Iconic Naples: must-see landmarks

Naples, a city of countless facets, is a unique blend of history, art and culture waiting to be explored.
Not just a simple itinerary, but a collection of must-see experiences that reveal the extraordinary beauty and vitality of the city: from the magnificence of its archaeological heritage to contemporary avant-garde, from Baroque masterpieces to breathtaking panoramas.
Each stop is a window onto the past and present of a city that never ceases to surprise.

Starting point: at the visitor’s discretion
Average visit duration: about 1 hour 30 minutes per site

• MANN – National Archaeological Museum of Naples

18th century
One of the most important archaeological museums in the world.
It houses artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Farnese Collection and outstanding Greco-Roman mosaics.

• Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte

18th century
A former royal residence, surrounded by a magnificent park, preserving masterpieces by great masters such as Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael.

• Castel Sant’Elmo and the Charterhouse of San Martino

14th–17th century
Castel Sant’Elmo is a medieval fortress with breathtaking views over the city.
Nearby stands the Charterhouse of San Martino, renowned for its cloisters and remarkable Baroque artworks.

• MADRE – Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum

21st century
Contemporary art by internationally renowned artists such as Anish Kapoor dialogues with the ancient in a dynamic and innovative exhibition space.

• PAN – Palazzo delle Arti Napoli

19th–21st century
A multifunctional cultural centre housed in a 19th-century palace, dedicated to contemporary art, exhibitions and innovative cultural events.

• Castel dell’Ovo

1st century BC – 12th century
The oldest castle in Naples, linked to the legend of Virgil and famous for its unique position directly overlooking the sea.

• Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

13th–15th century
A medieval fortress featuring the iconic Triumphal Arch and the Palatine Chapel, symbols of Naples’ royal past.

• Santa Chiara Church and Cloister

14th century
Famous for the majolica-tiled cloister and the Angevin tombs, it is one of the finest examples of Neapolitan Gothic architecture.

• Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro

17th century
A place of worship dedicated to Saint Januarius, preserving the miraculous blood relic of the patron saint and remarkable Baroque works of art.

• Sansevero Chapel

18th century
A Baroque masterpiece, world-famous for the Veiled Christ by Giuseppe Sanmartino and its fascinating esoteric symbolism.

• Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace

16th–19th century
The most iconic square in Naples, featuring the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola and the Royal Palace, once the residence of the Bourbon kings.

• San Pietro a Majella Conservatory

14th–18th century
A historic temple of music that has trained generations of internationally renowned musicians.

• Anton Dohrn Zoological Station

19th century
A prestigious research centre with one of Europe’s oldest historic aquariums, located within the Villa Comunale.

• Art Metro Stations (Line 1 and Line 6)

21st century
Metro stations transformed into contemporary art galleries.
From Toledo to Università and Chiaia, each stop is a modern masterpiece.

Flavours

• Pizza Margherita in the Historic Centre
• Sfogliatella (riccia or frolla) in the Santa Chiara area
• Rum babà near Piazza del Plebiscito

Craft traditions

• Corals and cameos in Borgo Orefici
• Artistic ceramics and nativity scenes in Via San Gregorio Armeno
• Handcrafted musical instruments in Via San Sebastiano