SITES in NAPLES

Naples is often passed by for the more famous Italian cities such as Florence, Rome, and Venice. Though those cities live up to there reputation in every way, Naples, too, is an important historical city, full of cultural sites to see. It's true that Naples might be a little more chaotic, but that is part of its charm and fame, along with the Bay of Naples, and delicious seafood dishes! Since the G7 took place in Naples, in the early 1990's, many sites have been renovated, piazza's have been cleared away of cars to recreate the public spaces, and some buildings have been reopened to the public. An organization called, "Napoli 99", is also responsible for this rebirth of Naples.

For true cultural lovers, it is important to note that Naples is the home of the National Archeological Museum, said to be the most famous archeological museum in Europe. It is known for its collection from the excavations of Pompei and Herculaneum. The San Carlo Opera House is considered to be more beautiful, with better acoustics, than the reknowned La Scala in Milan. There are also four castles in Naples dating from midieval times, many catacombs and unique churches, and finally, antiques, including the romantic landscape paintings that caught the beauty of the nature of Naples (that has been replaced by buildings in this century). Lastly, Naples has the sea, and the local cuisine benefits from this. Islands such as Capri, Ischia, and Procida are easily visited by taking a short hydrofoil trip. Driving along from Naples to the Amalfi Coast will reveal one of the most stunning coasts in the world!

Below is a list of cultural sites to see in Naples. Click on the one you'd like more information on. Don't forget to visit our Related Links page for more information on Naples.

Museums, Churches, Castles, Old Gates, Catacombs,
Excavations, Poet's Tomb, Observatory, Conservatory, Theatres,
Craft Shops, Parks, Volcanoes, Botanical Gardens, Aquarium,
Antiques, Shopping


Museums
  1. The Archeological Museum
  2. The Capodimonte Museum and Picture Gallery
  3. The San Martino National Museum
  4. The Royal Palace Museum and Royal Apartments
  5. The Prince of Aragona Pignatelli Cortes Museum
  6. The Duke of Martina Museum
  7. The Civic Museum of Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
  8. The Filangieri Civic Museum
  9. The Sansevero Chapel
  10. Museum of Santa Chiara
  11. Pio Monte della Misericordia
  12. Picture Gallery of the Girolamini
  13. Industrial Artistic Museum
  14. Museum of the Pagliara Foundation
  15. Villa Livia
  16. Science City
  17. Museums of Anthropology, Mineralogy, Zoology,
    and Palentology of the University Federico II
  18. Anatomical Museum
  19. National Railway Museum
  20. Museum of the Observatory at Capodimonte
  21. Cathedral Archeological Site
  22. Excavations of San Lorenzo Maggiore
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Churches
  1. Duomo
  2. Santa Chiara
  3. Gesu' Nuovo
  4. San Domenico Maggiore
  5. San Giovanni a Carbonara
  6. San Lorenzo Maggiore
  7. San Paolo Maggiore
  8. Sant'Anna dei Lombardi
  9. Santa Maria Donnaregina
  10. Santa Maria del Carmine
  11. San Francesco di Paola
  12. San Giacomo degli Spagnoli
  13. San Gregorio Armeno
  14. Santa Maria La Nova
  15. San Pietro ad Aram
  16. Santa Caterina a Formello
  17. San Giorgio Maggiore
  18. Santa Maria degli Angeli
  19. Santa Maria di Piedigrotta
  20. Trinita' dei Pellegrini
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Castles
  1. Maschio Angioino
  2. Castel del'Ovo
  3. Sant'Elmo Castle
  4. Capuano Castle
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Old Gates
  1. Porta Capuana
  2. Porta Nolana
  3. Port'Alba
  4. Porta San Gennaro
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Catacombs
  1. The Catacombs of St. Gennaro
  2. The Catacombs of San Gaudioso
  3. The San Severo Catacombs
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Excavations
  1. Pompei
  2. Herculaneum
  3. Villa Oplonti
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Poet's Tomb
    The Tombs of Virgil and Leopardi
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Observatory
    The Capodimonte Observatory
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Conservatory
    The Conservatory of San Pietro a Maiella
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Theatres
    San Carlo Opera
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Craft Shops
  1. Shop of Books and Paper, Calata Trinita' Maggiore 4, tel. 551-1280
  2. Luigi Buommino (sculpture), Via Nardones 99, tel. 400-993
  3. Caropreso (watches), Vico 2 Cisterna dell'Olio 7, tel. 552-2175
  4. Neapolitan Ceramics, Vico San Domenico Maggiore 2/a, tel. 551-7764
  5. Naples Theatrical Costumes, Via Gennaro Serra 75, tel. 425-711
  6. I Cartigiani (decorated paper), Vico Acitillo 81, tel. 560-0950
  7. Il Cantuccio della Ceramica (ceramics), Via Benedetto Croce 38, tel. 552-5857
  8. Sagittarius (leather art), Via Santa Chiara 10A, tel. 552-0602
  9. La Soffitta (ceramics), Via Benedetto Croce 12, tel. 551-6339
  10. Legatoria Villa di Chiaia, Riviera di Chiaia 202, tel. 400-475
  11. Doll Hospital, Via S. Biagio dei Librai 81, tel. 203-067
  12. Limone' (distillery), Piazza San Gaetano 72, tel. 299-429
  13. Spagnuolo (porcelain), Via Croce 55, tel. 552-1102
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Parks
  1. Villa Comunale
  2. Natural Reserve of the Astroni
  3. Capodimonte Park
  4. Villa Floridiana
  5. San Martino Museum Gardens
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Volcanoes
  1. Vesuvius
  2. Solfatara
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Botanical Gardens
    Botanical Gardens of Naples
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Aquarium
    Zoological Institute
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Antiques
  1. Where to Find Antiques
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Outdoor Markets
  1. Via Casanova Market
  2. Posillipo Market
  3. Antignano Market
  4. Ercolano Market
  5. Casoria Market
  6. Fuorigrotta Market
  7. Corso Malta Market
  8. Naples Antique Market
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Shopping Areas
  1. Piazza di Martiri
  2. Via Roma
  3. Vomero
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Museums

The Archeological Museum, Piazza Museo, tel. 440-166. This museum is the most important archeological museum in Europe. It contains the collection which Charles of Bourbon inherited from the Farnese family that ruled the Duchy of Parma. The collection includes bronze and marble statues, paintings and furnishings from excavations of Pompei and Heraculaneum. The museum also contains finds from excavations at Cumae and other ancient sites in Campania. There is also the "Borgia Collection" of Etruscan and Egyptian art, and the "Santangelo Collection" of ancient coins. Hours: Weekdays and Holidays 9am-2pm. Closed on Tuesdays.The entrance fee to the museum is 12,000 lire for visitors between 18-60, and free for all other Italian citizens or foreigners whose countries have reciprocal agreements.

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The Capodimonte Museum and Picture Gallery, Park of Capodimonte, tel. 744-1307. The palace houses the National Picture Gallery whose central feature is the Farnese Collection inherited by the Bourbon dynasty, the gallery of 19th century works of art, the historical apartments, the china and majolica collections, the arms museum and several other collections. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-7pm, Sundays and holidays 9am-2pm. Closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 8,000 lire for visitors between 18-60, and free for all other Italian citizens or foreigners whose countries have reciprocal agreements.

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The San Martino National Museum, in Vomero, next to Sant'Elmo Castle. This museum is located within the monastery of St. Martin which dates from the time of the Angevin dynasty. The terraced gardens provide a wonderful view of the city. Collection of nativity scenes and collection of 19th century Neopolitan paintings. Hours: Weekdays, Sundays, and holidays 9:00am-2:00pm. Closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 8,000 lire for visitors between 18-60, and free for all other Italian citizens or foreigners whose countries have reciprocal agreements.

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The Royal Palace Museum & Royal Apartments, Piazza Plebiscito, tel. 580-8111. The magnificently decorated halls and rooms contain the original Bourbon furnishings, paintings, statues and porcelain. A permanent exhibition of sacred art at the Palace can be seen in the Chapel of the Royal Palace. Hours: Sunday to Tuesday 9am-1pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9am- 6pm. Closed Wednesday. The entrance fee is 8,000 lire for visitors between 18-60, and free for all other Italian citizens or foreigners whose countries have reciprocal agreements.

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The Prince of Aragona Pignatelli Cortes MuseumThe Prince of Aragona Pignatelli Cortes Museum, Riveria di Chiaia, tel. 669-675. 19th century furniture and a collection of china and furnishing. A pavilion in the park houses the coach museum which also includes French and English carriages and fittings. Hours: Weekdays, Sundays and Holidays 9am-2pm. Closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 4,000 lire for visitors between 18-60, and free for all other Italian citizens or foreigners whose countries have reciprocal agreements.

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The Duke of Martina Museum, located in the park called "Villa Floridiana" in Vomero, tel. 578-8418. The museum contains valuable collections of European, Chinese and Japanese china and majolica as well as a collection of enamel, ivory and other works. Hours: Weekdays 9am-2pm, Sundays and Holidays 9am-1pm. Closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 4,000 lire for visitors between 18-60, and free for all other Italian citizens or foreigners whose countries have reciprocal agreements.

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The Civic Museum of Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Piazza Municipio, tel. 795-2003. This museum contains 14th and 15th century sculptures and frescoes in the Palatine Chapel. On the three floors in the South Wing paintings, silver and bronze objects from the 15th to 20th century are on display. Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 9am-1pm. Entrance fee 7,000 lire.

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The Filangieri Civic Museum, Via Duomo, tel. 203-175. An arms museum which also contains a collection of furniture and china. Hours: Weekdays 9:30am- 2pm and 3:30pm-7pm, Sunday and holidays 9:30am-1:30pm. Closed on Mondays. Entrance fee 5,000 lire.

The Sansevero Chapel, Via De Sanctis 19, near piazza San Domenico Maggiore, tel. 551-8470. Masterpieces of 18th century sculpture including the "Veiled Christ" by Sammartino. Petrified anatomical figures. Founded in 1590. Hours 10am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays. Entrance fee 6,000 lire (2,000 lire for students and discounts for groups).

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Museo dell'Opera di Santa Chiara, Via Benedetto Croce, tel. 797-1256. Traces the history of this 14th century convent. Hours: Weekdays 9:30am-1:00pm and 3:30pm-5:30pm, Sundays and holidays 9:30am-1:00pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Pio Monte della Misericordia, 253 Via Tribunali, tel. 446-944. Visits must be booked by phone in the morning.

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Picture Gallery of Girolamini, Via Duomo 142. Paintings from the 16th-18th centuries. Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30am-1:00pm.

Industrial Artistic Museum, Piazzetta Salazar (near Piazza Plebiscito), tel. 764-5844. Part of the Istituto d'Arte Palizzi. Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am-1:00pm.

Museum of the Pagliara Museum, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 292, tel. 412-908. Part of the University Suor Orsola Benincasa.

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Villa Livia, Parco Grifeo 13. Group visits every morning only. Closed Mondays. For appointments call 203-175.

Science City, Via Coroglio 104, tel. 735-2111. The first Italian "science centre". Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-5pm. Closed on Mondays. Admission 8,000 lire (under 18 - 5,000 lire).

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Museums of Anthropology, Minerology, Zoology and Paleontology of the University Federico II
The first three are in Via Mezzocannone 8, the latter in Largo San Marcellino 10. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm. Admission to each museum: 1,000 lire, students half price, family ticket 2,000 lire. Reduced price for all four visits.

Anatomical Museum, Via Armanni 5, tel. 566-6010. Visits by appointment.

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National Railway Museum, at Corso San Giovanni a Teduccio, tel. 472-003. Hours: Weekdays 9:00am to 2:00pm. Entrance free.

Museum of the Observatory of Capodimonte, Salita Moiariello 16, tel. 557-5111. Closed at present.

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Cathedral Archeological Site Located under the cathedral. Archeological remains from Greek times to Middle Ages. Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm and 4:30pm-7:00pm, Sundays and holidays 9:00am-12:00pm. Admission charge 5,000 lire (group reductions).

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Excavations of San Lorenzo Maggiore, Piazza San Gaetano, tel. 454-948. Beneath one of the city's most ancient churches lie the rich remains of several strata of previous ages, from Greek and Roman to early medieval times. Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:30pm-5:30pm (during the summer 4:00pm-6:30pm), Sundays and holidays 9:00am-1:30pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

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Churches

Duomo, Via Duomo, tel. 449-097. The cathedral, which was consecrated in 1315 in the presence of Robert of Anjou and Queen Sancha, has been reconstructed over the centuries. Of great historic and artistic value is the Chapel where the Treasure of St. Gennaro is kept, with the flasks containing the saint's blood. Every year in May and September the blood liquefies, a miracle that has been studied by scientists from all over the world. Also worth visiting is the Chapel of St. Restituta,\ the first Christian basilica in Naples, subsequently incorporated into the cathedral.

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Santa Chiara, Via Benedetto Croce, tel. 552-6209. Santa Chiara is certainly one of the most important Angevin monuments in Naples, originally built in the early 14th century. The interior was altered in the 18th century to the Baroque style. In 1943 the church was heavily damaged during an air raid and was later restored to its original style (Provencal Gothic). It was here that the Neapolitan royal families and nobility worshipped. The splendid 14th century tomb of Robert of Anjou can be seen behind the main altar. The adjoining onastery with its choirstalls and frescoes and the majolica tiled cloister restored in the 18th century by Domenico Vaccaro, are well worth a visit.

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Gesu' Nuovo, Piazza del Gesu', tel. 551-8613. This church was originally built in the 16th century on the premises of the Palazzo Sansevero, belonging to the Prince of Salerno. The rusticated 15th century facade was originally intended for their palace. Inside this imposing church the floors and walls are colored marble. The altar and side chapels are sumptuously decorated, and the church contains valuable paintings and sculptures.

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San Domenico Maggiore, Piazza San Domenico, tel. 557-3111. The Gothic church of San Domenico, dating back to the late 13th century, has been restructured many times over the centuries. In the 17th century it was restored to the Gothic style in the 19th century. In the right hand aisle the remains of hte original Byzantine church can be seen. The Chapel of the Crucifix and the Vestry are particularly interesting to visit. St. Thomas Aquinas lived and taught in the monastery next to the church. Great works of art belonging to San Domenico are on display at Capodimonte Museum, such as Caravaggio's "Flagellation" and Titian's "Annunciation".

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San Giovanni a Carbonara, Via Carbonara. Begun in 1343 and finished during the 1400's, it was subsequently enlarged and modified (the impressive staircase dates from the 18th century, and was designed by Sanfelice). Three sculptures are of particular note: the monument to King Ladislao, the tomb of Sir Gianni Caracciolo and the monument to the Miroballo family.

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San Lorenzo Maggiore, Piazza San Gaetano, tel. 290-580. This is where Boccaccio first met Fiammetta in 1334, and were Petrarch (who lived in the adjoining monastery) took refuge a few years later during a terrible storm and tidal wave. The majestic building dates back to the late 13th century and was restructured in the 17th century. It contains the tombs of Catherine of Austria, Charles of Durazzo and Robert of Artois. During excavations beneath the church and monastery, Greek and Roman remains came to light and it is hoped they will be on public display in the near future.

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San Paolo Maggiore, Piazza San Gaetano, tel. 454-048. San Paolo Maggiore was built in the late 16th century on the ruins of a 9th century church, which was once site of a Roman Dioscuri temple. An impressive double staircase leads up to the entrance, designed by the architect Francesco Grimaldi, a master of Neapolitan Baroque. The interior is divided into a nave and two aisles and contains paintings by Massimo Stanzione, Paolo De Matteis and Francesco Solimena.

Sant'Anna dei Lombardi, Via Monteoliveto. Built in 1411, this church was completely restructured in the 17th century. It has been defined as a "museum of the Renaissance", due to the many beautiful sculptures it contains. Particularly noteworthy is a group of eight terracotta figures (originally painted) representing a Pieta' and modelled by Guido Mazzoni in 1492.

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Santa Maria Donnaregina, Vico Donnaregina. This is one of the most interesting medieval buildings in Naples, and is located near the Baroque church of the same name. Built in the 14th century, it was restored to its original Gothis style in the early 20th century. The tombs of Queen Mary of Hungary, by Tino da Camaino and Gagliardo Primario can be seen on one side of the apse, and there are famous frescoes dating back to the early 14th century in the Nuns' Choir stalls above.

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Santa Maria del Carmine, Piazza del Carmine, tel. 200-605. Santa Maria del Carmine is the landmark of this district, which is famous as the place where the Neapolitan revolution started in 1647, led by Masaniello. Already in existence in the 12th century, the church was later restructured around 1283-1300 to incorporate a small church containing the Holy Virgin called "La Bruna". To the right of the facade is a narrow bell tower with a pinnacle covered in majolica tiles, designed by Fra Nuvolo in the early 17th century. Every year on July 15th, to celebrate the feast of the Madonna del Carmine, there is an impressive firework display, which stimulates the burning of the church tower.

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San Francesco di Paola, Piazza del Plebiscito, tel. 764-5133. This church is a copy of the Pantheon in Rome and was built by Ferdinand I of Bourbon in 1817 to celebrate the restoration of his kingdom. An imposing pronaos resting on six columns and two Ionian pilasters stands at the front of the church.

San Giacomo degli Spagnoli, Piazza Municipio.

San Gregorio Armeno, Via San Gregorio Armeno.

Santa Maria La Nova, Via S. Maria La Nova. The main altar was designed by Fanzago.

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San Pietro ad Aram, Corso Umberto I. According to popular tradition St. Peter baptised St. Asprenus and made him the first bishop of Naples.

Santa Caterina a Formello, Piazza Porta Capuana. One of the most beautiful Renaissance churches in Naples.

San Giorgio Maggiore, Piazza Crocelle ai Mannesi, Via Duomo.

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Santa Maria degli Angeli, Pizzofalcone. It has an impressive facade (1600) and dome towering above the city.

Santa Maria di Piedigrotta, Piazza Piedigrotta, near Mergellina Station. One of the most popular of Neapolitan churches, after which the famous September song festival is named.

Trinita' dei Pellegrini, Via Portmedina.

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Castles

Maschio Angioino is the landmark of Piazza Municipio, the large square facing the port. It was built by the Angevin dynasty in the 13th century, but was then completely rebuilt by order of the Aragonese kings and restructured over the years. Its most noteworthy features are: the Cappella palatina (Palatine Chapel), also called the Chapel of St. Barbara, and the Sala dei Baroni (Hall of the Barons) where the meetings of the City Council of Naples are held. The magnificent Arch at the entrance to the castle was built to commemorate the triumphal arrival of Alfonso I of Aragon in Naples on February 26th 1443. For visits see museums.

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Castel dell'Ovo is the splendid castle in the Borgo Marinari, the "fishing village" on the sea-front of the Santa Lucia district. Its foundations rest on a tufa rock in the bay which was later connected to the mainland. In Roman times the out buildings of the villa of the patrician Lucius Licinius stood on that site. At the end of the 5th century, an order of Basilian monks settled there and in the 12th century a fortress was built. This was later enlarged by both Normans and Angevins.

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Sant'Elmo Castle. The foundations of Sant'Elmo Cstle are laid in the tufa rock of the hill on which it stands, called Paturcium in ancient times, which towers above the city. The castle was begun in 1349 during the reign of Roberto of Anjou. Its ground plan is on an elongated, six-pointed star, though ramparts and forts were in later times added to the original design. Hours: Weekdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Admission 4,000 lire.

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Capuano Castle has been the seat of the Neapolitan Civil and Criminal Courts for several centuries. Its name derives from the nearby Porta Capuana, one of the old city gates. Castelcapuano was originally built by order of William I, called "il Malo" or the Wicked, in the second half of the twelfth century. It was later enlarged by Frederick II of Swabia and restored and fortified by Charles I of Anjou.

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Old Gates

Porta Capuana. Near Castelcapuano was built in 1484 and designed by Giuliano da Maiano. It is between two cylindral towers, named Honor and Virtue. The marble decoration is splendid. At the top is the coat of arms of Charles V, which originally contained a scene of the coronation of Ferdinand I.

Porta Nolana. Like the latter dates back to the 15th century and is between two cylindral towers, named Faith and Hope. A bas-relief on the arch show Ferdinand I of Aragon on horseback.

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Port'Alba. This gate (now Piazza Dante) was erected in 1625, during the reign of the Viceroy Antonio Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba. It was restored at the end of the 18. th century. At the top is a bronze statue of San Gaetano.

Porta San Gennaro. This city gate was rebuilt in the mid 15th century after the city walls had been moved. In the large niche the remains of a 17th century fresco by Mattia Preti can be seen. The Porta San Gennaro is on Via Foria.

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Catacombs

The Catacombs of St. Gennaro. - tel. 741-1071. The entrance to the catacombs is on Via di Capodimonte down a small road which runs alongside the grand Madre del Buon Consiglio Church recently built on the model of St. Peter's in the Vatican. The Catacombs date as far back as the 2nd century and are important not only from a historic point of view, but also because of the early Christian paintings which decorate the walls. According to scholars, the Catacombs, which have an upper and lower level, were originally the tomb of a noble family. After being donated to the Christian community, the Catacombs became an official cemetary and religious center. Guided tours at 9:90, 10:15, 11:00, and 11:45am. Price of visit is 5,000 lire.

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The Catacombs of San Gaudioso are under the church of Santa Maria della Sanita' (also called San Vincenzo) built at the beginning of the 17th century. Their origin is linked to the worship of St. Gaudioso who died between 451 and 452. According to an old legend, Gaudioso, bishop of Abitina, in Africa, arrived in Naples after King Genseric, and after stripping him of everything he owned, made him board an old ship which was then abandoned at sea. Guided tours on Sundays at 9:45 and 11:45am. Price of visit is 4,000 lire.

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The San Severo Catacombs - Piazzetta San Severo at Capodimonte, tel. 454.684. These date back to the 4th century. They can be visited by appointment.

Excavations

Pompei is the oldest excavated site, originally buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. It was covered by lava ash for well over 1000 years. Many of the frescoes and other artifacts are now in the National (Arheological) Museum. Open everyday from 9:00am until one hour before sunset. Entrance fee is 12,000 lire. Tel. 861-0744.

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Herculaneum was discovered after Pompei. It, too, was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Because it was closer to volcano, it was covered with more mud rather than lava. Therefore, more artifacts were preserved and kept intact. It is unknown whether Ercolano was a complete city, like Pompei, with a forum, temple, theatre, homes and shops, because the town of Resina still sits on top of it preventing a thorough excavation. However, many homes and shops have been excavated to give a good idea of how the inhabitants used to live. Some frescoes and artifacts have been moved to the the National (Arheological) Museum. Open everyday from 9:00am until one hour before sunset. Entrance fee is 12,000 lire.

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Villa Oplontis in Torre Annunziata, Via Sepolcri, was a private villa of approximately 92 rooms owned by a wealthy Roman family. It was once situated right on the sea, which is now about 5 miles away. It was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD and was mostly covered by mud rather than lava. It was only discovered about 10 years ago, and the most modern methods of excavation have been employed to give the viewer an real treat. Many frescoes are still intact, and gardens have been replicated. Open everyday from 9:00am until one hour before sunset. Entrance is free at the moment, but they do plan on charging in the near future. Tel. 862-3163.

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Poet's Tomb

The Tombs of Virgil and Leopardi - Salita della Grotta, tel. 669-390. Virgil's tomb is just a few steps away from Leopardi's tomb in a lovely spot on the hill between Mergellina and Fuorigrotta. They are beside a very old tufa quarry and a tunnel, now no longer used, which connected Naples to Pozzuoli. Virgil's tomb is in a Roman burial vault dating back to the Augustan afe. In 1939 the remains of Leopardi were moved here from the church of San Vitale in Fuorigrotta. The two tombs can be visited everyday except Monday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Entrance is free. Guided tours can be provided upon request.

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Observatory

The Capodimonte Observatory - Salita Moiariello 16, tel. 557-5111. The observatory stands on the hill of Miradois in the Capodimonte area in a lovely spot over 150 meters above sea level. It was the first observatory in Italy, founded by King Ferdinand I of Bourbon in 1819, and built according to a design by the astronomers Giuseppe Piazzi and Federico Zuccari. From the upper terrace, where the three domes and atronomical instruments are located, the visitor has an excellent view over the city and the Bay of Naples.

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Conservatory

The Conservatory of San Pietro a Miella, tel. 459-255. The conservatory is located in the old part of the city and is one of the most famous in Italy. It was the result of the merging of four different institutions founded in the 16th and 17th centuries to care for foundings, whose education consisted mostly of singing lessons. The conservatory moved to the present building, a former monastery, in 1826, and Francesco Saverio Mercadente, Giuseppe Martucci and Francesco Cilea were among its important library housing precious collections of manuscripts principally by musicians from the Neapolitan school, and there is also a historical museum containing portraits of musicians, curios and valuable antique instuments. Two concert halls are annexed to the conservatory, one named after Alessandro Scarlatti, the other Martucci.

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Theatres

San Carlo, Via San Carlo, tel. 797-2111. San Carlo is one of the most important opera houses in Europe. Built in 1737 (40 years earlier than the Scala) by Charles of Bourbon, it was destroyed by fire in February 1816 and then rebuilt by Antonio Niccolini six months later. The ballet school of the Scala and San Carlo are two of the oldes institutions of their kind in Italy. Stendhal said of San Carlo, "The first impression one gets is of being suddenly transported to the palace of an oriental emperor. There is nothing in Europe to compare with it, or even give the faintest idea of what it is like."

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Parks

Villa Comunale , a park built by the last King of Naples parallel to the Bay of Naples. Before the park existed, this area was sea reaching as far as Santa Lucia. Free access from piazza Vittoria, via Caracciolo, rivieria di Chiaia, piazza della Repubblica.

Riserva Naturale degli Astroni, guided tours organised by WWF. For opening hours ring 588-3720. Admission charge is 8,000 lire for adults. Free for members of WWF and children under 10. Reductions for families.

Capodimonte Park, free entrance everyday from 9:00am to one hour before sunset.

Villa Floridiana (Duca di Martina Museum in Vomero), free entrance everyday from 9:00am to one hour before sunset. Closed Mondays.

San Martino Museum Gardens, same opening hours as the museum.

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Volcanoes

Vesuvius , Mt. Vesuvius is the only continental volcano still active in Europe. The easiest way to get to the crater is by leaving the Naples-Salerno Autostrada at Ercolano (Heraculaneum). The road is 13 km long and reaches a height of 1,017 metres. At 608 metres, one can make a short detour to visit the Vesuvian Observatory, which since around 1850 has observed the volcano's activity day by day. Ercolano can also be reached easily from Naples in 15 minutes by the Circumvesuviana Railway, which leaves from the Corso Garibaldi Station. There are also excursions available.

Solfatara , in Pozzuoli. Open everyday from 8:30am to one hour before sunset. Admission fee is 7,000 lire. Tel. 526-2341.

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Botancial Gardens

Botanical Gardens of Naples, 233 via Foria, phone 449-759. A large, high wall with rectangular rustication surrounds the botanical gardens which is located near Piazza Carlo III. Founded in 1807 upon a decree by Joseph Bonaparte. It is part of the Science Faculty of the University of Naples and has a splendid plant collection, including acquatic plants. Visits by appointment only.

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Aquarium

Zoological Institute , Villa Comunale, phone 583-3111. This is a world-famous institution between via Caracciolo and the Riviera Chiaia. Founded in the late 19th century by the German naturalist Anton Dohrn, it was subsequently enlarged. This large building contains the Aquarium, which is the most interesting part for visitors - with its laboratories for research in zoology - and marine biology and the library. It is the oldest aquarium in Europe and has thirty tanks with around 200 species of marine fauna and flora all of which are from the Bay of Naples. Winter opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sundays from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Summer opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Closed Mondays. Entrance fee is 3,000 lire for adults, 1,500 lire for children. Group discounts are available.

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Antiques

Where to Find Antiques . There are numerous antique shops in Naples in two quarters in particular: around via Morelli (piazza dei Martiri) and via Santo Maria di Costantinopoli (near the Archaeological Museum). In the first case the browser will find more shops in via Chiatamonte, via Santa Maria a Cappella Vecchia, via Bisignano, via Carlo Poerio and side streets. There is an outdoor antique market along the lungomare near the Villa Comunale every other weekend from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Some shops are listed below:
  • Archetto, vico Alabardieri, 8, tel. 402-547
  • Arredamenti Brancaccio, via Roma, 110 Torre del Greco, tel. 881-2583
  • Bowinkel (prints), via Santa Lucia, 25 (another in Piazza dei Martiri), tel. 764-0739
  • Domus, via dei Mille, 7, tel. 418-088
  • Fasano, via D. Morelli, 73, tel. 764-3446
  • L'Archipendolo, via Carlo Poerio, 33, tel. 764-2342
  • Luigi XVI, via Scarlatti, 8, tel. 556-3644
  • Morelli Antichita', via D. Morelli, 43, tel. 764-4481
  • Navarra, Piazza dei Martiri, tel.764-3595
  • Regency House, via D. Morelli, 36, tel. 764-3640
  • Arredamenti Riccio, Via G. Diacono, 34, tel. 738-3521, via Principe di Piemonte, 70 A/B
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    Outdoor Markets

    via Casanova Market (near the Central Station), everyday: clothing, shoes (new & used)

    Posillipo Market , via Virgilio, Thursdays only: clothing, shoes, accessories

    Antignano Market in Vomero, everyday except Sunday: clothing, shoes, accessories, food

    Ercolano Market in Rione Pogliano (Resina), everyday except Sunday: clothing, shoes, accessories, food

    Casoria Market in the outskirts of Naples, only Sundays: objects old & new

    Fuorigrotta Market , everyday except Sunday: clothing, shoes, accessories, food

    Corso Malta Market , only Sundays: antiques

    Naples Antique Market , Villa Comunale-viale Dohrn, every other weekend: better quality antiques

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    Shopping

    Piazza dei Martiti , though the shop owners complain because no cars (or few cars) are now permitted in this lovely square, it is a treat for the pedestrian. A small, but elegant square filled with the most famous Italian designer's shops including Ferragamo and Armani. Just off the piazza is via Calabritto where shops such as Cacherel, Versace and Valentino are found. Stop and have a drink at La Caffettiera for a pleasant rest, located at Piazza dei Martiri, 30.

    via Roma, this is a long bustling street which leads into the hills of Vomero. The last King built it as a way of escape had he been attacked by see and had to flee to the hills. Now it is full of shops, not elegant like Piazza dei Martiri, but you could probably find just about everything here from baby clothes to scarves to books and CD's. This street changes its name eventually to via Toledo and if you walk far enough you will reach the famous National Archeological Museum.

    Vomero. Vomero is a big residential section in the hills overlooking Naples. Many of it's streets are for pedestrians only (and there are plenty of them). Here you can find more modestly priced shops. The best way to reach Vomero is to take the cable car from via Roma.

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