Top 5 Travel Attractions of Naples, Italy

Guest Post by Laura Thayer

One of the Southern Italy’s biggest travel surprises, Naples is a vibrant, real and energizing jolt of Italian culture and lifestyle. From the chaotic traffic to the world famous Neapolitan pizza, everything about life is slightly more intense in Naples. Here’s a look at just five of the many travel destinations in Naples that will give you a taste of southern Italian vitality and charm.

1. National Archaeological Museum

The outline of the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius forms the backdrop for the city of Naples. While quiet since its last eruption in 1944, just outside the city lie the ruins of ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum destroyed in 79 AD, which serve as constant reminders of the volcano’s fury. Visiting the historic sites is a moving experience, but to see the real artistic treasures uncovered at these sites, and many more in the area, head to the National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale) in Naples. Home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient art, this is one of Naples’ cultural and historical gems.

2. Spaccanapoli & the Historic Center

Running through the historic center of Naples is one of the city’s most characteristic streets called Spaccanapoli, or “splitting Naples” after the straight line it cuts through the city. Many of the most important sites to see in Naples are located in this part of the city, and easily accessible on foot. Don’t miss the impressive Duomo, or Cathedral of San Gennaro, Church of Santa Chiara, the busy Piazza del Gesù Nuovo and the Capella Sansevero with the moving sculpture of Veiled Christ by the Neapolitan artist Giuseppe Sanmartino.

3. Capodimonte Museum

Built as a royal palace for the Bourbon kings of Naples, the Capodimonte Museum (Museo Nazionale Capodimonte) is home to a world class collection of paintings from the 14^th – 19^th centuries, as well as a fine collection of decorative arts.

4. Piazza del Plebiscito

The Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples’ grandest public space, and is surrounded by some of the city’s most elegant buildings. The curved colonnade was inspired by the Piazza in front of St. Peter’s in Rome, while the central church of San Francesco di Paola was modeled after Rome’s Pantheon. The impressive Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) lines one side of the piazza, and just steps beyond you’ll find the Teatro San Carlo, one of Italy’s most beautiful opera houses. Nearby is the glass domed Galleria Umberto I, a reminder of the 19^th century elegance of Naples.

5. Monastery of San Martino

Located in the hills above Naples with fine views over the city and beautiful Bay of Naples, the Certosa di San Martino is a Carthusian monastery dating back to the 14^th century. Inside you’ll find a fabulous art collection, serene cloisters and impressive architecture. The views from the gardens are simply breathtaking!

Laura Thayer is an art historian and freelance writer living on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI, a cheap travel medical insurer, and blogs about life on the Amalfi Coast at her own site Ciao Amalfi.

Photos © Laura Thayer, Ciao Amalfi!

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.