What to See in Naples

Overview

Neighborhoods and Tourist Areas

Spaccanapoli
This is the heart of Naples' historic centre. Remarkable and lively, it’s packed with monuments, churches, and "urban scenes" that have made it a must-see for any visit to the city.

Vomero
This district behind the city centre sprawls across quiet little streets up to a plateau that offers a lovely panorama of the city.

Monuments and Architectural Ensembles

Castel dell'Ovo
This is the oldest castle in Naples, now surrounded by a small marina and various restaurants. Located by the sea, it offers a beautiful view of the bay.

Castel Nuovo
Built in the late 13th century after the model of the Château d'Angers, the building—recognisable, among other features, by its monumental triumphal arch gate—now houses the Naples Municipal Museum.

Galleria Umberto I
This is a stunning covered arcade with its glass domes, dating from the late 19th century.

Royal Palace of Naples
This was the royal palace during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Visitors can explore the royal apartments, the throne room, the small theatre, and a grand marble ceremonial staircase where the tour begins.

Plebiscite Square
Or Piazza del Plebiscito. At 25,000 m², it is the largest (and "impressive") square in the city. It is bordered by several palaces, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, and the Royal Palace.

Teatro San Carlo
This historic theatre is renowned for its stunning interior decor. It can be visited on a guided tour.

Religious Buildings

Naples has an impressive number of religious buildings, many of which are located in the historic center. Among them:

Basilica of Santa Chiara
Both a basilica and a monastery, this imposing 14th-century Gothic complex is especially notable for its three cloisters extensively tiled with exquisite ceramics. The site also houses a small museum of local history and archaeology.

Catacombes de San Gennaro, Naples, Italie

San Gennaro Catacombs
This is a two-level underground complex dating back to antiquity. It served as a cemetery.

Naples Cathedral
Built in the Gothic style in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, it houses the relics of the city’s patron saint (Saint Januarius).

Sansevero Chapel
This small 16th-century church houses a stunning interior, richly decorated with sculptures and master paintings.

Certosa di San Martino
This former Carthusian monastery now houses a museum dedicated to the art and history of the city from the 17th to the 19th century. It features a beautiful cloister and, most notably, hanging gardens offering a stunning view of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Fontanelle Cemetery
A 3,000 m² ossuary carved into a cave. It houses the remains of plague victims who struck the city in the 17th century.

Église San Domenico Maggiore, Naples, Italie

San Domenico Maggiore Church
One of the city's remarkable churches. Rebuilt several times, its construction began in 1283.

Pio Monte della Misericordia
This site is both a church and a picture gallery where you can admire a masterpiece by Caravaggio (The Seven Acts of Mercy).

Sant'Anna dei Lombardi
One of Naples' beautiful churches, richly decorated inside.

Museums

National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The museum houses the world's richest collections from the Greek and Roman antiquity periods. Many of the artifacts come from excavations carried out in the region.

Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum
Also known as MADRE, this former palace houses collections of works by local and international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Capodimonte Museum
Perched on its hill within its park, this is one of Naples' key museums. While renowned for its picture gallery (primarily works by Italian painters), it also houses a ceramics collection, contemporary art, and royal apartments open to visitors.

Villa Pignatelli
This beautiful villa-museum offers visitors finely decorated apartments, as well as a carriage museum and a collection of 18th- and 19th-century vehicles.

Parks and Gardens

Villa Comunale
This is the largest park in the city centre, spanning 11 hectares along the bay. It’s a favourite spot for walkers.