures. Of the collections on the upper floors, best are the exquisite mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum and the saucy ancient erotica in the Gabinetto Segreto, plus the bronzes from villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, among which the five female dancers and pair of lean athletes, poised for flight, are standouts.
www.museoarcheologiconapoli.it, Piazza Museo Nazionale 19, adult/reduced € 12/6, opens 9 am-7:30 pm, closed on Tuesdays.
Cappella Sansevero: Placed at the centre of the nave of the Sansevero Chapel, the Veiled Christ is one of the most famous and impressive works of art in the world.
www.museosansevero.it, Via Francesco de Sanctis 19, adult/ reduced € 7/5, open every day 9 am – 7 pm; Saturday: 9 am – 8.30pm (from May to December 2019), Last entry 30 mins before closing, Closed on Tuesdays.
Complesso monumentale di Santa Chiara: The religious complex is accessible from Via Benedetto Croce, known as Spaccanapoli, a long narrow street flanking the 14th century square-based bell tower. During the 1456 earthquake the bell tower was partly destroyed: only the marble base survived, while the three upper storeys were lost and rebuilt in Baroque style, and completed only in 1604. Today it’s possible to visit its interior, characterised by a spiral staircase which leads to the top floor: here, you can enjoy a memorable view of Piazza del Gesù.
The Gothic structure of Santa Chiara was commissioned by Roberto d’Angiò and built from 1310. The Chiostro delle Clarisse has 64 columns made with precious 18th century majolica. The Chiostro dei Frati Minori has remained intact in its 14th century structure.
www.monasterodisantachiara.it, Via Santa Chiara 49c, basilica free, Complesso Monumentale adult/reduced € 6/4.50; basilica opens 7.30am-1pm & 4.30-8pm, Complesso Monumentale 9.30am-5.30 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am-2.30pm Sun; Metro Dante.
Piazza del Gesù with the spire of the Immacolata: A particular obelisk stands almost in the centre of the square Piazza del Gesù, with the copper statue of the Immaculate Mary on top of it. The spire was erected in the 18th century thanks to a public collection: it is covered in marble sculptures and resembles the spectacular floats used in religious festivals, a distinctive feature of the period. To this day, the annual event of December 8 is very much felt: a large crowd attends the ceremony where fire fighters place a wreath on top of the statue, to honour the Immaculate Conception.
Piazza San Domenico: On the minor Decumanus (present-day Spaccanapoli), at a short distance from Piazza del Gesù, is another historic site: Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, named after the crenelated Gothic church dating back to the 13th century. The church was part of a large religious complex, which currently houses a public museum. Dominating the square is the central obelisk of San Domenico: the people of Naples, having survived the plague, erected it in gratitude in the 17th century. Majestic palaces overlook the square, making it one of Naples’ most beautiful piazze.
Obelisk of San Gennaro: The statue of San Gennaro is placed on top of Naples’ oldest spire: indeed, the obelisk was erected by architect Cosimo Fanzago in Piazzetta Riario Sforza in 1636, to thank the saint for the narrow escape from the eruption of the Vesuvius five years earlier. Piazzetta Riario Sforza is located along Via dei Tribunali and, in ancient times, served as side entrance to the adjacent Duomo. Opposite to the square is an unmissable destination: the church of Pio Monte della Misericordia. Here, you will find a masterpiece of the Caravaggio, the Painting “The seven works of Mercy”.
www.piomontedellamisericordia.it, Via dei Tribunali 253; adult/reduced € 7/5; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 2.30pm Sun, Metro Piazza Cavour.
Underground Naples
This guided tour will take you up to 40 m below street level to explore Naples’ ancient labyrinth of aqueducts, passages and cisterns.
Part of the tour (approximatively 5 minutes) takes place by candlelight via extremely dark and narrow passages.. maybe not highly recommended to claustrophobic persons.
Info: 0039 081 29 69 44. Address: Piazza San Gaetano 68. Adult/reduced € 10/8. EN tours: 10 am, noon, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. Metro Dante
Naples cathedral and cloisters of the Girolamini
The Gothic cathedral, known as « Duomo di Napoli », was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou towards the end of the 13th century. Here, in the lavish “Real Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro” are preserved the ampoules containing the blood of San Gennaro. Twice a year the blood liquefies during an event that attracts great popular participation. From the church it is also possible to access a vast underground area, rich in extraordinary archaelogical remains dating back to the Greek and Roman periods, as well as the late Middle Ages.
Via Duomo 149, cathedral 8.30am-1.30pm & 2.30-7.30 pm daily, 2 €, and cappella di San Gennaro 8:30am-1pm & 3-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 8:30am-1pm & 4.30-6.30pm Sund, Metro Piazza Cavour
The Roman Theatre in Via dell’Anticaglia
On Via dell’Anticaglia, which corresponds to the upper decumanus, is the access to the remains of the ancient Roman theatre where Nero used to perform. The theatre, which originally had the capacity of five thousands people, got caught in subsequent urban developments. It dates back to the 1st century AD and was an open air venue, while the adjoining « Odeion », now disappeared, was a covered structure dedicated exclusively to musical events. Both Tacitus and Suetonius wrote that Nero, attracted by Neapolis’ Hellenistic culture, performed here several times, employing a numerous claque amongst the plebs to ensure public acclamation.
Via San Gregorio Armeno (Street): Walking along Via Tribunali one will cross Via San Gregorio Armeno, aligned with Piazza San Gaetano. It is one of Naples’ best loved streets, thanks to its shepherds and nativity scenes. This beautiful street hides two jewels of the Neapolitan baroque architecture: the nearby convent and the church. The convent, in fact, was founded in 726 AD by a group of nuns who had escaped from Constantinopole, and was naimed after the holy bishop of Armenia, St Gregory. The cloister of the convent is one of the city’s most beautiful and evocative, in the centre a large 17th century marble fountain.
Church: Mon-Fri 9.00 to 12.00, Sat-Sun 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, free entrance
Convent: Mon-Sun 09.30 am to 12.00 pm, free entrance
Piazza Bellini and the greek walls: The walls of the Greek Neapolis in Piazza Bellini. They are large tuff blocks which once belonged to the ancient city walls, dating back to the 4th century BC. The structure of the walls reveals that the planking level of the ancient city was ten metres below the present day one: the Greek and Roman city was, in fact, covered by the debris that came down from the hills above. The square is named after musician Vincenzo Bellini, who studied in the nearby conservatory of S. Pietro a Majella.
Piazza Mercato: It is one of the most beautiful squares in Naples, but has been neglected for decades. The name originated in 1270 when the Anjou made this square the main market area of the city. But there is more to it: this square was where public executions took place, including that of the young Conradin of Swabia in 1286, and it was here that the people’s insurrection lead by Masaniello begun. The exedra and the church of Santa Croce e Purgatorio, that to this day dignify the site, were built by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon in 1781.
Porta Nolana: Here originated, in ancient times, the road leading to Nola. This is why this 15th-century city gate is called Porta Nolana: the marble arch is enclosed between two massive towers known as, respectively, Tower of Faith on the left, and Tower of Hope, on the right. It is an area of lively commercial activity, take the time to have a walk at the market. The street at the back of the gate lead to Forcella neighbourhood. The cupola to the right belongs to the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata, known throughout history for its foundling wheel where mothers used to leave their newborns, either driven by extreme poverty or because the child was illegitimate- hence the common surname « Esposito » (from « esposto » meaning « exposed »).
The market opens 8am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 2 pm Sun. Metro Garibaldi.
154 yerel halk öneriyor
Centro Storico
92 Corso della RepubblicaCentro Storico- Historic Center
1. A bit of history
It’s the largest area in Europe to keep memory of its past: twenty-seven centuries of history on a surface of 17 km2, or 14% of the entire urban area. Although a precise line of demarcation would be difficult to draw, the historic centre roughly extends, obliquely, from Porta Capuana to Chiaia and, vertically, from the first spurs of the Vomero hill to the sea.
The city has retained extraordinary records of all its historical periods: from the founding of the Greek Colony of Parthenope in the 8th century BC to the subsequent arrival of the Romans, from the Swabian period to the fine.
Angevin kingdom, from the Aragonese domination to the Naples of the Viceroys and, later, of the Bourbons; from the strenuous process of modernisation that followed the Unification of Italy to the late 19th and early 20th century buildings in the distinctive architectural style known as Umbertino.
But more than any description of Naples will do this quote from the UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration of 1995: « It is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, whose contemporary urban fabric preserves a selection of outstanding elements of its long and eventful history. Its street pattern, its wealth of historic buildings dating back to its many diverse periods, lend this site an unmatched historical value which has had a profound influence in many parts of Europe and beyond ».
2.What to visit?
Pignasecca Market: For a taste of Neapolitan street theatre in the raw, head to the sprawling, chaotic Pignasecca Market, the ancient market of Naples which takes place daily around this 15th century gateway. Although you can buy anything here, locals come to grocery shopping and to haggle over some of the best and freshest fish and seafood in Italy. Go for lunch or dinner to Pescheria Azzurra (See below)
The market open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale: if you only visit one museum in Naples, make it this. The Farnese family’s peerless haul of ancient Greco-Roman art and artefacts forms the core of the collections, which are housed in a vast, 17th century former university building. You can see the colossal Farnese Bull, the pumping-iron Hercules and the pair of powerful tyrant killers- all Roman copies of early Greek sculptures. Of the collections on the upper floors, best are the exquisite mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum and the saucy ancient erotica in the Gabinetto Segreto, plus the bronzes from villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, among which the five female dancers and pair of lean athletes, poised for flight, are standouts.
www.museoarcheologiconapoli.it, Piazza Museo Nazionale 19, adult/reduced € 12/6, opens 9 am-7:30 pm, closed on Tuesdays.
Cappella Sansevero: Placed at the centre of the nave of the Sansevero Chapel, the Veiled Christ is one of the most famous and impressive works of art in the world.
www.museosansevero.it, Via Francesco de Sanctis 19, adult/ reduced € 7/5, open every day 9 am – 7 pm; Saturday: 9 am – 8.30pm (from May to December 2019), Last entry 30 mins before closing, Closed on Tuesdays.
Complesso monumentale di Santa Chiara: The religious complex is accessible from Via Benedetto Croce, known as Spaccanapoli, a long narrow street flanking the 14th century square-based bell tower. During the 1456 earthquake the bell tower was partly destroyed: only the marble base survived, while the three upper storeys were lost and rebuilt in Baroque style, and completed only in 1604. Today it’s possible to visit its interior, characterised by a spiral staircase which leads to the top floor: here, you can enjoy a memorable view of Piazza del Gesù.
The Gothic structure of Santa Chiara was commissioned by Roberto d’Angiò and built from 1310. The Chiostro delle Clarisse has 64 columns made with precious 18th century majolica. The Chiostro dei Frati Minori has remained intact in its 14th century structure.
www.monasterodisantachiara.it, Via Santa Chiara 49c, basilica free, Complesso Monumentale adult/reduced € 6/4.50; basilica opens 7.30am-1pm & 4.30-8pm, Complesso Monumentale 9.30am-5.30 pm Mon-Sat, 10 am-2.30pm Sun; Metro Dante.
Piazza del Gesù with the spire of the Immacolata: A particular obelisk stands almost in the centre of the square Piazza del Gesù, with the copper statue of the Immaculate Mary on top of it. The spire was erected in the 18th century thanks to a public collection: it is covered in marble sculptures and resembles the spectacular floats used in religious festivals, a distinctive feature of the period. To this day, the annual event of December 8 is very much felt: a large crowd attends the ceremony where fire fighters place a wreath on top of the statue, to honour the Immaculate Conception.
Piazza San Domenico: On the minor Decumanus (present-day Spaccanapoli), at a short distance from Piazza del Gesù, is another historic site: Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, named after the crenelated Gothic church dating back to the 13th century. The church was part of a large religious complex, which currently houses a public museum. Dominating the square is the central obelisk of San Domenico: the people of Naples, having survived the plague, erected it in gratitude in the 17th century. Majestic palaces overlook the square, making it one of Naples’ most beautiful piazze.
Obelisk of San Gennaro: The statue of San Gennaro is placed on top of Naples’ oldest spire: indeed, the obelisk was erected by architect Cosimo Fanzago in Piazzetta Riario Sforza in 1636, to thank the saint for the narrow escape from the eruption of the Vesuvius five years earlier. Piazzetta Riario Sforza is located along Via dei Tribunali and, in ancient times, served as side entrance to the adjacent Duomo. Opposite to the square is an unmissable destination: the church of Pio Monte della Misericordia. Here, you will find a masterpiece of the Caravaggio, the Painting “The seven works of Mercy”.
www.piomontedellamisericordia.it, Via dei Tribunali 253; adult/reduced € 7/5; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 2.30pm Sun, Metro Piazza Cavour.
Underground Naples
This guided tour will take you up to 40 m below street level to explore Naples’ ancient labyrinth of aqueducts, passages and cisterns.
Part of the tour (approximatively 5 minutes) takes place by candlelight via extremely dark and narrow passages.. maybe not highly recommended to claustrophobic persons.
Info: 0039 081 29 69 44. Address: Piazza San Gaetano 68. Adult/reduced € 10/8. EN tours: 10 am, noon, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. Metro Dante
Naples cathedral and cloisters of the Girolamini
The Gothic cathedral, known as « Duomo di Napoli », was commissioned by Charles I of Anjou towards the end of the 13th century. Here, in the lavish “Real Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro” are preserved the ampoules containing the blood of San Gennaro. Twice a year the blood liquefies during an event that attracts great popular participation. From the church it is also possible to access a vast underground area, rich in extraordinary archaelogical remains dating back to the Greek and Roman periods, as well as the late Middle Ages.
Via Duomo 149, cathedral 8.30am-1.30pm & 2.30-7.30 pm daily, 2 €, and cappella di San Gennaro 8:30am-1pm & 3-6.30pm Mon-Sat, 8:30am-1pm & 4.30-6.30pm Sund, Metro Piazza Cavour
The Roman Theatre in Via dell’Anticaglia
On Via dell’Anticaglia, which corresponds to the upper decumanus, is the access to the remains of the ancient Roman theatre where Nero used to perform. The theatre, which originally had the capacity of five thousands people, got caught in subsequent urban developments. It dates back to the 1st century AD and was an open air venue, while the adjoining « Odeion », now disappeared, was a covered structure dedicated exclusively to musical events. Both Tacitus and Suetonius wrote that Nero, attracted by Neapolis’ Hellenistic culture, performed here several times, employing a numerous claque amongst the plebs to ensure public acclamation.
Via San Gregorio Armeno (Street): Walking along Via Tribunali one will cross Via San Gregorio Armeno, aligned with Piazza San Gaetano. It is one of Naples’ best loved streets, thanks to its shepherds and nativity scenes. This beautiful street hides two jewels of the Neapolitan baroque architecture: the nearby convent and the church. The convent, in fact, was founded in 726 AD by a group of nuns who had escaped from Constantinopole, and was naimed after the holy bishop of Armenia, St Gregory. The cloister of the convent is one of the city’s most beautiful and evocative, in the centre a large 17th century marble fountain.
Church: Mon-Fri 9.00 to 12.00, Sat-Sun 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, free entrance
Convent: Mon-Sun 09.30 am to 12.00 pm, free entrance
Piazza Bellini and the greek walls: The walls of the Greek Neapolis in Piazza Bellini. They are large tuff blocks which once belonged to the ancient city walls, dating back to the 4th century BC. The structure of the walls reveals that the planking level of the ancient city was ten metres below the present day one: the Greek and Roman city was, in fact, covered by the debris that came down from the hills above. The square is named after musician Vincenzo Bellini, who studied in the nearby conservatory of S. Pietro a Majella.
Piazza Mercato: It is one of the most beautiful squares in Naples, but has been neglected for decades. The name originated in 1270 when the Anjou made this square the main market area of the city. But there is more to it: this square was where public executions took place, including that of the young Conradin of Swabia in 1286, and it was here that the people’s insurrection lead by Masaniello begun. The exedra and the church of Santa Croce e Purgatorio, that to this day dignify the site, were built by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon in 1781.
Porta Nolana: Here originated, in ancient times, the road leading to Nola. This is why this 15th-century city gate is called Porta Nolana: the marble arch is enclosed between two massive towers known as, respectively, Tower of Faith on the left, and Tower of Hope, on the right. It is an area of lively commercial activity, take the time to have a walk at the market. The street at the back of the gate lead to Forcella neighbourhood. The cupola to the right belongs to the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata, known throughout history for its foundling wheel where mothers used to leave their newborns, either driven by extreme poverty or because the child was illegitimate- hence the common surname « Esposito » (from « esposto » meaning « exposed »).
The market opens 8am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 2 pm Sun. Metro Garibaldi.
Santa Lucia & Chiaia
1.A bit of history
Naples’ seafront promenade is perhaps the city’s best known location. Its panorama may be a little too reminiscent of picture postcards, but it’s simply impossible to turn down a walk where some of Naples’ most iconic landmarks always remain in view. Above them all is Mount Vesuvius, an eternal presence that softens, rather then unsettle, the panorama of the gulf. Then, Castel dell’Ovo with its legends, its tuff and Borgo Marinaro, a favorite summer spot. Lastly, the hills of Posillipo and Vomero enfolding the coastline, almost as protecting it. Not to mention the name of the streets that, by now, belong more to the world of music than that of city planning : Santa Lucia, Mergellina and, further down, Marechiaro.
But that’s not all : up until the 16th century the district of Chiaia, which stretches behind the Lungomare, was only a village outside the city walls. From 1692 onward, however, it underwent a series of transformations under the rule of the Viceroy Duke of Medina. From then on palaces, gorgeous villas and green spaces gradually expanded until Chiaia became, towards the half of the 19th century, a prime location for the old aristocracy and the rising bourgeoisie. Today, of those 19th century locations of leisure, many have become museums, as in the case of Villa Pignatelli.
2.What to visit?
Castel dell’Ovo: According to an ancient legend Virgil, who in the middle ages was regarded also as a sorcerer, here hid an egg whose breaking would have caused collapse of the casttle and the city. In fact, Castel dell’Ovo remains, over the centuries, one of the most fascinating symbols of the Gulf of Naples. Its origins are ancient : as early as the I century BC on this small island, known as Megaride, stood the villa of the patrician Lucullus. The villa was converted in a monastery at the end of the 5th century AD. What we see today is the result of a series of gradual restorations by the Anjous, the Aragons and eventually the Bourbons. The interiors of the castle still present traces of its most ancient past.
Borgo Marinaro, 9 am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 1.30 pm Sun Apr-Oct, reduced hours rest of the year, Free entry
Sea side Lungomare (Via Caracciolo e Via Partenope): enjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful water front promenade in the world :D
Piazza dei Martiri, Via dei Mille, Via Filangieri, Vicoletto Belledonne, Piazza Amedeo: take the time to enjoy a walk in these streets, amongst the most elegant in Naples caractherised by beautiful Art Nouveau houses.
19 yerel halk öneriyor
Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia & Chiaia
1.A bit of history
Naples’ seafront promenade is perhaps the city’s best known location. Its panorama may be a little too reminiscent of picture postcards, but it’s simply impossible to turn down a walk where some of Naples’ most iconic landmarks always remain in view. Above them all is Mount Vesuvius, an eternal presence that softens, rather then unsettle, the panorama of the gulf. Then, Castel dell’Ovo with its legends, its tuff and Borgo Marinaro, a favorite summer spot. Lastly, the hills of Posillipo and Vomero enfolding the coastline, almost as protecting it. Not to mention the name of the streets that, by now, belong more to the world of music than that of city planning : Santa Lucia, Mergellina and, further down, Marechiaro.
But that’s not all : up until the 16th century the district of Chiaia, which stretches behind the Lungomare, was only a village outside the city walls. From 1692 onward, however, it underwent a series of transformations under the rule of the Viceroy Duke of Medina. From then on palaces, gorgeous villas and green spaces gradually expanded until Chiaia became, towards the half of the 19th century, a prime location for the old aristocracy and the rising bourgeoisie. Today, of those 19th century locations of leisure, many have become museums, as in the case of Villa Pignatelli.
2.What to visit?
Castel dell’Ovo: According to an ancient legend Virgil, who in the middle ages was regarded also as a sorcerer, here hid an egg whose breaking would have caused collapse of the casttle and the city. In fact, Castel dell’Ovo remains, over the centuries, one of the most fascinating symbols of the Gulf of Naples. Its origins are ancient : as early as the I century BC on this small island, known as Megaride, stood the villa of the patrician Lucullus. The villa was converted in a monastery at the end of the 5th century AD. What we see today is the result of a series of gradual restorations by the Anjous, the Aragons and eventually the Bourbons. The interiors of the castle still present traces of its most ancient past.
Borgo Marinaro, 9 am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 1.30 pm Sun Apr-Oct, reduced hours rest of the year, Free entry
Sea side Lungomare (Via Caracciolo e Via Partenope): enjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful water front promenade in the world :D
Piazza dei Martiri, Via dei Mille, Via Filangieri, Vicoletto Belledonne, Piazza Amedeo: take the time to enjoy a walk in these streets, amongst the most elegant in Naples caractherised by beautiful Art Nouveau houses.
Vomero, Capodimonte and the green hills
1.A bit of history
Until very recently – or to be true even today- « going down to Naples » is how people living on the Neapolitan hills used to announce their trip downtown. Indeed, the hills of Naples always had a history of their own, their isolated villages only gradually becoming part of the city.
Take the Vomero district, for instance: its name comes from “vomere”, the plough used by the peasants working on the farms scattered around the hill. Then, from 1325,the erection of the Certosa di San Martino and restoration of Castel Sant’Elmo brought Vomero and the city closer together. It will take another few hundred years, however, to see the first stately homes appear in the area: Villa Floridiana and Villa Lucia, for instance, built in the 19th century and surrounded by greenery. The main residential development took place between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. Distinctive of that period is the 20th century “Quattro Palazzi” (Four Palaces) of Piazza Vanvitelli: from here that the grid of the new district spreads out in a radial pattern, in step with the city-planning principles most diffused in Europe at the time.
The same happened for Capodimonte: it was only the 18th century when the Reggia was erected, surrounded by a large park, and only in the first decade of the 19th century a new road and imposing bridge were built to surmount the obstacle of the vallone (gorge) della Sanità, finally linking the district to the inner city.
And the green of the hills? True, it’s not the same as it used to be, but it is almost unbelievable how many patches of it have actually withstood the extensive urban development. There re woods, gardens, cloisters that protect the trees, and even parks equipped and re-evaluated only in recent years. It is really just a matter of taking an extra step to find them and enjoy them.
2.What to visit?
San Martino and Castel Sant’Elmo: The Certosa di San Martino was built beginning of 1325 under king Charles of Anjou, who named it after the French saint Martino di Tours, founder of monasticism in the West. The king chose for the Carthusian monastery the city’s highest point, the peak of Sant’Erasmo hill. Since 1866 the Certosa has been to a museum that holds a collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and weapons witnessing the history of the city. On the top of the hill is Castel Sant’Elmo: the fortress was built in the first decades of the 14th century to ensure military control of the gulf and the city.
Certosa e Museo di San Martino: www.polomusealecampania.beniculturali.it, Largo San Martino 5; adult/reduced euros 6/3, opens 8.30am-7.30 pm Thu-Tue; Metro Vanvitelli or Funicolare from Montesanto to Morghen
Castle: www.polomusealecampania.beniculturali.it, Via Tito Angelini 22, adult/reduced euros 5/2.50 Wed-Mon, euros 2.50/1.25 Tue, opens 8.30am-7.30 pm daily. Metro Vanvitelli or Funicolare Montesanto to Morghen
Pedamentina di San Martino e Scala di Montesanto: After your visit in San Martino, you can take 2 of the ancient stairs of Naples to go back to the historical centre (25 minutes walk).
Right in front of the Certosa di San Martino, from the square from which one looks out and the view is over the entire ancient city, the first staircase starts. A few steps, the first bend, and the pace changes immediately. We are in a place without a car, silence, view of Vesuvius. The staircase is wide, with low and long steps; well suited to horses once. Plan, little hurry, much beauty: on the left there is the view of the whole historical center, Santa Chiara with its green roof, Spaccanapoli, Greek Naples. A little further on, immediately after another turn, a “slide” opens up towards the lower city: it is sucked down to look at the decumans. Sun and shade alternate. The stairway is exposed to the north-east, so it gets the full sun only in the morning, when it is not too hot: it will be cool even in summer. In less than a quarter of an hour you’ll be arriving in the main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Once there, go to the left: a few meters away begins the second staircase, the one of Montesanto. The entrance to the staircase gives a strong impact: it looks like a balcony on a precipice and the staircase itself is monumental, with a double ramp, and from here you can already see it to the end. Montesanto is there, nearby. Tuff, lava stone and ornaments. The entire route of the funicular actually runs along the route we have suggested.
Royal Palace of Capodimonte: Former summer residence of the kings of the Two Sicilies, the Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte has one of Italy’s largest and richest art collections. It is surrounded by greenery, Naple’s glorious Parco di Capodimonte.
The museum houses galleries of ancient art, including the renowned Farnese collection with paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, Masaccio, Vasari, Botticelli, Bruegel the Elder, Artemisia Gentileschi. There is also a section dedicated to contemporary art (one of the highlights being the famous “Vesuvius” by Andy Warhol) and the royal apartments that hosted the Bourbon and French kings. Indeed, the grand palace was built by Charles III of Spain in 1738 and during the centuries its use switched between museum and royal residence.
106 yerel halk öneriyor
Vomero
Vomero, Capodimonte and the green hills
1.A bit of history
Until very recently – or to be true even today- « going down to Naples » is how people living on the Neapolitan hills used to announce their trip downtown. Indeed, the hills of Naples always had a history of their own, their isolated villages only gradually becoming part of the city.
Take the Vomero district, for instance: its name comes from “vomere”, the plough used by the peasants working on the farms scattered around the hill. Then, from 1325,the erection of the Certosa di San Martino and restoration of Castel Sant’Elmo brought Vomero and the city closer together. It will take another few hundred years, however, to see the first stately homes appear in the area: Villa Floridiana and Villa Lucia, for instance, built in the 19th century and surrounded by greenery. The main residential development took place between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. Distinctive of that period is the 20th century “Quattro Palazzi” (Four Palaces) of Piazza Vanvitelli: from here that the grid of the new district spreads out in a radial pattern, in step with the city-planning principles most diffused in Europe at the time.
The same happened for Capodimonte: it was only the 18th century when the Reggia was erected, surrounded by a large park, and only in the first decade of the 19th century a new road and imposing bridge were built to surmount the obstacle of the vallone (gorge) della Sanità, finally linking the district to the inner city.
And the green of the hills? True, it’s not the same as it used to be, but it is almost unbelievable how many patches of it have actually withstood the extensive urban development. There re woods, gardens, cloisters that protect the trees, and even parks equipped and re-evaluated only in recent years. It is really just a matter of taking an extra step to find them and enjoy them.
2.What to visit?
San Martino and Castel Sant’Elmo: The Certosa di San Martino was built beginning of 1325 under king Charles of Anjou, who named it after the French saint Martino di Tours, founder of monasticism in the West. The king chose for the Carthusian monastery the city’s highest point, the peak of Sant’Erasmo hill. Since 1866 the Certosa has been to a museum that holds a collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and weapons witnessing the history of the city. On the top of the hill is Castel Sant’Elmo: the fortress was built in the first decades of the 14th century to ensure military control of the gulf and the city.
Certosa e Museo di San Martino: www.polomusealecampania.beniculturali.it, Largo San Martino 5; adult/reduced euros 6/3, opens 8.30am-7.30 pm Thu-Tue; Metro Vanvitelli or Funicolare from Montesanto to Morghen
Castle: www.polomusealecampania.beniculturali.it, Via Tito Angelini 22, adult/reduced euros 5/2.50 Wed-Mon, euros 2.50/1.25 Tue, opens 8.30am-7.30 pm daily. Metro Vanvitelli or Funicolare Montesanto to Morghen
Pedamentina di San Martino e Scala di Montesanto: After your visit in San Martino, you can take 2 of the ancient stairs of Naples to go back to the historical centre (25 minutes walk).
Right in front of the Certosa di San Martino, from the square from which one looks out and the view is over the entire ancient city, the first staircase starts. A few steps, the first bend, and the pace changes immediately. We are in a place without a car, silence, view of Vesuvius. The staircase is wide, with low and long steps; well suited to horses once. Plan, little hurry, much beauty: on the left there is the view of the whole historical center, Santa Chiara with its green roof, Spaccanapoli, Greek Naples. A little further on, immediately after another turn, a “slide” opens up towards the lower city: it is sucked down to look at the decumans. Sun and shade alternate. The stairway is exposed to the north-east, so it gets the full sun only in the morning, when it is not too hot: it will be cool even in summer. In less than a quarter of an hour you’ll be arriving in the main street Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Once there, go to the left: a few meters away begins the second staircase, the one of Montesanto. The entrance to the staircase gives a strong impact: it looks like a balcony on a precipice and the staircase itself is monumental, with a double ramp, and from here you can already see it to the end. Montesanto is there, nearby. Tuff, lava stone and ornaments. The entire route of the funicular actually runs along the route we have suggested.
Royal Palace of Capodimonte: Former summer residence of the kings of the Two Sicilies, the Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte has one of Italy’s largest and richest art collections. It is surrounded by greenery, Naple’s glorious Parco di Capodimonte.
The museum houses galleries of ancient art, including the renowned Farnese collection with paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, Masaccio, Vasari, Botticelli, Bruegel the Elder, Artemisia Gentileschi. There is also a section dedicated to contemporary art (one of the highlights being the famous “Vesuvius” by Andy Warhol) and the royal apartments that hosted the Bourbon and French kings. Indeed, the grand palace was built by Charles III of Spain in 1738 and during the centuries its use switched between museum and royal residence.
La Sanità
1.A bit of history
The Sanità district is located at the foot of the Capodimonte hill, a short distance from the city center. It was built at the end of the 16th century in a valley used since the Greco-Roman era as a burial place. Hellenistic hypogea and early Christian catacombs, such as those of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, have sprung up in this district. The Fontanelle cemetery was also located here, and was used to house the victims of the great plague of the 1656. In the 17th century, this quarter became the chosen area by Neapolitans nobles and burghers for their homes (such as the majestic Palazzo Sanfelice and Palazzo dello Spagnuolo). However, it is now one of the most popular quarters in Naples.
2.What to visit
Catacombe di San Gennaro: They are amongst the ancient paleo-christian burial sites. San Gennaro’s body was interred here in the 5th century. The site has been carefully restored by a cooperative called La Paranza who’s working hard to redevelop and improve the Sanità District. The same cooperative offers visitors guided tours to experience an evocative other word of tombs, corridors and broad vestribules. Amongst its treasures, 2nd-century Christian frescoes, 5th century mosaics and the oldest known portrait of San Gennaro, dating from the second half of the 5th century.
www.catacombedinapoli.it, Via Capodimonte 13, adult/reduced 9euros/6 euros, 1hr tours hourly 10 am-5pm Mon-Sat, to 2pm Sun; Bus R4, 178 to Via Capodimonte. Telephone: 0039 081 744 37 14
Cimitero delle Fontanelle: Holding about eight million human bones, the Fontanelle Cemetery was used during the 1656 plague, before becoming Naples’ main burial site during the 1837 cholera epidemic.
www.cimiterodellefontanelle.com, Via Fontanelle 80; 10am-5pm; Metro Materdei, telephone: 081 1970 3197
Palazzo Sanfelice: Via Arena della Sanità 6, Metro Piazza Cavour
Palazzo dello Spagnuolo: Via dei Vergini 19, Metro Piazza Cavour
75 yerel halk öneriyor
Rione Sanità
La Sanità
1.A bit of history
The Sanità district is located at the foot of the Capodimonte hill, a short distance from the city center. It was built at the end of the 16th century in a valley used since the Greco-Roman era as a burial place. Hellenistic hypogea and early Christian catacombs, such as those of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, have sprung up in this district. The Fontanelle cemetery was also located here, and was used to house the victims of the great plague of the 1656. In the 17th century, this quarter became the chosen area by Neapolitans nobles and burghers for their homes (such as the majestic Palazzo Sanfelice and Palazzo dello Spagnuolo). However, it is now one of the most popular quarters in Naples.
2.What to visit
Catacombe di San Gennaro: They are amongst the ancient paleo-christian burial sites. San Gennaro’s body was interred here in the 5th century. The site has been carefully restored by a cooperative called La Paranza who’s working hard to redevelop and improve the Sanità District. The same cooperative offers visitors guided tours to experience an evocative other word of tombs, corridors and broad vestribules. Amongst its treasures, 2nd-century Christian frescoes, 5th century mosaics and the oldest known portrait of San Gennaro, dating from the second half of the 5th century.
www.catacombedinapoli.it, Via Capodimonte 13, adult/reduced 9euros/6 euros, 1hr tours hourly 10 am-5pm Mon-Sat, to 2pm Sun; Bus R4, 178 to Via Capodimonte. Telephone: 0039 081 744 37 14
Cimitero delle Fontanelle: Holding about eight million human bones, the Fontanelle Cemetery was used during the 1656 plague, before becoming Naples’ main burial site during the 1837 cholera epidemic.
www.cimiterodellefontanelle.com, Via Fontanelle 80; 10am-5pm; Metro Materdei, telephone: 081 1970 3197
Palazzo Sanfelice: Via Arena della Sanità 6, Metro Piazza Cavour
Palazzo dello Spagnuolo: Via dei Vergini 19, Metro Piazza Cavour
Mergellina, Posillipo e Marechiaro
1.A bit of history
Posillipo is one of the hilly neighborhoods of Naples and is among the most elegant and prestigious. The name derives from the greek language, and testifies to the tranquility that was lived there. In fact, Pausilypon in Greek meant "cease pain".
The Greeks were the first residents of the neighborhood to which the Romans succeeded. Some Roman ruins can still be found on the banks and on the top of the hill and an important testimony of their presence is given by the Grotta di Seiano which leads to the ancient villa of the rich knight Publio Velio Pollione. This residence is located in the beautiful Archaeological Park of Pausilypon, a vast archaeological area where there is also an outdoor theater and a small odeon. Posillipo began to develop only in the early 1800s and after the Second World War it underwent many reconstructions, while preserving some historic buildings (such as Villa Rosebery). One of its highlights is the Submerged Park of Gaiola, a marine protected area on whose seabed there are remains of ports, fish ponds and nymphaeums from the Roman era. Today, it is a residential quarter.
2.What to visit?
Villa di Pausilypon (Grotta di Seiano):
A theatre that can hold 2000 people. Opposite, the remains of the Odeion, the venue dedicated to poetry and music performances. At the centre, the buildings overlooking the sea. It’s a section of the villa which belonged to the Roman knight Publius Vedius Pollio, who built it in the I century BC and gave it the name Pausilypon, which translates as “a break from sufferings”. Emperor Augustus fell in love with the place and acquired it after the death of his friend Pollio. Indeed, breaking free of any worry would only be natural in a site like this, which included several buildings, gardens, colonnades, thermal baths, nymphaea, landings and even a large fish-farming tank. The name Pausilypon soon spread to the whole hill, which in turn came to be inhabited by Roman patricians. The access to the archaeological complex is the “Grotta di Seiano” on via Coroglio: it’s a cave dug in Roman times to link Posillipo to the Campi Flegrei.
Address: Discesa Coroglio 36, 80123, Naples. Guided tours from Tuesdays to Friday at 12.00pm, Saturday at 10.00 am and 12.00 pm and Sundays at 10.00 am, 11.00 am and 12.00 pm, 6 euros. Call before to make sure that it is open: Tel: 081 2403235 – 3285947790 (Tuesdays–Sunday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm). Bus 140 to Discesa Corogliobetter to take a taxi to get there!
Parco sommerso di Gaiola: It is a marine reserve and in the past this area too was part of the Villa Pausilypon, which stretched from Trentaremi bay o Marechiaro. What we see here is the small islet of Gaiola. The name originated from the many recesses that punctuates the coast of Posillipo: from the latin word “cavea”, meaning small cave, derived the dialect “caviola” and then Gaiola. Today, the ruins of landings, nymphaea, and even fish-farming basins are clearly visible on the bottom of the sea, few metres below the water surface, along the entire stretch of coastline. This important archaeological site has been gradually submerse due to the slow subsistence of the earth’s crust.
The marine reserve offers daily kayaking , snorkelling and diving tours all year round. Check the website as they change/update it often and call them before to organise your tour.
www.areamarinaprotettagaiola.it, telephone: 081. 240 3235, address: Discesa Gaiola, 10am-4pm Apr-Sept, to 2 pm Oct-Mar, bus 140 to Discesa Coroglio better take a taxi to get there!
Parco Virgiliano: it is a scenic park on the promontory of Posillipo hill with a surface of 92 000 metres square. The park features distinctive lodges overlooking the Gulf of Naples. From Parco Virgiliano you can also enjoy the view on the islet of Nisida, Coroglio, Pozzuoli and the Campi Flegrei, a long strip pf land ending with Monte di Procida, and, lastly, in the sea, the island of Procida, with the outline of Ischia behind it.
Address: Viale Virgilio, 7am-1am late June-Sep, to midnight May-mid Jun, to 9 pm rest of year. Bus 140 to Via Posillipo better take a taxi to get there!
97 yerel halk öneriyor
Mergellina
Mergellina, Posillipo e Marechiaro
1.A bit of history
Posillipo is one of the hilly neighborhoods of Naples and is among the most elegant and prestigious. The name derives from the greek language, and testifies to the tranquility that was lived there. In fact, Pausilypon in Greek meant "cease pain".
The Greeks were the first residents of the neighborhood to which the Romans succeeded. Some Roman ruins can still be found on the banks and on the top of the hill and an important testimony of their presence is given by the Grotta di Seiano which leads to the ancient villa of the rich knight Publio Velio Pollione. This residence is located in the beautiful Archaeological Park of Pausilypon, a vast archaeological area where there is also an outdoor theater and a small odeon. Posillipo began to develop only in the early 1800s and after the Second World War it underwent many reconstructions, while preserving some historic buildings (such as Villa Rosebery). One of its highlights is the Submerged Park of Gaiola, a marine protected area on whose seabed there are remains of ports, fish ponds and nymphaeums from the Roman era. Today, it is a residential quarter.
2.What to visit?
Villa di Pausilypon (Grotta di Seiano):
A theatre that can hold 2000 people. Opposite, the remains of the Odeion, the venue dedicated to poetry and music performances. At the centre, the buildings overlooking the sea. It’s a section of the villa which belonged to the Roman knight Publius Vedius Pollio, who built it in the I century BC and gave it the name Pausilypon, which translates as “a break from sufferings”. Emperor Augustus fell in love with the place and acquired it after the death of his friend Pollio. Indeed, breaking free of any worry would only be natural in a site like this, which included several buildings, gardens, colonnades, thermal baths, nymphaea, landings and even a large fish-farming tank. The name Pausilypon soon spread to the whole hill, which in turn came to be inhabited by Roman patricians. The access to the archaeological complex is the “Grotta di Seiano” on via Coroglio: it’s a cave dug in Roman times to link Posillipo to the Campi Flegrei.
Address: Discesa Coroglio 36, 80123, Naples. Guided tours from Tuesdays to Friday at 12.00pm, Saturday at 10.00 am and 12.00 pm and Sundays at 10.00 am, 11.00 am and 12.00 pm, 6 euros. Call before to make sure that it is open: Tel: 081 2403235 – 3285947790 (Tuesdays–Sunday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm). Bus 140 to Discesa Corogliobetter to take a taxi to get there!
Parco sommerso di Gaiola: It is a marine reserve and in the past this area too was part of the Villa Pausilypon, which stretched from Trentaremi bay o Marechiaro. What we see here is the small islet of Gaiola. The name originated from the many recesses that punctuates the coast of Posillipo: from the latin word “cavea”, meaning small cave, derived the dialect “caviola” and then Gaiola. Today, the ruins of landings, nymphaea, and even fish-farming basins are clearly visible on the bottom of the sea, few metres below the water surface, along the entire stretch of coastline. This important archaeological site has been gradually submerse due to the slow subsistence of the earth’s crust.
The marine reserve offers daily kayaking , snorkelling and diving tours all year round. Check the website as they change/update it often and call them before to organise your tour.
www.areamarinaprotettagaiola.it, telephone: 081. 240 3235, address: Discesa Gaiola, 10am-4pm Apr-Sept, to 2 pm Oct-Mar, bus 140 to Discesa Coroglio better take a taxi to get there!
Parco Virgiliano: it is a scenic park on the promontory of Posillipo hill with a surface of 92 000 metres square. The park features distinctive lodges overlooking the Gulf of Naples. From Parco Virgiliano you can also enjoy the view on the islet of Nisida, Coroglio, Pozzuoli and the Campi Flegrei, a long strip pf land ending with Monte di Procida, and, lastly, in the sea, the island of Procida, with the outline of Ischia behind it.
Address: Viale Virgilio, 7am-1am late June-Sep, to midnight May-mid Jun, to 9 pm rest of year. Bus 140 to Via Posillipo better take a taxi to get there!