This review of “The main attractions of Naples” will interest even those who have not yet thought about a trip to this beautiful city. We compiled our rating taking into account reviews from experienced travelers and professional guides. If you're looking for things to see in Naples, be sure to check out our recommendations now.
The list of all the fascinating places in Naples is endless. Plan your route around the city, taking into account your free time and preferences.
What to see first in Naples
Local residents of Naples claim that it was here, in ancient times, that pizza was invented, and only in this city did it acquire a unique taste. Thousands of connoisseurs of this dish from all over the world gather in Naples to taste “the most delicious pizza in the world.” However, this ancient city is famous not only for its culinary heritage. Luxurious basilicas, royal palaces and ancient squares fill its streets. When choosing what to visit in Naples, we find ourselves faced with the sweet agony of an abundance of options.
Vesuvius Volcano
One of the most famous and powerful volcanoes on the planet, Vesuvius, has been towering over Naples for thousands of years. Few things in Naples can match the appeal of this majestic natural formation. Every year, about 4 million people make the journey to the mouth of this “fire-breathing dragon”. Tourists climb along a path laid through volcanic ash, pumice and hardened lava (about 30 years ago, the local cable car was destroyed by a terrible earthquake). To make the path easier for travelers, benches for rest are installed along the route. Despite all the difficulties of the climb, the views from the top of Vesuvius completely live up to expectations, because they provide incredible panoramas of the surrounding area.
Pompeii
The ancient city and archaeological complex, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, have been restored thanks to enormous restoration work over the past decades. Many of the buildings in Pompeii now look almost the same as in ancient times. However, the famous Temple of Apollo, built in the 8th century BC, remains only ruins. Evidence of its greatness are the remains of frescoes and two columns that have survived to this day. Among the wonderful local attractions available for every tourist to see are the House of the Faun, the Amphitheater, the House of Venus and the Baths. A trip to Italy would be incomplete without a visit to Pompeii.
Plebiscito Square
This is the most spacious and famous square in the city, adored by both travelers and locals. The Palace of the Prefecture, the Shrine of St. Francis and the Royal Palace are located here. After sightseeing, visitors can relax in cozy cafes. Exhibitions, performances by folk artists and music festivals are often organized at Plebiscito.
Herculaneum
Another ancient city buried under the ashes of Vesuvius. From its ruins to Torre del Greco lies the Golden Mile, a route lined with magnificent 17th-century buildings. Despite the terrible disaster, the ruins remain impressive. Regular excavations provide insight into the life of the ancient Romans here three thousand years ago. Like Pompeii, Herculaneum is included in the list of the main attractions of Italy and is recognized by UNESCO.
Royal Palace
Inside the majestic building there are thirty halls, each of which surprises with its original design. Most of the premises are intended for the National Library, which houses unique papyri and thousands of volumes of books. Be sure to visit the Throne Room and the Hall of Hercules to appreciate the grandeur of this place. Qualified tour guides in Naples will tell you many fascinating facts about the valuables stored here.
Teatro San Carlo
For music lovers, Naples offers a visit to the legendary opera, which is considered the national pride of Italy. The theater was founded in 1737 and amazes with its grandiose size and majestic interior. The capacity is 3,000 seats. An interesting fact is that only world opera stars perform on the stage of San Carlo, performing works in the language of their creation. A visit to the theater is also possible as part of a 45-minute excursion.
Church of San Francesco di Paola
Starting in 1817, the object was founded, but construction took almost three decades. The interior is impressive with numerous sculptures, works of art and frescoes. The central element of the temple is a stone altar decorated with statues of saints. The façade of the building is decorated with statues of two kings riding horses.
Passage Gallery Umberto I
Which places to visit in Naples if you love shopping? Don't miss the city's main shopping gallery. This structure, built in the 19th century, is a huge complex of covered streets with many boutiques, restaurants and shops located under a majestic glass dome. Due to the excellent acoustics of the building, dance and music performances are often held here.
Cathedral of Saint Januarius
This temple is famous not only for its architecture, but also for its amazing interior, which makes visitors admire it. Of particular interest are the paintings by Perugino and Luca Giordano, which superbly complement the overall beauty of the place. Inside the temple there is an ancient shrine - a vessel with the blood of Saint Januarius. Twice a year, this sacred artifact is shown to believers, and on these days the congealed blood turns into liquid. Despite the fact that a scientific explanation has been found for this phenomenon, it continues to cause admiration and surprise among parishioners.
Religious complex of Santa Chiara
The convent, combining neo-Gothic and Baroque styles, is the burial place of St. Clare of Assisi, as well as members of the royal family and rulers of Italy. It was built in 1340. It includes a temple decorated with majolica and a monastery museum. Wedding ceremonies are still held in the main building. Locals believe that couples who get married here are doomed to a long and happy life together.
Capella San Severo
The majestic masters of sculpture and painting from Italy put their souls into the design of this building. In its heart is a statue of Christ, carved from marble, which has become the main relic. In addition to her, other tombstones and sculptural compositions located here, such as “Divine Love” and “Generosity,” also attract attention. When visitors are inside this chapel, they are immersed in thoughts about eternal life, forgetting about everyday problems.
Capodimonte Museum
This museum complex is considered one of the most significant in Europe. Its spacious rooms display masterpieces by great Italian artists such as Bellini, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and many others. Besides enjoying the paintings, visitors can explore the royal apartments, including the amazing Chinese room with luxurious porcelain decorations.
Castle Sant'Elmo
At the very top of Mount Vomero, overlooking Naples, stands a 14th-century fortress that was converted into a prison in the 17th century. Today it is a modern building with an observation deck overlooking Vesuvius, the seaport and the historical part of the city. For the convenience of visitors, you can take a funicular to the top of the mountain.
Archaeological Museum of Naples
The exhibition halls display antique coins and jewelry, unique frescoes and mosaics, sculptures made of stone and marble, as well as artifacts made of ivory, precious metals and glass left by the ancient cities of the Roman era.
What else to visit from the Sights of Naples?
Naples is beautiful not only for its main attractions, but also for many other unique places. In Naples, every corner hides its own unique treasures, ready to amaze and inspire you.
Castel dell'Ovo
Located on a tiny island, Castel dell'Ovo is an ensemble of towers built in different eras. This historical site served as a prison, and in ancient times as a residence for courtiers and the king. Today, excursions around the halls and territory of the fortress are organized here. If you're looking for the best Naples attractions with a rich history, then Castel dell'Ovo is high on your list. Here you will hear the fascinating legend of the Egg, which gave the name to this fortress.
Castel Nuovo Castle
The construction of this unique fortress with round corner towers took more than five years, starting in 1279. At the top of the 55-meter towers there are platforms with battlements. There are moats around the castle, and the entrance is decorated with a marble portal decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures.
Royal Palace of Caserta
This palace complex, built in the 18th century, is the country residence of the kings. Inspired by the Royal Palace of Madrid, it is a magnificent structure that includes not only the main building, but also a temple and a palace theater. The surrounding area of this complex is not inferior in beauty and amenities to even the best hotels in Naples, and the interiors are imbued with luxury and sophistication.
Catacombs of San Gaudioso
Under Sanita's apartment there are catacombs, where there is a large cemetery. Here, the burials of believers are located underground, directly below the temple. Tours along the many corridors will allow you to see the arcosolia and loculi - burial places of the poor and rich inhabitants of Naples, respectively. Of particular interest are the historical wall mosaics and frescoes from the 4th to 6th centuries, as well as the altars and tombs. There is also a place where the remains of the Great Martyr Sozius are kept, which makes this place a special shrine.
Fontanelle Cemetery
The giant underground crypt of Fontanelle is an ancient necropolis located in the outskirts of the city, where the remains of the poor, victims of various diseases and epidemics are buried. Consisting of three huge galleries, it houses the remains of plague victims, ordinary people and even saints. Ancient rituals are still performed in this place. There is a legend that the spirits stuck in this cemetery are ready to help the living in exchange for peace. Winding crypts and crypts made of wood give this place a mysterious atmosphere, where every corner seems the same and mysterious.
Gulf of Naples
A great option for a day trip to Naples with the whole family. This natural retreat is located on the west coast, and if you're dreaming of the beach and swimming, you'll find the perfect place to relax here. Stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Mount Vesuvius and the city itself await you. The climatic conditions of the Bay of Naples are considered among the best in the country, with more than 280 days of sunshine per year. Along the shores of the gulf you will find beautiful resort towns such as Capri and Ischia in the north, and Sorrento in the southeast. Particularly impressive views open up at sunset and dawn.
When traveling to Naples, don't miss the opportunity to visit the majestic Neapolitan Opera, where you can enjoy superb musical performances. Visit the foothills of Mount Vesuvius and explore its history in Vesuvius National Park. Visit the Spaccanapoli area to try delicious pizza at the original Pizzeria Antinoro. Don't miss the Archaeological Museum of Naples, which houses amazing artifacts from ancient Roman times. Contact the travel agency "TurPoisk" to search for tours so that your trip becomes unforgettable and full of vivid impressions.
