Naples 10-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Cappella Sansevero

   A chapel built in 1590, it contains sculptures and other works of art by some of the leading Italian artists of the 18th century, like the extraordinary Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino. It also has a high scientific interest because it hosts the anatomical machines, a still mysterious experiment by Raimondo Di Sangro, a prominent Renaissance scientist. In addition, in the basement there are two human vein models, looking like plastination.

2. Stop 2 · 22 min walk

   San Francesco di Paola

   One of the main churches in Naples, it's at the west side of Piazza del Plebiscito, the city's main square. The place was planned by King Joachim Murat of Naples (Napoleon's brother-in-law) as a tribute to the emperor. When Napoleon was dispatched, Ferdinand I of Bourbon continued the construction but converted the final product into the church one sees today. The church is reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. The façade is fronted by a portico resting on six columns and two Ionic pillars.

3. Stop 3 · 19 min walk

   Gesù Nuovo

   The Church of Gesù Nuovo (New Jesus) was built in 1470 as a palace for Roberto Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno. The Jesuits had already built a church in Naples, now called Gesú Vecchio. Political intrigues caused the property to be confiscated, and eventually sold in the 1580s to the Jesuits to construct a church (1584–1601) under architect Giuseppe Valeriano. The unusual façade, unusually plain for a Baroque style church, is of rusticated ashlar and is the original façade of the palace.

4. Stop 4 · 4 min walk

   San Domenico Maggiore

   One of the most prominent churches of Naples. This Gothic church (est. 1283) incorporates a smaller, original church built on this site in the 10th century, San Michele Arcangelo a Morfisa. The monastery annexed to the church has been the home of prominent names in the history of religion and philosophy. It was the original seat of the University of Naples, where Thomas Aquinas, a former monk at San Domenico Maggiore, returned to teach theology in 1272. As well, the philosopher monk, Giordano Bruno, lived here.

5. Stop 5 · 4 min walk

   Santa Chiara

   A religious complex which includes the Church of Santa Chiara, a monastery, tombs, and an archaeological museum. The double monastic complex was built in 1313-1340 by Queen Sancha of Majorca and her husband King Robert of Naples. The original church was in traditional Provençal-Gothic style, but was decorated in the 1744 century in Baroque style by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro.

6. Stop 6 · 12 min walk

   Naples Cathedral

   Built in the 18th century, it is the main church of Naples. It is widely known as the Cattedrale di San Gennaro, in honour of Saint Januarius, the city's patron saint. It was built on the foundations of two palaeo-Christian basilicas, whose traces can still be clearly seen. Underneath the building, excavations have revealed Greek and Roman artifacts. The Cathedral is famous for Miracle of the Blood, a recurring miracle taking place on the first Saturday of May and September 19th every year.

Eat · Di Matteo: Il presidente, Sorbillo, and his sister, a few doors away (informally known as "la vecchia", the old lady, from the owner of the pizzeria, a very small place with only 4 or 5 tables, that looks like a pizzeria of 50 years ago - very hard to find, but it's worth it!) You can get p

1. Stop 1

   Santa Maria del Carmine Maggiore

   One of Naples' main churches, related to important historical events of the city and its kingdom, such as Masaniello revolt and the executions happened during the five months existence of Parthenopean Republic (1799). The interior is a true triumph of Baroque decorations including polychrome marbles, stuccoes and a magnificent gilded ceiling.

2. Stop 2 · 36 min walk

   Castel dell'Ovo

   The oldest castle of the city, located on the former island of Megaride, now a peninsula, on the Gulf of Naples. The castle's name comes from a legend that the Roman poet Virgil (who had a reputation in medieval times as a great sorcerer) put a magical egg into the foundations to support them. The island of Megaride was where Greek colonists from Cumae founded the nucleus of the city (Palepolis) in the 6th century BC.

3. Stop 3 · 16 min walk

   Castel Nuovo

   Often called Maschio Angioino, it is a medieval castle and the main symbol of the architecture of the city. It was first begun in 1279 by Charles I of Anjou and completed three years later. Castel Nuovo soon became the nucleus of the historical center of the city, and was often the site of famous events. For example, in 1294, Pope Celestine V resigned from the Papacy in a hall of the castle.

4. Stop 4 · 25 min walk

   Castel Capuano

   The second most ancient castle of Naples after Castel dell'Ovo, built in 12th century by the Normans over a necropolis for use as a royal palace. It was then used as a residence for distinguished visitors such as Francesco Petrarca, and also as site for royal weddings and ceremonies. In 1503 it became the seat of city's courthouse for almost half a millennium, until the year 1995. Its name derives from its proximity to the road that led to Capua.

5. Stop 5 · 32 min walk

   Castel Sant'Elmo

   A huge, imposing hilltop medieval fortress, providing outlooks to the surrounding city and hosting a small art gallery. Great place to watch the sunset behind Ischia and Procida.

6. Stop 6 · 4 min walk

   Certosa e Museo di San Martino

   A former monastery complex, now a museum. It is the most visible landmark of the city, perched atop the Vomero hill that commands the gulf. A Carthusian monastery, it was finished and inaugurated under the rule of Queen Joan I in 1368. In 1623, it was further expanded and became, under the direction of architect Cosimo Fanzago, essentially the structure one sees today. In the early 19th century, under French rule the monastery was closed and was abandoned by the religious order.

Eat · Trattoria Don Vincenzo: Wide choice of dishes in the middle of the old town.

1. Stop 1

   Villa Pignatelli

   A former luxurious residence and a small park. Also a quite interesting museum of horse carriage vehicles and other horse equipment.

2. Stop 2 · 51 min walk

   Posillipo

   (Pusìlleco in Neapolitan) A district of Naples on the northwestern part of the town. The Greeks first named this place Pausílypon (meaning "respite from worry") due to the enchanting calm of the shore. There are Roman ruins at water's edge, remains of the residence of Vedius Pollio. The area contains some notable historical buildings and landmarks. Among these is the Palazzo Donn'Anna and Villa Rosebery, the Italian President's residence during his stays in Naples.

3. Stop 3 · 67 min walk

   Galleria Umberto I

   A public shopping gallery that is directly across from the San Carlo opera house. It was designed by Emanuele Rocco, who employed modern architectural elements reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The Galleria was meant to combine businesses, shops, cafes and social life — public space — with private space in the apartments on the third floor.

4. Stop 4 · 21 min walk

   Napoli Sotteranea

   Shows former stone quarries, used the city buildings, transformed later to water distribution network, garbage disposal pits and finally a war shelter. You will visit several larger and smaller areas connected by narrow paths - beware if you are claustrophobic! In addition, the tour shows remains of the nearby Greco-Roman theatre, where Nero (supposedly) made his artistic debut.

5. Stop 5 · 4 min walk

   Neapolis Sotterrata

   Presents ruins of a former Roman market - shops and the like. In addition, entrance to the surrounding museum and chapels is included.

6. Stop 6 · 23 min walk

   Napoli sotterranea

   Shows the labyrinth of tunnels, tanks and cavities and takes about 1 hr.

Eat · Decumano 31: Regional street food in a street with character. Here you can try the Neapolitan frittini.

1. Stop 1

   Catacombe di San Gennaro

   An extensive, two floor catacombs area restored and maintained by a few dozen local-patriots. Misc. tombs, frescoes, mosaics, etc., are shown.

2. Stop 2 · 7 min walk

   Catacombe di San Gaudioso

   A catacombe area where macabre ritual of "draining" was performed. A few remains of skulls in the walls, parts of skeletons and wall paintings are shown. Also the history of the "upstairs" church is shortly showcased.

3. Stop 3 · 56 min walk

   Tomb of Virgil

   One of the greatest Latin poets, author of the Aeneid.

4. Stop 4

   Metro stations

   All (or most) stations contain some works of contemporary art from many artists - and/or striking architecture. Among the most interesting ones are Universitá and Toledo. The metro buildings won the prize for the "Most Innovative Approach to Station Development" at Metros 2009, and in 2012, the station|Toledo|1

5. Stop 5

   Porta Capuana

   Ancient city gate built in 1484, during the Aragonese rule, it represents one of the few visible remains of the medieval walls of Naples. It consists of an arch of white marble decorated with various bas-reliefs, between two impressing cylindrical towers made of igneous rock. During the first half of 20th century the square around the gate was a meeting point for artists and intellectuals.

6. Stop 6 · 40 min walk

   Fontana del Gigante

   One of the most beautiful fountains of the city, made in the beginning of 17th century by Pietro Bernini, father of the more famous Gian Lorenzo. It was used to sit beside the Royal Palace, close to the statue of a giant. It was then moved to the promenade. It is composed of three round arches topped by coat of arms and decorated by various statues.

Eat · 120 Grammi Spaghetti Takeaway: It's a combination of street food and pasta, with an intense taste: you can choose between a variety of spices.

1. Stop 1

   Naples National Archeological Museum

   The most important Italian archaeological museum about Roman civilization, it contains a large collection of Roman artifacts from Pompeii, Stabiae and Herculaneum. The collection includes works of the highest quality produced in Greek, Roman and Renaissance times.

2. Stop 2 · 20 min walk

   Royal Palace and National Museum of Capodimonte

   Hosts paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including major works by Simone Martini, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Masaccio, Sandro Botticelli, Lorenzo Lotto, Giovanni Bellini, Giorgio Vasari, El Greco, Jacob Philipp Hackert. It also hosts the works of the most important Neapolitan painters, like Jusepe de Ribera, Luca Giordano, the Neapolitan Caravaggisti.

3. Stop 3 · 20 min walk

   Museum of Contemporary Art Donnaregina

   Very nice museum for contemporary art, with a permanent collection of fascinating, small room installations and temporary exhibitions.

4. Stop 4 · 10 min walk

   Museo Civico Filangieri

   Large collection of artworks, coins, and books donated to the city by Prince Gaetano Filangieri.

5. Stop 5 · 5 min walk

   Complesso monumentale dei Girolamini

   Ecclesiastic complex comprising a gallery of paintings, a cloister, a library of thousands of ancient manuscripts, and a baroque church.

6. Stop 6 · 33 min walk

   Palazzo delle Arti

   A civic museum born as a public exhibition center for the civic collections of arts, and to host art and culture events organized by the City of Naples.

Eat · Il Cuoppo: Hole in the wall spot for fried snacks. It's a small eatery for seafood, mozzarella balls, fried zucchini blossoms and anchovies to go.

1. Stop 1

   Museo Universitario delle Scienze e delle Arti

   One of the most ancient Anatomy museums of Europe, located in the religious complex of Santa Patrizia, where is possible to discover this fascinating context in the sections of anatomy, pharmacology, stomatology, bibliography and art. You will be guided thanks to the official app for mobile.

2. Stop 2 · 1298 min walk

   LAPIS Museum - Museo dell'Acqua Napoli

   In the catacombs below the Santa Maria Maggiore della Pietrasanta church, the self-proclaimed "first water museum" can be visited. Guided tours in English are available for groups of at least 10 people and last about 75 minutes.

3. Stop 3 · 1271 min walk

   Royal Palace

   One of the four residences used by the Bourbon Kings of Naples during their rule of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies (1730-1860). The Royal Palace is on the site of an earlier building meant to host King Philip III of Spain, who however never made the trip. The architect chosen for that palace was Domenico Fontana. The building was put up on the site of an even older Spanish viceroyal residence from the early 16th century.

4. Stop 4 · 44 min walk

   Albergo dei Poveri

   A former public hospital/almshouse. It was designed by the architect Ferdinando Fuga, and construction was started in 1751. It is five storeys tall and about 300 m long. It was popularly known as "Palazzo Fuga". King Charles III of the House of Bourbon meant the facility to house the destitute and ill, as well as to provide a self-sufficient community where the poor would live and work.

5. Stop 5 · 16 min walk

   Palazzo dello Spagnolo

   A late-baroque palace built in 1738 in Rione Sanità, famous for its monumental courtyard staircases with arches in shifting places.

6. Stop 6 · 26 min walk

   Palazzo Zevallos

   Elegant palace built in 1639 by the noble Spanish family Zevallos. It houses a rich art gallery comprising sculptures and paintings from 17th to 19th century, some of them realized by artists of the School of Posillipo.

Eat · L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Pizza Margherita with a crust which is both thin and chewy. There is usually a queue. Get a numbered ticket from the waiter at the door when you arrive, then wait outside for your number to be called.

1. Stop 1

   Palazzo Mannajuolo

   Art Nouveau residential building built in 1911, with an impressive ellipsoidal staircase in marble. The palace is a condo and it is possible to have a look inside asking the doorman

Eat · Pizzeria Trianon: The pizzas are less soupy and with crispier crusts.

1. Stop 1

   File:Vesuvius from Pompeii (hires version 2 scaled).png

   Listed as a next stop from Naples. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

2. Stop 2

   File:Campania Caserta2 tango7174.jpg

   Listed as a next stop from Naples. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

3. Stop 3

   File:Corricella 2016, Procida (1).jpg

   Listed as a next stop from Naples. Check the regional train or bus the night before.

Eat · Pack snacks from town. Do not count on a full menu at a small station.

1. Stop 1

   File:Campania Caserta2 tango7174.jpg

   Listed as a next stop from Naples. Book the earliest practical train or bus.

2. Stop 2

   File:Corricella 2016, Procida (1).jpg

   Listed as a next stop from Naples. Book the earliest practical train or bus.

3. Stop 3

   Rome

   Listed as a next stop from Naples. Book the earliest practical train or bus.

Eat · Eat near the station before you leave. Plan dinner back in Naples.

1. Stop 1

   Real Teatro San Carlo

   Founded in 1737, is the oldest continuously active opera house in Europe. In the 18th century, Naples was the capital of European music, and even foreign composers like Hasse, Haydn, Johann Christian Bach and Gluck considered the performance of their compositions at the San Carlo theatre as the goal of their career. Two main Italian opera composers, Gioacchino Rossini and Gaetano Donizetti, were artistic directors of the San Carlo for many years.

2. Stop 2

   Teatro Bellini

   Built in 1878 and named after the Sicilian composer Vincenzo Bellini, the Bellini Theatre hosted prestigious events such as operas for almost a century. In 1960s a period of decline started for the structure, that became a sort of cheap movie cinema, away from the splendor of its origins. In 1986 the theatre was restored and reopened two years later, starting a lucky phase that lasts even today.

3. Stop 3

   Teatro Augusteo

   A theatre designed by Pier Luigi Nervi in 1929 and built inside an 18th-century noble palace, along the central Via Toledo. The structure was closed during World War II and reopened during 1950s as a cinema, until it was finally restored in 1992 to resume its status of elegant theatre. It now has a seating capacity of 1,420 and hosted the performances of famous actors and musicians like Bruce Springsteen.

4. Stop 4

   Underwater Park of Gaiola

   Diving, snorkelling or trip on glass-bottomed boat "Aquavision" in the marine protected area of the minor island of Gaiola, off Posillipo elegant quarter. Just choose your favourite way to discover this stretch of coastline and the surprising abundance of coloured marine life beneath the limpid waters of the Gulf. Various options are available on the official site.

Eat · Go back to a place that already worked.