Naples (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Naples with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Naples (Italy)
Old city Naples joined Italy in 1861. Much of modern Naples was built under Mussolini's regime, as well as during the rebuilding period after the bombings of World War II.
How to get there
Naples has international Airport Capodichino. So far, you can only get from the airport to the city by bus, which has only two stops: Stazione Centrale ( Central station) and Piazza Municipio. Railway communication is developed almost immediately by all major cities Italy. Naples is connected to Rome by the A1 motorway. Motorways in Italy are tolled.
The city is a major port. Ferries and large passenger ships connect Naples with Sicily, Sardinia, Tunisia and Corsica.
To move around the city, you can use the metro, trams and buses.
Shopping and shopping
Naples is famous for its markets and a huge number of small shops.
The largest and most interesting shopping districts:
- La Torretta Market, located near the US Embassy. Here you can buy a variety of fresh products, cheeses and meats.
- Via San Gregorio Armeno is a narrow lane in the center of Naples with traditional Neapolitan goods and souvenirs.
- Poggioreale Market is the largest market in the city (more than 500 outlets).
- Antiques Market - located on the waterfront of Naples. Here you can buy antiques.
Food and drink
Naples is the gastronomic capital of Southern Italy. It is believed that the first pizza was made here. Neapolitan pizza has a thicker crust. If you want to try the “real Neapolitan pizza”, stop by Pizzeria Brandi, where the margherita pizza was born. Great pizza is also made in the Via dei Tribunali area. Finding a good pizzeria is easy enough. Take a step back from the popular tourist routes. See if there are many locals in this institution. If yes, then you can safely order there.
Also, Neapolitan cuisine includes many seafood dishes, pasta with various sauces. Drinks include coffee, wine and the famous limoncella.
Attractions
Throughout history, Naples has witnessed fierce battles and many civilizations have sought to conquer it. Greeks, Romans, Spaniards, French, each of these peoples left their mark. Here, in the narrow streets among old buildings, ancient sights, ancient churches, a real story has frozen.
Pompeii is a legendary ancient city that was destroyed during the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD at the height of its power. Despite the lava flows and tons of ash that buried the city and its inhabitants, it has been preserved in a fantastic state.
Pompeii are vast ruins. Roads, walls of houses, fragments of a temple, public buildings and even frescoes in some houses have been preserved here. Most interesting places- the ruins of the amphitheater, Roman theaters, baths, the environs of the Forum, the temples of Apollo and Jupiter. Pompeii was quite an extensive and developed city at that time. Even now the excavations here are not fully completed. And among various kinds of archaeological finds, there are fossilized remains of unfortunate people, the last inhabitants of Pompeii.
Herculaneum is another city destroyed by Vesuvius. Despite the fact that he was further from the awakened volcano than Pompeii, this did not save him. Herculaneum is actually much better preserved. Some buildings still have some wooden structures, frames and roofing. Interesting sights of these ruins are the villa of Papiri and the house of Argus, in which beautiful frescoes and wall paintings have survived.
San Gennaro is a network of catacombs located in the northern part of Naples near the church dell "Incoronata. The catacombs are a network of tunnels and passages with ancient tombs. They have two levels:
- the lower floor contains more than 3,000 burials. It's dimly lit to give it a slightly spooky vibe.
- the upper level is more spacious and bright. Contains many detailed frescoes and paintings.
Castel Nuovo - one of the symbols of Naples, huge and powerful medieval castle located on the coast Gulf of Naples very close to the famous Piazza del Plebiscito. The castle is a fortress with 5 powerful towers. Triumphal Arch early renaissance is the entrance. Castel Nuovo was built in the 13th century and was the residence of the kings and governors of Naples. Now the city museum is located here with various collections and paintings, with an emphasis on Italian painting of the 19th century.
Castel dell'Ovo Castel dell'Ovo is a stunning medieval castle on the island. It is the oldest surviving fortification of Naples. The foundation date of the fortress dates back to the 6th century. Castell dell'Ovo is currently open to the public.
Piazza del Plebescito is the most famous square in Naples. This vast open space is filled with important buildings and statues: the royal courtyard and Basilica Royale with a colonnade (or rather San Francesco di Paola, built in the 19th century on the model of the Pantheon), the Palazzo Salerno, the Prefectural Palace and a statue dedicated to Charles III, King Spain.
Duomo - Cathedral and most main temple Naples. Built in the 13th century by Charles I of Anjou on the foundations of ancient churches. This religious building combines many styles, including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The cathedral has a large central tower and many decorative sculptures and other decorations.
San Domenico Maggiore is an unusual church founded by Dominican friars in the 14th century. Located in the center of the old city of Naples, close to the university and Dante metro station. Despite the rather featureless façade, the inside of the basilica is simply stunning: Renaissance artwork, sculptures and decorations, a gold-gilded paneled ceiling, and a stunning altarpiece.
San Severo is a small chapel from the 16th century. Although this chapel is quite simple and unassuming from the outside, the interior is very impressive and a real highlight. The chapel contains a huge amount of art and several famous sculptures. The ceiling is decorated with a magnificent fresco. The central place is occupied by a beautiful statue of the veil of Christ, created by Giuseppe Sanmartino.
Palazzo Reale is a stunning royal palace located in Piazza del Plebiscito. The façade of this building has a symmetrical series of dark frames and many windows to create an official and imposing look. In the niches of the palace are 12 statues of the kings and rulers of Naples. Inside the palace there are many luxurious rooms with rich interiors.
Santa Lucia is an area to the west of Piazza del Plebiscito with many narrow cobbled streets that run down to the sea and offer many craft shops, restaurants, cafes and shops. A piece of real Naples and its atmosphere.
Many of those who have only vaguely heard about Italian city Naples, they love the famous Neapolitan songs, expressive, temperamental, full of passionate sensuality and subtle lyricism. Such enchanting melodies can only be created by a people who are not afraid to live next to the formidable Vesuvius, which every century reminds of its existence with dangerous eruptions. Neapolitan dances are just as expressive, temperamental and graceful as the Neapolitans themselves. From the moment the city was founded by the ancient Greeks (8th century BC), Naples became part of various empires and kingdoms, until the state of Italy was formed in 1860. Now it is the third largest Italian city with a million inhabitants, in the vicinity of which another 2 million people live. Let's talk about the main attractions of Naples.
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This is one of the most formidable and powerful volcanoes in the world, spewing ash and lava around for thousands of years. Ironically, at its foot there are such heavenly places for life, with fertile soils, richest flora and fauna, that people, despite the mortal danger, have settled here since ancient times. The legendary Pompeii, Stabia and Herculaneum, scorched by red-hot lava and buried under an 8-meter layer of ash in 79 AD. e. is a credible confirmation of this.
Until now, excavations continue on the site of ancient cities, the finds of which amaze with the incredibly insane force of the most terrible eruption, when contents of 100 thousand tons per second were thrown out of the crater to a height of 35 km. The red-hot magma, flowing in streams, created a temperature of 500 degrees, instantly turning everything into ashes. The humanity of the planet is still shocked by an unprecedentedly cruel eruption, despite the past millennia.
Now the volcano is a place of pilgrimage for tourists (4 million a year), seeking to get as close as possible to the mouth of the "fire-breathing dragon". They climb up a path that winds through volcanic ash, hardened lava and pumice (the funicular was destroyed by the 1979 earthquake). Adrenaline makes the extreme conquerors of the volcano go in clouds of dust under scorching sun, now and then bumping into small stones. It is good that there are benches along the trail where you can relax and unwind. Many enthusiasts who have reached the crater are not delighted with their lifeless gray walls and sparse vegetation, breaking through with rare bushes. But the feeling of self-satisfaction, admiration for the amazing views below, makes you forget about the difficulties of climbing.
Royal Palace
On the main magnificent square of Naples - the Plebiscite, there is a monumental three-story building with a large number of windows - the Royal Palace, which was built for half a century (1600-1650). It was intended for the Neapolitan rulers from the Bourbon family, so they built the palace on a grand scale inherent in this dynasty. Until today, the external appearance of the palace has been preserved, corresponding to the restructuring of the 18th century, which took place under the control of the famous court architect Vanvitelli, an expert in the late baroque.
The semicircular arched vaults of the facade are adjacent to wall niches, each of which has one statue of the most prominent rulers of the kingdom. The platbands of the windows are decorated with stucco patterns; a clock tower with a round clock is installed on the attic of the roof. From the rear, the palace is surrounded by a garden, near the gates of which there are equestrian statues of St. Petersburg's Anichkov Bridge. The interiors are decorated with pompous luxury, with many stucco ornaments, bas-reliefs and sculptures. Wide stone stairs with massive patterned railings, high arches, rich chandeliers, stucco ceilings, picturesque masterpieces of famous artists of the past create a majestic entourage of the palace halls.
Today, the Palace building houses several different institutions. Most of it is occupied by the National Library, with a huge book fund, including priceless papyri from the ancient Herculaneum buried under the ashes of Vesuvius. Several Halls of the palace (Central, Throne, Hall of Hercules) are combined into a museum of historical apartments. They house the greatest paintings by Titian, Giordano, Preti and other prominent Italian masters of painting.
Pompeii - a tragic sight
In the vicinity of Naples, the popular archaeological complex of Pompeii is located - an ancient city that, in a matter of minutes, found itself under an eight-meter layer of ash and other emissions from the volcano Vesuvius during the eruption in 79 AD. e. How many prosaic and poetic lines are devoted to this catastrophe that destroyed all living things around, how many artists depicted the cataclysm in their canvases! The famous painting by K. Bryullov “The Last Day of Pompeii” is an eloquent evidence of a tragedy on a universal scale, it amazes with its artistic expressiveness.
Centuries later, new cities arose on the site of the dead cities, the inhabitants of which had no idea about Pompeii until they reached the ruins during excavations. So the world learned about the unprecedented manifestations of Vesuvius, and the cities buried alive began to be actively excavated (1748-1960). The first expedition led by Alcubierre believed that the found objects were the city of Stabia, but in the process of further excavations they established their belonging to Pompeii.
Over the past time, a gigantic work has been done to clear the city, as a result of which it was possible to find out the detailed details of the catastrophe that occurred. In the 60s of the 19th century, the archaeologist Fiorelli determined by the outlines of the voids formed from the bodies of people and animals, in what positions their death found them, filling the voids with plaster. It was found that from the hot temperature all living organisms instantly evaporated.
Restoration work is currently underway in Pompeii, and some objects will appear before visitors almost in their original form. The Temple of Apollo (8th century BC) is still in ruins, but much of its history is already known to researchers. Of the 28 columns, only two have survived, allowing you to get a complete picture of the majestic colonnade of the temple. The remains of frescoes depicting the Trojan War in the preserved interior niches testify to the high skill of the ancient painters. Interesting monuments of Pompeii - Baths, the House of Venus in the shell, the Amphitheater, the House of the Faun and many other unique attractions of the revived city.
Church of the Assumption of St. Mary (St. Januarius)
IN historical center Naples, on Via Duomo is the main shrine of the city - the Church of St. Januarius or otherwise it is now called the "Temple of the Assumption of St. Mary." On the site of the temple at the beginning of our era, there were ancient churches, reminiscent of themselves with the remains of the walls. In the 13th century, Charles I ordered the construction of a temple in honor of the patron saint of the city of Januarius (13th century). It was completely completed already in the 14th century. during the reign of his grandson Charles. The facade of the Catholic church was updated several times, some parts were reconstructed, but the main ancient structures of the chapels and basilicas were carefully preserved.
The external architectonics of the temple is made in several styles with a predominance of Gothic features: the conical vaults of the windows, the pointed peaks of the towers directed upwards, and the narrow window openings clearly confirm this. The oldest monument Western religious culture here is the baptismal of St. John, whose insides are decorated with mosaics of the 4th century. The splendor of the decoration of the temple is the work of the talented masters of the Renaissance Vasari and Perugino. The mosaic panel “Madonna and Child Enthroned…”, created in 1322, is impressive. Precious church rarities called “Treasures of San Gennaro” are stored in the main chapel of the cathedral, the priceless exhibit of which is the bust of Januarius, made of gold.
The bust is a kind of reliquary for the relics of the great martyr: the head of the bust, decorated with a luxurious dress, contains fragments of the skull of Januarius. Now the bust is generously endowed with expensive offerings in the form of gold chains and crosses inlaid with precious stones. The "highlight" of the temple is a magical vessel with the blood of a saint, which allegedly boils on 19.09 and 16.12 - the holidays of the patron. The Neapolitans believe that if "blood boils" do not happen, then the city will face misfortune. Scientists do not believe in a miracle, explaining this as a falsification, and the parishioners sincerely hope for the saving powers of the saint.
National Archaeological Museum
The unique Museum is the only one in the world whose exhibits resurrect the cities that died after the eruption of Vesuvius. Over the years of excavation, such a number of artifacts have accumulated that the building of the former university with the treasures of the Bourbons stored in it was taken for them. Partially rebuilt and expanded, the beautiful building became state property in 1860 with the title of "national museum". Art objects were placed in the art gallery, and the main premises were occupied by archaeological finds.
A significant part of the rarities are items recovered during excavations of 3 cities hidden under volcanic ash. Wall and table mosaics, sculptures, frescoes are examples of high-class art of the pre-Christian and early Christian periods. The museum also has ancient Egyptian relics collected in a large exposition. Objects of art and everyday life, frescoes, bas-reliefs, dishes, jewelry, created in an intimate and piquant design, are collected in the "Secret Cabinet". The main object of the image on them is a naked human body, presented from different angles and considered a model of natural beauty. In the National Museum, everyone will find interesting exhibits for themselves, the range of which defies simple enumeration.
Gallery Umberto I
The inhabitants of each city have a favorite place in it, which they are proud of and consider as a "highlight". For Neapolitans, such a place is the Umberto I Gallery, located in a building of light openwork architecture and an unusual octagonal configuration. In fact, this is a large shopping mall-passage built at the end of the 19th century. designed by Emmanuele Rocca. His task was to create a structure that organically fits into the general architectural tone of neighboring buildings and fences off Toledo Street with an unseemly reputation from the San Marco Theater.
The avant-garde architect Boubet designed a metal dome interspersed with long multi-colored stained-glass windows - the result was a grandiose building with a high glass ceiling (56 m) in the neo-Renaissance style. Restored after the war, the gallery complex still attracts many people. Inside, the mosaic floor is decorated in the form of the signs of the Zodiac. A belief about wishes that come true hovers around them, so everyone seeks to step on their sign and make a wish. The gallery houses exquisite beauty salons, fashionable boutiques of famous Italian and other famous couturiers, hotels, elite restaurants. There is a music salon where there are concerts of classical piano music.
Castle of Castel dell'Ovo
The medieval castle, whose name means "castle of the egg" is located on the island of Santa Lucia, famous in a popular Neapolitan song. Island Tyrrhenian Sea connected to Naples by an earthen embankment, along which you can reach the castle. Castel dell'Ovo from afar resembles a man-made rock hanging over the blue of the sea. Historians believe that it was on this island in the 6th century. BC e. Greek colonists began to build the city.
Later, the Roman commander Lucullus chose the island for his villa. The fortress castle with powerful walls, with a protective moat around it was erected in 1139 as a defensive structure against attack from the sea. Now tourists with great pleasure rise to the observation decks of the castle, captivated by the magical beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Inspection ancient castle impresses with its architecture; mysterious antiquity, overgrown with legends about a magic egg hidden in it; massive gates, made as a work of art; surrounding landscapes.
Castle of Castel Sant'Elmo
Another medieval fortified castle, built (14th century) for protection from the sea, is located on the hill of the same name. It got its name from the ruined temple (10th century) of St. Erasmus of Antioch. Over time, Erasmus began to sound in Italian transcription as "Elmo" - this is how modern name castle, which was repeatedly destroyed. He owes his restoration to the Spanish royal governor Pedro de Toledo.
The majestic structure in the form of a 6-pointed star from below looks very impressive. Tour of the castle interesting journey to the distant and recent past, captured in the architecture of the castle, in the Museum of Arts of the 20th century, in the exhibits of the Library of the History of Art. Molayoli. A visit to the patriarchal church of St. Erasmus will not leave you indifferent, behind the altar of which the remains of de Toledo are buried. On observation decks During the day, the castle is full of tourists admiring the stunning panorama of the city.
Napoli Sotteranea
The underground city (as Napoli Sotteranea sounds in translation) is full of gloomy mystery as a place where the burials of the dead took place over the centuries. The catacombs, built in the 4th century, were used as a Christian cemetery until the 17th century. Later, representatives of the Dominican Order organized an outpatient clinic here, where the bodies of the dead were vertically placed in special niches. There were small rooms painted with frescoes and decorated with mosaics, intended for the burial of especially significant personalities.
In the most ancient catacombs of San Gennaro, the remains of St. Januaria. Saint Gaudioso is buried in other branches of the catacombs located to the north - San Gaudioso. The third branch of the dungeons - San Severo bears the name of Bishop Severo. The total length of the catacombs is 80 km, along the entire length of which there are crypts, arcosolia, small temples and churches - a real city of the dead. They usually come here accompanied by a guide through the entrance located under the church of Santa Maria. You need to know that it is very cold in the dungeon, so you should dress warmly and prepare for an unusual experience.
Museum of Capodimonte
The luxurious palace-museum stands just above the catacombs of San Gennaro. This pompous building, designed by the renowned architect Medrano, was built as summer palace for Charles of Bourbon (1738). Today the palace is a receptacle for magnificent art treasures, collections of noble families of the past: the Dukes of Farnese, Borgia, Avalos, Mary of Saxony. Here are paintings by the great masters of the brush of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Among them are the masterpieces of Botticelli "Madonna and Child with 2 Angels", Titian's "Danae", Raphael's "Madonna Divina amore" and other equally famous canvases. The true pearl of the museum is the porcelain cabinet, which contains rare specimens of fine items made of the finest porcelain that belonged to Mary of Saxony and other aristocrats of Italy. The diversity of the porcelain collection delights with its beauty, craftsmanship and painting. It is worth coming here as a sign of worship to the wonderful creations of mankind.
Piazza del Plebiscita
This is the most big square Naples, striking everyone with its scope and majestic architectural frame. It is here that the famous Royal Palace with statues of Neapolitan rulers is located. Opposite the palace rises the Church of St. Francis of Paola, a magnificent neoclassical building erected on the initiative of Ferdinand I. With its external appearance with a semicircular colonnade on the sides, the church resembles the Cathedral of St.. Peter in Rome, and the Roman Pantheon with a large round dome and a triangular tympanum.
The center of the square is marked by a bronze statue of King Victor Emmanuel, who united Italy. He sits on a mighty horse in a victorious pose. The statue is set on a monumental pedestal depicting the symbol of Naples - the mythical siren Parthenola. The square every day receives crowds of tourists looking at the sights and spectators of the San Carlo Opera House.
Theater "San Carlo"
It was no coincidence that the oldest opera house in Europe opened in 1737 in Naples, where everything is imbued with the sounds of Neapolitan folk songs. The San Carlo Theater building was built instead of the old San Bartolomeo (1621) under the ambitious King Charles VII of Bourbon. The opening of the new luxurious theater took place on the king's name day and was marked by the production of Sarro's opera Achilles on Skyros. Over the years of its existence, all the famous operas of the world have been staged on the stage of the theater, many venerable performers sang, virtuosos of world ballet shone. The magnificent interiors of the theater halls attract the same attention as the outstanding opera productions, which are not inferior to the excellence of the Milan Opera.
Herculaneum
Herculaneum, or Ercolano, is an ancient city buried under the lava of Vesuvius. The ruins of the city have been included in the UNESCO heritage list. From the city of Torre del Greco to the ruins passes the so-called. the golden mile is a road lined with picturesque 18th-century villas. Ruins ancient city located 10 km from Naples. You can get there by train from Naples to Sorrento or the route to Poggiomarino. The Ercolano Scavi station is located 700m from the ruins of the city.
Opening hours:
- V summer time– from the beginning of April to the end of October 8.30–19.30
- In winter - from the beginning of November to the end of March 8.30 - 17.00
Entry tickets:
Three days - visiting 5 attractions: Pompeii, Oplontis, Herculaneum, Boscoreale, Stabiae will cost € 22.00.
One-day - a visit to one Herculaneum € 11. The first Sunday of the month admission is free.
Basilica of San Francesco di Paola
This monumental basilica, more reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon than a Catholic church, appeared in the heart of Naples in the 19th century. Built by the architect Bianchi at the behest of King Ferdinand I, nowadays it attracts crowds of tourists. And no wonder, because it is located in the center of all tourist routes - on Plebiscite Square, next to royal palace.
The majestic building, framed by a colonnade, crowned with a 35-meter dome, cannot but delight with its exterior. However, the interior of the temple is also made with royal generosity. Here are sculptures of saints and members of the royal dynasty, and frescoes, and paintings by famous and unknown artists, and of course, the main decoration of the basilica is the 17th century altar inlaid with precious stones.
Entrance to San Francesco di Paola is free. Visiting time from 8:30 to 19:30 all week, 7 days a week.
Chapel of San Severo
In the past, a private chapel and part-time tomb of the San Severo family. Now it is a museum that has collected the works of the greatest sculptors and artists of Italy. Around it reigns many legends and mystical stories. The temple was founded in honor of the appearance of the image of the Virgin Mary on the site of the collapsed wall. Subsequently, it was repeatedly rebuilt until Count Raimondo de Sangro completed work on it in the 18th century.
For tourists, the chapel is interesting for the abundance of sculptures and frescoes. The painted ceiling strikes, which during its existence has not lost the brightness of colors.
The most famous sculpture, one might say, is the pearl of the San Severo Chapel - Christ under the shroud. The incredible finesse of work, the accuracy of details, the "weightlessness" of matter covering the body of a saint, strikes to the core.
The entrance ticket costs €7; children from 10 to 25 years old € 5; children under 9 years free. Open for visits 7 days a week from 9:30 to 18:30.
Santa Chiara
The museum of archeology, the monastery and the ancient tombs - this is all a religious complex of marvelous beauty called Santa Chiara in the city of Naples. The cathedral was rebuilt several times, built in the 14th century in the style of Provencal Gothic, and was later remade in the Baroque style. And during the Second World War, it was completely destroyed by bombing. In the middle of the last century, the masters recreated this architectural monument bit by bit. Here, visitors will certainly like majolica columns, benches decorated with mosaics, paintings depicting the life of the Neapolitans in bright colors in the shade of citrus trees.
Open for visits on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:30, on weekends from 10:00 to 14. The cost of visiting the garden (entrance to the church is free) is € 6, for disabled people and children under 7 years old, admission is free.
Initially, the building was built as the University of Naples, later transferred to the Museum of the Bourbons, the library, and, finally, it has come down to our days as an extensive exposition consisting of 15 rooms. The Museum of Archeology has collected the most valuable exhibits of the history of Italy in particular and Rome in general. Here you will find exhibits perfectly preserved for 2500 years. So on the third floor you will find artifacts found during excavations of the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried under the lava of Vesuvius. Also here is a model of Pompeii on a scale of 1:100 and the hall of "Greater Greece".
The second floor is reserved for a collection of numismatics and mosaics. Also here you will find the "Secret Cabinet" - a hall of erotic art. The first floor is a collection of sculptures of the Farnese royal family and an Egyptian hall.
Opening hours from 9:00 to 19:30.
Ticket price € 12; children under 18 years of age enter free of charge. 1st Sunday of the month admission is free.
Cemetery of Fontanelle
The oldest pagan necropolis in the vicinity of Naples, which later grew into a huge crypt in a cave, storing the remains of the poor inhabitants of Naples, victims of epidemics and serious illnesses. Three large galleries make up this " City of dead”, by analogy with traditional churches they are called naves:
The nave of the priests stores the remains transported from the holy places, it is located on the left. To the right is the nave of the poor, and the central hall is called the nave of the plague.
The Neapolitans conduct rituals, offerings here, ask the departed for help and support. After all, following the beliefs of the souls of unidentified people, whose remains are kept by the catacombs of Fontanelle, they cannot get out of purgatory, and are ready to help any person in his request in exchange for eternal rest. "The cult of skulls" gives you goosebumps in this unusual, mystical place, among the wooden crypts, similar to birdhouses and improvised crypts, you begin to feel the frailty of being in a different way.
Opening hours from 10:00 to 17:00. The entrance ticket costs 7€.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Another cemetery in the catacombs is located in the Sanita quarter. These are early Christian underground burials, located directly under the church of Santa Maria della Sanita. There is also a ticket office where you can buy tickets for an excursion to the catacombs. Here, in the branched corridors, you will find many loculi in several rows with the buried remains of local residents. And arcosolia - niches for the burial of respected people and wealthy citizens.
Frescoes and mosaics on the walls will tell about the people buried here, stories from the life of saints. Although the catacombs have undergone irreversible changes due to age, most of the tombs and altars are still open to tourists. Tombs of St. Gaudiosa and St. Nostian is decorated with frescoes and mosaics of the 5th-6th centuries. This is perhaps the most ancient part Catacombs of San Gaudioso. The remains of the Great Martyr Sozius are also kept here.
Tour times: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 every hour; Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00. The ticket price for visiting the catacombs of San Gaudisio and the catacombs of San Gennaro is € 7, a children's ticket is € 5, children under 6 years old and the disabled are entitled to free admission.
Disgust and admiration - such conflicting feelings are alternately experienced by a person who arrives in Naples and begins to get acquainted with this extraordinary city.
From afar, Naples is insanely beautiful: from the height of an airplane, or Vesuvius, or from the top of one of its hills. The huge white body of the city sprawled over the hills and depressions along the sea, and even right next to Vesuvius. The scope and quirkiness of the folds of this bedspread fascinates.
Once in the center of Naples, a new person will involuntarily be horrified: nasty slurry is spilled on the streets, garbage is lying around, motorcycles are rushing past at full speed, and there are so many suspicious personalities around! The streets are dark and cramped, like crevices, the houses are shabby, and the linen hangs wherever it is possible to hang it.
But here comes the first shock. The city, one by one, reveals its wealth to the visitor - and they are really outstanding. In Naples, like in no other city, the transition from horror to delight is swift. And back.
In this article I will tell you what sights of Naples you must definitely visit and why you should go here.
Decumans
Historic center of Naples, the so-called Decumans, looks creepy on the outside, but their content is great on the inside. First of all, these are numerous churches of the 12th and later centuries. Most of them are vivid examples of the Neapolitan baroque, and each has its own face.
Church of San Domenico Maggiore
The Duomo (Cathedral of Saint Januarius), the churches of San Lorenzo Maggiore, San Paolo Maggiore, San Grigorio Armeno, San Domenico Maggiore, Santa Chiara, Gesu Nuovo - they all follow each other. Only to San Giovanni a Carbonara you have to make a small detour, but it's worth it.
In the Church of San Giovanni a Carbonara
In addition to churches, in the Old Town you can admire the facades of palaces, and you can go inside some of them, for example, in the Palazzo of Venice.
Palazzo Venice
And certainly go to the mausoleum-chapel San Severo– look at the famous sculpture “il Cristo velato” – Christ covered with the thinnest fabric (both Christ and the fabric are made of marble – and how!). A ticket to the San Severo Chapel costs 7 euros.
Archaeological Museum and Capodimonte
Among the many museums in Naples, there are two super-museums: the Archaeological Museum and the Art Gallery in the Royal Palace of Capodimonte.
Archaeological Museum contains a wonderful collection of ancient Farnese sculptures, as well as mosaics and transferred here from the excavated villas of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae.
The museum is located next to the Museo metro station. Entrance - 12 euros. Open from 09.30 to 19.30. Day off - Tuesday.
Before Capodimonte harder to get to, but the museum is absolutely outstanding. The Capodimonte Palace was built in 1738 as the summer residence of the Bourbons. There is a park around the palace.
Now the palace houses a magnificent art gallery (Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Bellini, Michelangelo, etc.). The basis of the museum is a collection of paintings collected by the Farnese family.
State Hall in Capodimonte
There is a palace on top of a hill, and you have to go there by bus (No. 168, 178, R4, C63). The bus stop is near the Archaeological Museum.
Entrance to the Capodimonte Museum - 8 euros. Open from 08.30 to 19.30. Day off - Wednesday.
Catacombs of Naples
From Capodimonte you can walk down to the Incoronata Basilica, next to which is the entrance to the famous Catacombs of San Gennaro. Initially, the heavenly patron of Naples, Saint Januarius, was buried in these catacombs, and then reburied in the Duomo.
Catacombs of San Gennaro
Frescoes preserved inside the catacombs
These are not the only man-made caves in Naples. Under Naples is an extensive network of dungeons. So, the cost of an entrance ticket to the catacombs of San Gennaro (8 euros) includes a visit to the catacombs San Gaudisio. The entrance to the Catacombs of San Gaudisio is inside the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanita.
There is a descent into the dungeon under the church San Lorenzo Maggiore(remains of the ancient Roman forum are preserved there), under the church San Paolo Maggiore(there you will see an ancient cistern and the remains of an amphitheater).
Recently, the so-called Bourbon gallery- an underground aqueduct built in the 17th century and subsequently used for military purposes. Part of the route in this tunnel can be done by boat (three types of excursions are offered for different prices: walking, water and caving). The cost of the tour is from 10 euros. The entrance to the Bourbon Gallery is on Via Domenico Morelli, 40.
A detailed story about underground Naples — .
Capodimonte is country residence Bourbons, where the kings took refuge from the scorching summer heat.
And in the center of Naples, their main residence was Palazzo Reale, built in the early 17th century under King Pedro of Toledo. Entrance to the palace - 6 euros. The interiors are royally impressive.
San Carlo Theater
The San Carlo Theater adjoins the Royal Palace, built a century later than the palace and connected to it by a passage. Tours of the theater are organized in Italian and English. The cost of the tour is 6 euros. During our excursion, an orchestra rehearsal was held in the hall, and we listened to music for 20 minutes. Then the musicians were dismissed until the evening concert, and we went into the hall.
Tickets for the tour are sold at the box office. Unfortunately, there were no tickets for the concert itself - it was necessary to book in advance.
Castles of Naples
Three mighty castles adorn the city. One of them - Castel Nuovo-behind the Royal Palace. It serves as a good guide for transit passengers, following through Naples on, and further: under the walls of the castle is the largest port of Naples - Molo Beverello.
Inside the castle is a wide courtyard. On the second floor is the Palatine Gallery with paintings and sculptures (small collection). The most striking room of Castel Nuovo is the Barons' Hall, a huge medieval hall that is easily complemented by imaginary knights in armor.
The next castle Castel dell'Ovo, or Egg Castle, is completely free. It also stands on the seashore, moreover, it is taken out to sea on a small island. Settled under the walls of the castle fish restaurants, luring tourists with delicious smells. It's hard to keep up.
After refreshing in the restaurant, go up to the upper open terrace of the castle - from there you can enjoy a nice view of the city and the entire Neapolitan coast.
But for the most wonderful views, you will have to climb to the third castle - Saint Elmo. Three funiculars and the subway (Vanvitelli station) lead to the top of the Vomero hill.
On Vomero Hill There are three attractions at once. The first one is villa floridiana And Duca di Martina Museum. Villa Floridiana is an ordinary city park. The museum - the palace - houses a large collection of porcelain, as well as antique furniture, ivory, coral, crystal, and bronze items.
The castle of Sant'Elmo is erected on the top of the hill, and next to Sant'Elmo there is an absolutely wonderful building, which in no case should be missed, namely:
Carthusian Monastery of San Martino
Lay on Certosu di San Martino an hour and a half - the initial impression that the monastery is small is deceptive. Inside there are many halls, galleries, passages, one more striking than the other. And what views open from the open terrace!
And having finally left these painted halls, go down to the city by all means on foot (the staircase just goes down from Certosa). Insanely beautiful! I quote Muratov: “Nowhere you will see so many people staring at the world as they meet on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, laid along the slopes of Mount Sant Elmo.”
However, Posilippo Hill is most famous for its views, but I didn’t get to it. However, it is far from the center. Maybe next time I'll go for these views.
Attractions of Naples on the map
Opening hours of the museums of Naples and the cost of entrance tickets
| Museum | Opening hours | Day off | Cost, euro |
| National Archaeological Museum | 09.30 — 19.30 | Tuesday | 12 |
| Art Museum and Palace of Capodimonte | 08.30 — 19.30 | Wednesday | 8 |
| Catacombs of San Gennaro | 10-17 (on Sundays 10-13). Guided tours - at the beginning of every hour | seven days a week | combined ticket - 9 euros |
| Catacombs of San Gaudisio | 10-13. Guided tours - at the beginning of every hour | ||
| Bourbon Gallery | 10.00 – 17.30, Fri-Sun | Mon-Thurs | 10 |
| Royal Palace of Palazzo Reale | 09.00 — 20.00 | Wednesday | 4 |
| Teatro San Carlo guided tour | Monday-Thursday excursions at 11.30 and 15.30. Friday and Saturday excursions at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 14.30, 15.30, 16.30 Sunday excursions at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 |
seven days a week | 6 |
| Castel Nuovo | 09.00 — 19.00 | Sunday | 6 |
| Castel Sant Elmo | 08.30 — 19.30 | Tuesday | 5 |
| Certosa San Martino | 09.30 — 19.30 | Wednesday | 6 |
| Duke Martin Museum | 08.30 — 14.00 | Tuesday | 4 |
| Pignatelli Museum | 08.30 — 17.30 | Tuesday | 5 |
That's far from full list sights of Naples.
Here is a detailed map of Naples with street names in Russian and house numbers. You can easily get directions by moving the map in all directions with the mouse or by clicking on the arrows in the upper left corner. You can change the scale using the scale with the "+" and "-" icons located on the right side of the map. The easiest way to adjust the image size is by rotating the mouse wheel.
What country is Naples in?
Naples is located in the United States. It's wonderful beautiful city with its own history and traditions. Naples coordinates: north latitude and east longitude (show on a large map).
virtual walk
interactive map Naples with attractions and other tourist sites - an indispensable assistant in independent travel. For example, in the "Map" mode, whose icon is located in the upper left corner, you can see the city plan, as well as detailed map highways with track numbers. You can also see the railway stations and airports of the city marked on the map. Nearby you see the "Satellite" button. By turning on the satellite mode, you will consider the terrain, and by zooming in, you can explore the city in great detail (thanks to satellite maps from Google Maps).
Move the "man" from the lower right corner of the map to any street in the city, and you can take a virtual walk around Naples. Adjust the direction of movement using the arrows that appear in the center of the screen. By turning the mouse wheel, you can zoom in or out on the image.
To view the full version of the map, click on the map.
Explanation of the sights indicated on the map:
1. City Museum "Castel Nuovo" (Museo Civico "Castel Nuovo", Napoli - p.zza Municipio)2. San Carlo Opera House (Teatro di San Carlo, Via San Carlo, 98, 80132 Napoli)
3. Umberto I Gallery (Galleria Umberto I, Via San Carlo, 80132 Napoli)
4. Museum of the Palazzo Reale (Museo di Palazzo Reale, Napoli - p.zza Plebiscito, 1)
5. Museum of Diego Aragon (Museo "D. A. Pignatelli Cortes" Napoli - Villa Pignatelli, Riviera di Chiaia, 200)
6. Palazzo del Arte of Naples (Palazzo delle Arti Napoli)
7. Castel dell'Ovo (Castel dell "Ovo, Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli)
8. Santa Chiara (Complesso Museale di Santa Chiara, Via S. Chiara, 49, 80134 Napoli)
9. San Severo Chapel (Cappella Sansevero)
10. San Lorenzo Maggiore (Scavi di San Lorenzo Maggiore)
11. Cathedral of Saint Januarius (Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro, Via Duomo, 149, Napoli)
12. Pio Monte della Misericordia (Chiesa e Quadreria del Pio Monte della Misericordia)
13. Girolamini Art Gallery (Quadreria dei Girolamini, Via Duomo, 142, Napoli)
14. Diocesano Museum (Museo Diocesano)
15. Museum of Modern Art (Madre. Museo Arte Contemporanea)
16. National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale Napoli - p.zza Museo, 19)
17. Catacombs of St. Januarius (Catacombe di San Gennaro)
18. Capodimonte Museum (Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte)
19. National Museum ceramics "Duca di Martina" (Museo Nazionale della Ceramica "Duca di Martina", Napoli - Villa "La Floridiana", via Cimarosa, 77)
20. National Museum of San Martino (Museo Nazionale di San Martino, Napoli - l.go S. Martino, 5)
21. Sant Elmo (Castel Sant "Elmo)
22. Grotto of Sejanus (Grotta di Seiano e Pausilypon)
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